Padstow 
Clearing out a home in preparation for moving – and in particular, downsizing – can seem like an overwhelming task.
Determining how long the decluttering process will take and where to begin can be quite the challenge.
Turning to family and friends to help is one option, as is engaging the services of a professional.
Below are ways to handle the big clean-out and help downsize a lifetime’s worth of possessions.
How long does decluttering take?
Three to six months is a good amount of time to allow, but it depended on your circumstances
The size of the house, number of occupants, any health issues and family commitments can all have an impact. While decluttering can be done quickly, a long lead time is much better.
If push comes to shove, you could pack up a home in three to four days, but not a lot of downsizing will happen in that time. If you can plan your attack, it’s certainly a lot more streamlined and stress free, rather than a forced change.
Should you declutter all at once?
Decluttering can be a two-stage process, with an initial pass on the home to get it ready for buyer inspections, followed by a major clean-out when it comes to finally moving.
This allows professional stylists to dress the property and prepare it for marketing photography.
The settlement period is when the big clean-up should occur, and opting for a longer settlement can help sellers feel less rushed.
Where do you start decluttering?
Most people want to start near the front door, some clients are concerned about making a good first impression for potential buyers. However, you may want to start with the bedroom wardrobe. It’s all your stuff, it’s very personal. In some cases removing large pieces of furniture was the priority to make room for the stylist.
How can you make decluttering easier?
It is important to have a clear vision of the vendor’s future home, as that vision could act as a point of focus when the decluttering process became particularly challenging.
Ask yourself ‘Are you downsizing for you, or are you downsizing so you can find new homes for your dinner sets?’.
When it comes to helping parents or older relatives downsize, being patient and non-judgmental is essential.
A lot of people think helping someone means going in and bossing people around. The role is not to come in and criticise the house, it’s to help them pack it up.
Which items are hardest to get rid of?
Often, getting rid of artwork and books was the most difficult. That’s one area where you should try and put a limit on the number.
Another challenge is the emotional weight that comes with some possessions.
People often feel because something has been left to them they can’t get rid of it. Sometimes inheritances become burdens on people and they were never meant to be burdens.
When it came to treasured keepsakes, it’s important to identify what items are associated with positive memories, and to work out which of these could be kept without overwhelming the new home. Unwanted gifts also prove difficult. If someone gave it to you, you don’t want to hurt their feelings by throwing it out.
What do you do with unwanted items?
Family are the first port of call for keepsakes and furniture, with more valuable items being listed with auction houses.
Online marketplaces are also options, but it is less about getting a good price for the item and more about finding a home where it will be appreciated. It doesn’t matter if it’s a few hundred dollars – it can still be reused.
Sometimes it’s best just to give the items away. In the end it’s about having them removed from your home, and that not costing you money. Some items can be donated to charity and only items that are damaged beyond use should be thrown out.
Five tips for decluttering before selling
- Clear out storage areas before commencing inspections, as neat, organised spaces help sell the property. People will peek into cabinets, especially built-ins. They want to know – is there enough storage?
- Target the “usual suspects” that are easily disposed of, including extra blankets, rarely used kitchen appliances such as blenders and juicers, old pillows and spare coat hangers.
- Use the “80:20” rule for clothing, meaning 80 per cent of what is kept should be functional, and 20 per cent can be favourites
- Sell or give away items online using platforms like Ebay, Gumtree, Facebook or Freecycle.
- Take a break if discussions over certain items get too tense. Simply stopping to have a cup of tea. It’s not worth having an argument over an electrical appliance
Do you have any other tips or advice you can offer on how to declutter the family home before it’s sold? We’d love for you to share them with us, please comment over at our Facebook page I Love Padstow to Picnic Point Have you recently done decluttered and are now ready to sell? The team at Professionals Padstow is more than happy to answer any questions you have on selling your home. Contact them today on 9771 4555 or at sales@professionalspadstow.com.au
www.domain.com.au
