De-cluttering

While this isn't the most exciting part of the Home Staging Process, it is by far the most important and necessary step to properly prepare your home for the Real Estate Market.

Start by making a master list of the tasks that need to be performed and be sure to be specific and include all drawers, desks, closets and cupboards. Once your list is done gather up all the supplies and tools you'll need, green garbage bags, storage containers/boxes, marker (for labeling boxes) and cleaning supplies. Do one room at a time.

Some things to consider:

• Keep closets, cupboards and drawers half full to give the impression of more storage space
• Pack away all personal items, ie jewelery, family pictures, excess toys, etc. Doing this now ensures they won't be lost or damaged during the showings and open houses, and brings you one step closer to moving, as a good portion of the packing is already done.
• Throughly clean every room including walls, floors, baseboards and doors. Make sure mirrors and windows sparkle. Give the bathroom special attention and make sure that it's spotless, replace caulking around the tub if necessary and clean all the grout.
• Shampoo all carpets and replace any worn scatter or area rugs.
• Wash down and polish all the furniture. Murphy's Oil Soap is 100% Vegetable Soap, is excellent for wood and is environmentally friendly. Wash all drapes, blinds, all bed linens (replace with new if worn)
• Clean all the appliances, inside and out.

• Remember, you need de-clutter every room in the house, including the porch, the basement and your garage. If you have to store things in your basement or garage make sure you use plastic storage containers rather than cardboard boxes. You can then stack these containers neatly in a corner of the basement.
• Don't move clutter from room to room or else you will never finish!

Once the de-cluttering process is complete you will then have to decide what to do with the items you don't want. You can donate your items to your favorite second hand store, put an ad on an online classified ad site, place an ad in your local newspaper, or the always popular garage/basement sale.

Another option gaining popularity is Ebay. It's very easy to set yourself up an account and make a few extra dollars selling the items in an online auction.

An un-cluttered home gives the occupants an sense of peace. It's wonderful to know where everything is and your house will look better and show better. By de-cluttering you are not only making your home look and feel more spacious but a good portion of the packing will have already been done and you won't have to worry about it when it comes time to move. De-cluttering also prevents you from bringing items you no longer need to your new home. So, while this step can seem overwhelming at the time, the benefits are many. If you want to read more on how to De-clutter and Organize your home Click here.

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