In all of my years as a realtor, it’s rare to find a home buyer or seller who rejoices at the idea of moving. It’s one of life’s milestones that draws widespread misery. After all, moving is physically hard work that can be met with emotional roadblocks too. However, if you go into the process with a realistic view of what’s to come and pair that mindset with a systematic way of packing up your entire life, it can take the stress out of the situation.
Here are five areas of your home that you should declutter before packing to help reduce the number of belongings you have to box-up, move and unload in your new home.
1. Medicine Cabinet
Does opening up your medicine cabinet greet you with an avalanche of bottles? It’s amazing how much clutter we can collect in such a small space! Before you start packing, go through your cabinet and set aside any expired or unneeded prescriptions for proper disposal at your pharmacy. Next, safely pack up what you do plan on keeping and set aside any frequently used medications that you’ll need access to before moving day.
2. Pantry
Like the medicine cabinet, it’s incredible what “treasures” can be found at the back of a pantry – most likely items that you never plan on consuming, let alone bring along for your move. Before you start packing up your pantry goods, go through shelf-by-shelf to dispose of expired or stale items and take stock of what you do have so you can create meals around those ingredients. Another option is donating non-perishable items to your local food bank.
3. Closets
Wardrobe boxes make moving clothes easy, but that shouldn’t be a free pass to bring it all with you. Everyone can benefit from a thorough closet purge to get rid of unworn, dated or incorrectly sized pieces to make way for new garments or to provide more breathing room in your storage spaces. As you are packing up your closet, box-up out-of-season items and label them appropriately, and consider donating any items you no longer want. You’ll thank yourself for tackling this project as you unpack in your new home.
4. Basement
Basements – especially unfinished ones – are breeding grounds for clutter. Many homeowners have good intentions when they keep items for future use; however, most times, belongings end up being forgotten. Before you even list your home to sell, set aside a weekend (or more, depending on your situation) to declutter the basement. Be honest with yourself and only keep what you know you will use and need in your new home. Tip: As you pack in preparation for moving day, go through your items again to edit your belongings even further.
5. Garage
If you own a garage, chances are it’s rife with clutter and – dare I say – junk. The last thing you want to do is box-up these items only to sit unused in your new home. Moving is a good time to take stock of your outdoor tools, equipment, toys and whatever else you store in your garage to pare things down to the minimum. Another benefit of doing this before you sell is that buyers will be excited at the prospect of being able to park inside the garage.
Your Mississauga Real Estate Sales Representative
For more great tips like these, as well as up-to-the-minute real estate news in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area, be sure to follow along on Facebook and this blog. If you are thinking of selling soon, please contact me to schedule a free home evaluation. I also love working with home buyers too.
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