A clutter-free home is not only important for your overall enjoyment of your home, but it is also a vital part of selling for the best price possible. Maintaining a tidy home can feel like a never-ending task, but with the right strategies, it becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.
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Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that a clean and organized space can help the property stand out in a competitive market, leading to quicker sales and better offers. “Keeping a home tidy is crucial when selling because first impressions matter. A clutter-free home can make rooms appear larger and more inviting. Additionally, a tidy environment signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, building their confidence in the value of the home,” he explains.
Whether you are in the process of selling your home or are simply ready to adopt some tidier habits, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares three simple yet effective strategies to help you keep your home tidy:
Keep a paper tray near the front door
One of the most common causes of clutter is the accumulation of paper —whether it’s mail, receipts, children’s homework, or flyers. By placing a paper tray near the front door, you’ll have a designated spot to immediately drop off these items as you walk in. This prevents paper from spreading to other surfaces, like countertops or tables, and gives you a central location to sort through it when you have the time. Regularly empty and organise the tray to avoid buildup.
Place baskets around the home for clutter
Baskets are a great tool for tidying up because they can hold a variety of items, from toys to blankets to loose cables. Place them strategically around your home in areas like the living room, bedrooms, or hallway to collect items that may otherwise clutter surfaces. At the end of each day or week, you can easily grab a basket, sort through its contents, and put everything in its proper place. As a bonus, baskets not only serve a practical purpose but can also add a stylish touch to your décor.
Adopt the “don’t put it down, put it away” rule
This rule is a game-changer for maintaining a tidy home. Instead of placing items on a table or counter when you’re done with them, commit to putting them back in their designated spot right away. Whether it’s hanging up your coat, putting dishes in the dishwasher, or returning a book to the shelf, adopting this habit prevents clutter from accumulating over time. It may take some effort at first, but once it becomes a routine, your home will stay neater with much less effort.
"A well-presented home not only improves the homeowners’ enjoyment of the home, but it also allows potential buyers to see the full potential of the property. As challenging as it may be to adopt tidier habits, it can be helpful to remember that small changes can lead to big improvements in the long run,” says Goslett.
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Clearing the clutter is especially important if you are thinking of selling your home, according to the Seeff Property Group.
A few great rules for decluttering include:
- The 6-months rule. If you have not used, or looked for something for the last six months, it is likely obsolete and can be thrown out.
- The 5-second rule. If you cannot decide within 5-seconds whether you still need an item, or will still wear it again, throw it out.
- The 1 for 1 rule. Try to throw something away for everything that you keep.
- Freecycle or donate what you can. There are often people who may need that which you are throwing out. Be sure to freecycle if you can, or donate to charities in need.
- Trash could be cash. There are also some people who will buy things that you throw out.
A final tip is to clean and repair as you go along so that the home is in a good state once the process is complete. Remember to do a good clear out and clean up at least once a year. This should include steam cleaning carpets, curtains and furniture, and deep cleaning floors, surfaces, and cupboards.
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