Monthly Archives: August 2018

Have you ever seen a paper bag you didn’t like?  From brown paper grocery bags to designer store bags I see piles of them in every household.  Stack after stack are in garages, pantries, closets, all jammed in because someday… ???  What?

Don’t feel guilty about throwing these out.  They will biodegrade and break down in our landfills.  Their absence will give you lots of new room on that pantry floor or that closet shelf.  A quick and easy way to start the decluttering process is to let go.  O!  And if you find old bottles and cans underneath the paper bag piles… those are recyclable too!       

Does your garage require orange cones to get around it safely?  Does your garage need yellow caution tape to offset trip hazards?  Are you embarrassed when your garage door goes up for all the neighbors to see?  Is your garage the household dumping ground?  Then it’s time.  Time for the big Clean-Out.

Maybe you need an entire weekend, but if so, make it fun.  Snacks and beverages throughout the project, a timed break in the pool, but set aside time to get the job done.  Start by taking out everything in the garage and give it a good sweep and clean.

Throw out outgrown toys, expired household chemicals and items beyond repair.  Donate items that can be reused.  Selling it on websites works too, but time consuming.

Sort items into categories and place them in labeled bins or on shelves for grab-n-go needs.

Go vertical.  Purchase shelving, or utility tracks on which to hang yard tools and sports equipment.  You can find such items at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Container Store. Hang items from large hooks in the ceiling allowing for car clearance

Install a loft.  This is a huge DIY project, so I suggest purchasing with the extra installation fee… well worth the money and WOW!  the extra space it gives you.  Great for holiday or luggage storage.

Open shelving takes up less space and you won’t be as messy when storing things on the shelves. Too easy to “shove” items into a closed cabinet and then the mess grows.

Place frequently used items near the door, like bikes or kid’s toys.  Easy access saves time.

Once organized, maintain it.  No more weekend projects.  A quick straightening the evening you put out your garbage is a great goal and will be satisfying. Your garage is a high-traffic space that needs organization and safety. 

Is someone living in your basement? Someone you potty-trained? According to a Pew Research Center analysis, adults who are 18-34 years old are more likely to be living with their parents than with a spouse or partner. Whatever the reason, set up boundaries:

~ Bed made every morning.
~ If you can’t use it or properly display it, don’t move it in.
~ Provide a multi-purpose cleaner and room freshener
~ Do your own laundry – often!
~ Go in together on a storage unit if necessary, you still need to park two cars in the garage.
~ Love your child through the tough transition and you will be loved back forever.

  

Your real estate agent may suggest pricing it right – take his/her advice.

Don’t limit your showings to “by appointment only” and most important… Declutter!  Yes, that magic word.  You are moving.  Pack it up, give it away, sell it!  Get it out of the house, the house will sell, and you will be moving on.