Let’s Get Organized!

Realtors are experts at gently suggesting to new clients about decluttering their home to make it more appealing to buyers. Maybe move some furniture around, open the blinds to let light in, create a welcoming space where people can see themselves living a harmonious, joyful life — raise your hand if you’ve given this advice more times than you can count.

Now raise your hand if your own home could use some decluttering.

Decluttering and organizing have advantages beyond simply making your home more visually appealing. There are mental health benefits, as well, including lowering your stress level and making you more productive — no more spending 10 minutes looking for that lost paperwork. Psychology Today calls clutter a “form of visual distraction, which increases cognitive overload and can reduce working memory.” No more clutter, no more distractions and better mental processing and recall.

Our Realtor Relations Extraordinaire Tammy McCall is hosting an Organize & Energize event Oct. 24 that will give attendees tips on how they can declutter their homes and better guide clients on staging their homes for showings. Can’t make it? We have a few tips that might start you on the path to more organized — and healthy — living.

Before You Begin

Did you think we were going to suggest you go purchase storage bins? Nope! Do that after you’ve sorted through your items. Instead, we recommend you take a “before” photo so you can see the amazing transformation as it unfolds.

Bite-Sized Decluttering

You don’t have to declutter your home in one day. Or one week. Or even one month. Approach the project in increments, one drawer or bookshelf at a time. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in just 15 minutes a day. And by the end of the week, you’ll see some real progress.

Make It Routine

You don’t even need to set aside a special time to declutter — do it as you make your way through regular chores. See a hole in a shirt when you pull it out of the dryer? Toss it! Those canned goods pushed all the way to the back of the pantry? Check them for expiration dates as you unpack new groceries. Find chips in your plates when you unload them from the dishwasher? They belong in the trash, not back in your kitchen cabinet. 

Keep, Toss, Donate

You have three things you can do with your stuff — keep it (if you love it and use it), toss it (like all of those dried up pens clogging your desk drawer) or donate it (make sure to keep receipts for tax purposes).

Time to Organize

Now that you’ve decided what you’re keeping, it’s time to get those storage bins. Think beyond the push-under-the-bed variety. Decorative baskets and storage benches are perfect for hiding items while adding visual appeal to a room. Have a lot of little items? You can’t go wrong with jars. Invest in drawer dividers — especially for the “junk” drawer. And as you put your things away, keep like items together — they’ll be easier to find.

Keep It Up!

If you’ve purchased a shoe rack for frequently worn shoes, make sure you put your shoes on the rack instead of on the floor. Have a toy bin? Have the kids fill it before bed — you can even make a game of it. Dirty clothes belong in the hamper. Stick to your pantry organization; it takes no extra time to put the bag of chocolate chips you just bought with all the other baking supplies than it would to toss it on the canned goods shelf. 

When you’re all done, take the “after” photo and then congratulate yourself on a job well done!