1. Set a Schedule
If you have a date in mind that you plan to launch your home onto the market, planning is essential. Break the job down into chunks that fit the available time. You are much more likely to stick to a routine if you work to a schedule. In addition, this has the added benefit of allowing you to clean when you can, thus minimize interruptions and maximize your time.
2. One at a Time
Set goals for each room. If you can visualize what you want, it will be much easier for you to achieve your goal. Take note of the things that need changing and work toward that goal one day at a time.
3. Set a Deadline
Do you have a date in mind that you hope to have your home ready to go onto the market? One week, two weeks, a month or more? Whatever time that you have scheduled, bring the date for completion of the de-clutter forward to one week so that you have your property ready to be photographed. By building in a time buffer you can allow yourself the luxury of being able to kick back and relax before your sale gets into full swing. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family, especially if you are on a short time schedule.
4. Start Small
It took you years to accumulate the clutter so it won’t disappear overnight. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Start small, you will be less likely to get frustrated and give up midway through your clean up. It will get easier as you move through the process.
5. Categorise
You can make the task of decluttering simpler by categorising your items into groups.
Every item in any room will fall into one of four categories:
Definite Keep – Items in this category are staying , if these aren’t essential they should be boxed up.
Too Good To Throw Out – This is likely to be a large group and often the most to deal with. Look at online auction sites or 2nds site like Gumtree or Ebay.
Definite Throw Out – Easy, chuck it out, order a skip bin.
The ‘Not Sure’ Pile – This is by far the most challenging pile. There is a strong likelihood that this will also be the largest pile. Be ruthless, if it does not belong in group 1 or 2 then it belongs in group 3.