Do you find yourself bumping into things left, right, and centre in your house? That may well be the sign of a life well lived! Every item is the result of an experience, an accomplishment, or a memory, whether recent or long past. But when those memories start distracting you from your day-to-day life, it may be time to let go of some precious belongings. 

Any real estate expert will tell you that decluttering is the first step to a successful sale, but there are other benefits. Living free of debris and baggage adds to your enjoyment of your own home and lets you make the most of your space. 

In theory, it all sounds great. In practice, it’s not that easy. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you let go of those things you no longer need to hold on to and finally get your home organized and free of clutter.

Create a Nurturing and Productive Space 

If possible, create your plan for decluttering when you have plenty of time to transition and adapt. This gives you room to breathe whenever you feel overwhelmed or stuck. Preferably, this should happen well before deciding to sell your home. Less pressure doesn’t just mean less stress; it allows you to be much more thorough as you sort through all of your belongings, it also allows you to thoughtfully think about each item. You won’t accidentally discard something you need shortly thereafter, and you’ll have a chance to evaluate whether you really need or want some of those things that you’re holding on to.

Another helpful tip is to remember that many of the objects you’re hesitant to throw away are just things. They might have memories attached to them, but they themselves aren’t the memories. Ask yourself, “If I throw this away, will I forget?” If the answer is “no,” then you can likely discard the item without worrying about missing it later. This ability to separate a “thing” from the precious memory it represents is an excellent first step in the art of letting go!

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Decluttering is the foundation of nearly every home improvement. Once complete, a world of options opens. Here are just a few:

• 6 Ways to Create Your Own Backyard Oasis
• Creating Your Dream Escape, Inside the Bedroom
• Home Staging

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One Step at a Time

Decluttering is a very individualized process, and everyone has a different approach. Some people dive right in, not stopping until every inch of the house is organized and tidy. However, most people do not operate this way. Just peeking into one closet in one room might be overwhelming from the get-go. Does this sound like you? If so, there are very easy ways to ease yourself into the process.

Firstly, it might be better to start slowly and take it in small increments so that decluttering and organizing your home never feels like an arduous task. If an entire room seems too daunting, start by tidying up one drawer or clearing off one countertop. Spending 15 minutes tackling each item in each room one small step at a time can make a massive difference after a short period of time.

One nice thing about the step-by-step approach is that you just may form the habit of decluttering as you go. Soon, your house will be sparkling and clutter-free. Best of all, keeping you home decluttered may very well start to feel automatic once it has become a daily habit!

Start With a Clean Sweep

What’s the best way to get yourself motivated and into the decluttering spirit? Sometimes, all you need is a crystal clear vision of what your house looks like once all unnecessary items are out of the way. 

To achieve this clarity, grab a box and choose one room that you would like to transform. Throw everything not nailed down into the box and put it aside. The pressure is off because you’re not getting rid of it or making any tough decisions right now. However, once you’ve put everything in a box or several boxes, that room is a blank slate for you to recreate in any way you choose. 

You may even decide that you like the minimalistic design you just created and begin donating and discarding those items you no longer need at an unprecedented speed. One thing is for certain, now that everything is already in a box, sorting through it becomes much easier.

Take a Breather

Decluttering isn’t just a physical task that takes time to sort and organize. It’s also a highly emotional one. Who hasn’t tried to clean out a closet or spare room only to stumble across a long-lost treasure that takes you down memory lane? Suddenly, three hours have passed, and you’ve hardly even begun. And what happens if your brain tells you that a beloved keepsake is no longer needed but your heart refuses to let it go?

If decluttering your home feels like losing part of your soul, you’re not alone. Everyone who has ever undertaken the task feels like this at some point. Leave yourself plenty of time, take a breather from the process, enjoy a nice long walk or lose yourself in your favourite comedy show for a few hours. When you get back to it, you’ll find yourself refreshed and ready to re-examine your belongings with a more critical eye.

Reach Out Whenever You Need Help

What about trying to get ready for a quick sale and and the task of decluttering seems monumental and impossible? The pressure when trying to do it alone can be immense. Luckily, help is readily available, solicit family members or friends who are happy to lend a hand, some of them have secretly been waiting for you to make the call. It’s easier to stay on track and be more objective when there’s someone around to talk to and to bounce your ideas off of. Your local real estate agent can also recommend a professional yet compassionate cleaner that can help make the task of decluttering faster and far less daunting – they are consummate professionals who know how to get the job done as efficiently and effectively as possible.

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Looking for some advice on how to successfully sell your home? Check out some of our related posts:

• You Only Have One Chance to Make a First Impression
• How to Sell Your Ottawa Home When You Have Kids or Pets
• When Is the Best Time to Sell My Ottawa Home?

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Develop a Long Term Strategy

You’ve reached the end of the process, with the last box of donations being hauled away. Even you, have to admit that your house has never looked better. It feels good to peer into every room where everything has its place. What happens now? Your next mission is to keep it this way. 

Instead of going through the challenge of top to bottom decluttering again a few years from now, you may decide to make a weekly or monthly schedule to sort through everything new that has entered your home. Inexpensive bins and folders can help you stay organized and even add character to your decor. Maintaining your home in an organized and elevated state will require a long-term strategy, perhaps even new habits. Mind you, the reward of living in a space you are comfortable in is well worth it.

Are you craving more ideas or tips on how to make your Ottawa home look show worthy? We are happy to help! Contact us today at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com with any questions you have.