Ways to Declutter for Pack Rat Day
At some point in every homeowner's life, you will probably wake up one day and realize that you became a pack rat. This day normally comes right before the moving day, unfortunately, and you're left with trying to pack up before selling a Lake of the Ozarks home. If this is you, we can sympathize! There are several reasons people hang onto items, so today we're going to analyze why that is, and then find ways to overcome it so next time you have to move, you won't be so overwhelmed by your things.
Decluttering Tips
1. If you don't use the item, know what it is, or it's too nice to use than it's clutter. You can give this to someone who will use it and enjoy it, thus clearing out your space and making room for something new!
2. Get your family involved in the "De-Clutter Game," this isn't anything fancy, but you can make goals, make achievements, and settle on a fun reward when you're done! Take time to throw things away, give them away, and put them away, and reward yourself with something even as simple as a trip to your favorite restaurant.
3. Are you afraid to get rid of something because you think you'll need it someday? Create a "may use someday box" and put everything that applies in the box. Once it's full you have to throw something away before putting something else in it. If you want to be really good, choose a smaller box.
4. Start a rotation system! If you have many items that you like but don't want to get rid of them, put a lot of it into a box in storage, and in a few months, you can rotate it out. You can also apply these items to the seasons, so if you have pretty framed photos of flowers or fall leaves, bring those items out during the right time of the year and enjoy them in the appropriate season! This can also be applied to children's toys. Box up half of them, and then rotate them out. It will feel like they have new toys all over again!
5. Do you have a bunch of items waiting to be repaired? We all have that box, so you can be honest. Mark a date on your calendar, and when that day rolls around you can make it a point to sit down and glue, sew, paint and polish those items. If you don't think the item is worth all of that, you can throw it away now to save some time.
6. If you have special items you can't bear to get rid of because you never want to forget about them, take photos! You can put these items in a scrapbook and then flip through it occasionally to remind yourself about those sentimental items. A scrapbook takes up less space than a box full of knick-knacks. You may also find that you never even refer to those photos, proving you didn't need that item as much as you thought to begin with.
7. You know those items that you don't really know what to do with, so you toss it into another room, another pile, a different box, or a shelf or drawer so you don't have to deal with it? Well, those items take up a lot of space in your home, and generally aren't necessary to begin with. When you face an item like this, take a few moments to really look at it, decide where it goes, and place it there. Many times, you'll find that you've been storing items that should have gone to the trash bin.
Gattermeir Davidson Real Estate, LLC
Why Do You Pack?
there are so many reasons a person becomes a collector of items. Perhaps it's from being sentimental. Does every item in your home remind you of a person, an event or an activity? Maybe you hold onto items that remind you about how much you've accomplished at work, meaning that the items you hold dear are a source of pride and achievement. Maybe you're like some of us, and all of these apply to you, and you're just a pack rat in general. If the idea of decluttering has you shaking in your boots, don't worry. All you have to do is start in one place.
Decluttering Tips
1. If you don't use the item, know what it is, or it's too nice to use than it's clutter. You can give this to someone who will use it and enjoy it, thus clearing out your space and making room for something new!
2. Get your family involved in the "De-Clutter Game," this isn't anything fancy, but you can make goals, make achievements, and settle on a fun reward when you're done! Take time to throw things away, give them away, and put them away, and reward yourself with something even as simple as a trip to your favorite restaurant.
3. Are you afraid to get rid of something because you think you'll need it someday? Create a "may use someday box" and put everything that applies in the box. Once it's full you have to throw something away before putting something else in it. If you want to be really good, choose a smaller box.
4. Start a rotation system! If you have many items that you like but don't want to get rid of them, put a lot of it into a box in storage, and in a few months, you can rotate it out. You can also apply these items to the seasons, so if you have pretty framed photos of flowers or fall leaves, bring those items out during the right time of the year and enjoy them in the appropriate season! This can also be applied to children's toys. Box up half of them, and then rotate them out. It will feel like they have new toys all over again!
5. Do you have a bunch of items waiting to be repaired? We all have that box, so you can be honest. Mark a date on your calendar, and when that day rolls around you can make it a point to sit down and glue, sew, paint and polish those items. If you don't think the item is worth all of that, you can throw it away now to save some time.
6. If you have special items you can't bear to get rid of because you never want to forget about them, take photos! You can put these items in a scrapbook and then flip through it occasionally to remind yourself about those sentimental items. A scrapbook takes up less space than a box full of knick-knacks. You may also find that you never even refer to those photos, proving you didn't need that item as much as you thought to begin with.7. You know those items that you don't really know what to do with, so you toss it into another room, another pile, a different box, or a shelf or drawer so you don't have to deal with it? Well, those items take up a lot of space in your home, and generally aren't necessary to begin with. When you face an item like this, take a few moments to really look at it, decide where it goes, and place it there. Many times, you'll find that you've been storing items that should have gone to the trash bin.
Best Real Estate Agents at the Lake of the Ozarks
If you don't take the time to sort through items now, you'll probably end up regretting it when it comes time to move. If you don't take the time to do it when you move, you'll end up paying for time, boxes, moving, storage and more, for items that you don't even need or want. At Gattermeir Davidson, we realize how busy and hectic life can get when you move, and that's why we want to help you prepare in any way possible, starting with the home you live in now. If you're ready to start your new home search and find the best home at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website today!
2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year
Missouri Association of Realtors
752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Office | 573.365.1555
Fax | 573.365.1766
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