Declutter: Key in getting your home ready to sell – Part 1
Though it’s hard to imagine Spring will arrive sooner than we know. If you’re planning to sell your home this spring, you’re likely excited for the new, maybe a little nervous about timing, and overwhelmed with the task of getting your home ready to sell.
Not to worry, friends as we are sharing a week to week, step-by-step plan of what you can do to get your home ready to sell in 30 days or less. Today we’re bringing you week one, however if you’re someone who needs to get it all done in less than 30 days, feel free to contact us and we’ll get more information to you.
First and foremost, you want to know what to expect for repairs. Make a list of all the little repairs you’ve been avoiding like the leaky faucet, the loose toilet seat cover, dings and holes in the walls, and the dirty fingerprints in the hallways and stairwell that may need more than cleaning. If you aren’t handy yourself, bring in a handyman to take care of it (we know some good ones we can connect you to if needed). Make the calls right away and book your handyman to get the work underway. If you can do the repairs yourself, this is your week to start getting them done.
Next, get boxes, totes and tape. As you declutter, store any extra items you'll be bringing to your new place but won’t need during the sale. LTS (Leduc Trucking Service) offers a great supply of new and used boxes. If you want free boxes post a request on Facebook. Keep your eyes open for a good sale on totes at Canadian Tire. Lastly if you prefer to rent, consider Frog Box where you can get boxes and moving supplies delivered to you. To see more, check out www.frogbox.com.
The heavy work is about to begin. Next, de-clutter, organize and clean your basement. If your basement is like many, this could be a five-hour project or more. Whether your basement is finished or just a storage area, you want to make it look as spacious and clean as possible. This is an incredible opportunity to get rid of the items you never use, but have held onto for the past 3, 5, 10 years or more. These things can be hard to let go of. You just never know when you may need it, right? Here’s our rule of thumb; if we forgot we had it, and/or don’t foresee ourselves using said item in the next year, we donate or sell it. Maybe this could work for you too?
The heavy work is about to begin. Next, de-clutter, organize and clean your basement. If your basement is like many, this could be a five-hour project or more. Whether your basement is finished or just a storage area, you want to make it look as spacious and clean as possible. This is an incredible opportunity to get rid of the items you never use, but have held onto for the past 3, 5, 10 years or more. These things can be hard to let go of. You just never know when you may need it, right? Here’s our rule of thumb; if we forgot we had it, and/or don’t foresee ourselves using said item in the next year, we donate or sell it. Maybe this could work for you too?
When decluttering, you want to separate your items into four categories. One is for junk. These items are in such rough shape, they are no longer usable for you or anyone else. The second is for giveaway. These items no longer have sufficient value for you but would be valuable for someone else and you’re willing to give them away. The third category are for those items you want to sell, and the fourth category includes items that you’ll bring to your new home but won’t be needing during the sale. If you’re going to be moving a lot of stuff into your new home, consider renting a PODS storage container. You fill it up at your house, it gets carted away, stored and delivered to your new home when you move in.
Then, tackle all of your closets. Buyers will open your closets and look in your cupboards. They want to see how much space is available to fit their stuff into. Buyers value storage, closet and cabinet space. A lot! The last thing you want a potential buyer to say is, “There isn’t enough storage in this home.” Therefore, pack away what you don’t need in the immediate future; things like extra linen, towels, clothing, toys and teddy bears, games, books, small appliances, etc.
Ok, wow, that was a big first week! Repairs, decluttering your basement and closets, selling, donating and packing what you don’t need. No need to stress or worry about what else needs to get done next, just start here, commit to this week’s plan and we’ll share next steps next week. If you’re considering buying or selling a home and don’t already have a great Realtor you’ve committed to, give us a call. It is always our greatest honour to serve you!
The Jason Rustand Team with RE/MAX Real Estate serves with the highest level of integrity and excellence every time. If you want to know more about the market, or plan to buy or sell a home, call or text Jason at 780-919-0004. You can also email jrteam@shaw.ca, visit www.Facebook.com/JasonRustandTeam/ or WeSellLeduc.com.