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When you've owned your house a long time, getting it ready to sell may seem like a daunting task. If relocation is on the horizon for you, get an early start and organize your spaces.
Ideas to help you get organized right away!
Resist the temptation to add items to your home that might not be needed or used in the short term. If you tend to purchase commonly used items in bulk, try to reduce the quantity you store to no more than you can use up within a month or so.
Sort your belongings and donate or throw away items or clothing you no longer need. Move items designated for donation into the trunk of your car right away so you have them with you the next time you pass by a donation center.
Start small. Choose one thing to organize at a time but make sure you can tackle the project in one day. A drawer, cabinet, or closet would be a great place to start. Every week — or if you're especially motivated, every day — choose another place to organize. Throw away or donate unused items as you go.
Get a handle on paper. You will need to keep some physical documents like marriage licenses, certified birth certificates, and passports but for other things like invoices and receipts, a digital version is all you need. If mail is an issue, consider switching to electronic delivery for bank or credit card statements and removing yourself from mailing lists for catalogs or other marketing that you don’t need to receive anymore.
Check the sentiment. When an object is received from a special person or under special circumstances it can be hard to part with even if it’s not an object that is used or displayed often. If there are items like this in your home, consider passing them on to someone who will use them. Memorialize the sentimental value with photos or journal entries, the memory is often more important than the thing.
Organizing is step one toward preparing for a sale.
Your real estate professional can help you plan for a home sale. They’ll walk through your house with you and show you what items to repair, what to update, and what you might want to pass on or put into storage, contact your agent today to get started.
About the Author
Rossy Figueroa
“Real estate” means so much more to me than simply buying or selling property...I believe it’s all about the people behind those transactions. A house would never be a home without them. That is why my first question to you will always be “what are your goals and how can I help you get there?”
Helping someone to plan and achieve their goals is just as important as listening to what they are. I know first-hand from over a decade of experience just how much it can take to make it happen. With honesty, diligence, and resilience, however, no hurdle is unconquerable. I can guide you through the entire process, always making you feel comfortable, informed, and in control. Like I said before, you are always the first priority.
I chose to partner with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Time Realty because, just like me, they realize that real estate agents are much more than salespeople. Every person and every goal is just as important as the last - and Berkshire Hathaway has all the tools and resources to get the job done.
It’s been an absolute privilege to meet some of you and help you achieve your goals. I can’t wait to meet the rest. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or both, I am confident that I am the last agent you’ll need. A better future awaits...give me a call and let’s get started!
