Moving house is a great opportunity to de clutter. After all, you’re moving in to a bright, new shiny home, why take things that you no longer need or want?
If you’re intending on selling your home then de cluttering really should be top of your list as mess and clutter is one of the top turn offs for buyers.
Of course it’s easy to build clutter as we accumulate a lot of things when we move through our lives but here are some super simple tips to help you clear the chaos and get your home ready to be listed.
Par down on multiple items.
When you’re going through the process of cleaning and organising your things, be sure to look out for multiple items. For example if you realise that you own three identical cocktail shakers and you only ever crack open the gin at Christmas, two can safely be given away or placed in the bin.
Anything that you’ve not used in a year.
When it comes to packing you start uncovering all kinds of things that you’d forgotten about. It happens to us all. But if you can’t remember the last time that you used the item then it’s quite clear you don’t need it, even if that internal voice is saying otherwise.
Things like cake tins, baking trays, gadgets, sporting equipment are usually culprits.
If it’s not been used for a year then the likelihood is that it never will.
Clothes that haven’t been worn for a year.
It’s ok, put the credit card down, we’re not giving you permission to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe but clothes (that you don’t wear) take up a huge amount of space so the year rule applies to these too.
If you’ve not worn it for a year (or if you’re feeling extremely ruthless, 6 months) take it down to your local clothes bank.
Furniture that serves no function.
We all collect random bits of furniture that serve no purpose, well now is your time to break free and get rid.
This applies to tables, chairs, cupboards, coat stands etc anything that is no longer needed should be sold or given away.
Out of date food items.
When packing up your kitchen, check the dates on any food items you’re planning on taking with you.
Sauces, tinned veggies, cans, bottles etc there’s no point in packing food that’s just going to get thrown away at the other end.
Out of date paperwork.
According to HMRC you only need to keep wage slips, bank statements and tax documents for the last seven years. So take the time to have a clear out of your paperwork and shred any unwanted documents. If you’re reluctant to give them up, then just scan them in to a folder and destroy the physical copy.
DVD’s, CD’s, VHS etc
As we move more in to the digital age the less likely we are to need physical copies of things such as dvd’s and cd’s - especially VHS cassettes.
If you’ve anything important recorded make sure that you back them up digitally and pop them on an external hard drive. You can do this with all your DVD’s and music too.
The dumping drawer
I don’t think that there is a household in Britain that doesn’t have a drawer that’s used as a dumping ground for old buttons, batteries, things that you’re realistically never going to use again. Do yourself a favour and just dump that drawer.
Anything that you’re planning on replacing.
If you’re thinking of replacing anything such as kitchenware, furniture etc then don’t bother taking it in the first place. It’ll inspire you to make that new purchase and will save you time and effort packing and unpacking something that you’re going to throw away anyway.
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If you want to discuss any Sales or Lettings issues in our local property market just email on the Ask Alan section of our new website.
http://www.alanbatt.co.uk/about-alan-standish-estate-agents-wigan/ask-alan.html
Alan Batt MRICS
Chartered Valuation Surveyor
Best Price Specialist Estate Agent
01942 233 999
sales@alanbatt.co.uk
