Moving for any reason is a daunting task, but even more so when you’re considering downsizing. Before you can consider moving, you’ll need to get your home ready to sell and eliminate some of your belongings. There are many ways to do this and often the hardest step is getting started! Here are some tips.
Cleaning Up, Inside and Out
The first thing a REALTOR® will tell you is that curb appeal matters. Having the exterior of your home in good shape will create interest. Some ways to do this include pressure washing your home and driveway, renovating your landscaping and adding leaf shield gutter protection. Being able to advertise the many benefits of Gutter Helmet® to your potential buyers will put your home above the rest and you’ll enjoy the benefits in the meantime. The cost of gutter guards will come back to you in saved time and as a selling feature of your home.
Decluttering is the second bit of advice your REALTOR® will likely stress. You want your home to seem spacious. You also want a potential buyer to be able to picture themselves living in the home. But how do you part with your things?
Talk to Family and Friends
As your plans begin to take shape, talk to family and friends. Perhaps they have always loved some of your furnishings that you’re planning on parting with. For many, sending items to a familiar home is emotionally easier than giving them to a stranger. They also may be willing to wait for your items until you are ready to move making the transition time easier.
40 Days, 40 Boxes or Bags
By committing to fill one box or bag for donation or trash each day, you will make the task of cleaning up a lot less intimidating. It’s OK to start small. Just getting rid of some unused items makes a big difference in the appearance of your home. A quick tip for the closet: turn your hangers around after you wear an article of clothing. If you’ve not worn it in a season, put it in a giveaway bag or box.
Maybe Items
It’s OK to be unsure about getting rid of some things. Until you know what your new space will look like, you may want to keep some possessions to see if they will have a place and a purpose in your new home. When you downsize, it’s essential that everything you take with you has a purpose. If you just can’t decide about an item, ask for help. Finding someone without an emotional connection can be your best friend in de-cluttering. There are people you can hire to help, but a neighbor or friend may provide you with the advice you need.
Worry-Free Home Maintenance
Planning and taking your time going through your belongings is the best way to succeed at downsizing. It may also be beneficial to hire people to help with other tasks like cutting the grass or maintaining your landscaping while you’re working to de-clutter inside. Installing Gutter Helmet® will give you one less maintenance task and, with our patented leaf shield gutter protection, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your gutters as long as you own your home. Find your local dealer or make the call to schedule your free Gutter Helmet estimate at (800) 824-3772.
