Re-claim Your Space and De-Clutter

Re-claim your Space and De-Clutter

Start with your closets

• Pull everything out of your closet. Breathe.
• Clean closet surfaces thoroughly.
• Install additional storage bins shelving, if necessary.
• Organize all clothes into three bins: 1) Keep 2) Toss 3) Donate. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in the last 12 months, you’re likely not going to wear it again. If it isn’t damaged or torn (or an undergarment), then give your clothing new life by donating it.
• Swap over clothes for the season. Trade those winter parkas for cool linens and store last season’s clothing in an air-tight bin in your basement or garage. Don’t forget to label your bins!
• Organize your racks by colour or any other arrangement that makes sense for you—business attire vs. casual, etc.
• Move on to the next closet – repeat above!

The keep/toss/donate exercise is also fun to play with the kids, not to mention a great lesson on giving back to the community and unwanted gently used clothing and coats. 

Next to the Bedrooms

It’s time to say goodbye to chairs doubling as clothing storage and reclaim your bedroom. By decluttering your bedroom, you’re encouraging your body to utilize the space for what it was meant for: rest.

• Remove old bed linens, drapery and pillows. Refresh with soft sheets and neutral bedding and pillows.
• Clear out unnecessary clutter.
• Organize your shelves.
• Now is a good time to clean and dust – Vacuum and mop floors. Don’t forget to clean under the bed and behind all the furniture.
• How do the walls look? Would a fresh paint colour brighten the room?

The Living Room

An organized family is a happy family and we promise a little DIY organization will work wonders for your living area. When your space is decluttered, it feels larger and is much more conducive to quality family time.

• Polish wood furniture and touch up scratches, clean, vacuum and dust.
• Organize books and movies. Sort them alphabetically if you’re feeling inspired.
• Declutter and donate old toys, books, knick-knacks that do not have sentimental value.
• Pump up your accent colour with new pillows and throws for the couch
• Would a fresh coat of paint give the space a new look!

TIP: Add personalized storage bins for the kids. Having their own dedicated place to store toys will help instil a sense of ownership and responsibility in their area.

The Kitchen

This one might be a doozy, but it has to be done. Empty and clean fridge and pantry. Would a new backsplash or lighting help with cleaning and tasks?

• Change your water filter and replace old sponges and dishcloths. Repace the dishrack if it is old.
• Empty and organize cupboards and drawers. We recommend starting with the cupboards hiding your food storage containers and mug collection. Toss any unused or battered cutlery, kitchen utensil pots and pans.
• Clear your countertops of unused stuff and reclaim some counter space.

TIP: If you’re finding a lot of unused spices in your pantry, consider purchasing a spice rack you can add to the kitchen counter or wall—get inspired!

The Bathrooms 

• Organize washroom cabinets.
• Throw out expired makeup, skincare products and outdated medications in the medicine cabinet.
• Bleach or disinfect tubs, sinks and toilets.
• Deep clean grout lines, paying close attention to any mould buildup.
• Clear the showerhead and faucets of buildup.
• Spackle any holes and touch-up paint in high-traffic areas in the corridors and bathrooms. Repaint if necessary.
• Replace old bathmats, shower curtains and remove unnecessary counter stuff
• Splurge on new towels! Use the old towels for rags or drying the car!

The Garage and/ or Storage Shed

• Keep/toss/sell all garage contents.
• Declutter shelving and wipe.
• Sort and store power tools.
• Label storage containers.
• Hang bikes, sports equipment and whatever is not in use for the season.

There is such satisfaction in reclaiming your space and getting rid of the clutter! Try it!

These tips will also help get your home ready for a sale!                    

Enhance your home’s value with some simple DIY de-cluttering.

Contact Janine for more ideas to help you sell your home faster for more money.