“This blog post is courtesy of the wonderful Jo Jacob from Benella – de-clutterer extraordinaire!”
Sam and I have just had a heated discussion over the word “de-cluttering”. Sam believed it implied that there was rubbish around peoples’ homes, and therefore our clients would believe it an insult if it was suggested that a good de-clutter was in order to have their homes seen in a more favourable light.
I disagreed! I believe that clutter for many people can be paperwork, too many clothes (surely not – us woman cry!), children’s toys and anything else bought into the home that does not have a place to go.
This clutter can simply build up if not dealt with regularly and then the job seems too big to start therefore it is left.
We had to grab the dictionary in the end and the noun description of clutter is “a disordered heap or mass of objects” therefore it is not rubbish – so here I am – allowed to write about it!
Many people have clutter in their homes, I am a professional de-clutterer and I still have drawers that my husband tuts over as that is where I put the things I don’t know where else to put! The rest of my house I have to stress is very organised but not at all minimal. It is not a problem for many until their homes go on the market and people come around to view. If you have a pile of items in the corner, a desk overflowing with paperwork or toys taking over the living room, a viewer could jump to the assumption that there is not enough storage – therefore your house will not be big enough for them. They could also focus on the “disordered heaps” and not think about where they would put their possessions.
I therefore suggest having a good de-clutter before photos and viewings are taken. It is a great start to packing up anyway!
Here are some tips if you need help:
- Always start on the least emotional place – don’t sit down with old sentimental letters first.
2. Set yourself a time limit– start with one drawer or the kitchen timer on 10 minutes.
3. Action items– keep/charity/re-cycle/throw.
4. When removing things from your home, action it straight away – you may unpack it again otherwise if left too long.
5. Keep in mind the golden rule – whatever comes into your home, needs to have a place to go or exit out again, if it is left somewhere – it becomes clutter!
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What to read next: Loads of viewings but no offers – why?
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