Preparing to upsize your home? At The Halyard Group, we know that decluttering is a critical first step.
Effective declutter strategies not only make your current home more appealing to potential buyers but also simplify your moving process.
In this post, we’ll share top techniques to help your family streamline possessions and create a clutter-free environment, setting the stage for a smooth transition to your new, larger space.
Why Declutter Before Upsizing?
Boost Your Home’s Appeal and Value
Decluttering before upsizing your home transforms your selling experience. It’s not just about improving appearances; it’s about maximizing your home’s potential. The National Association of Realtors reports that 20% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1% to 5% of the dollar value offered by buyers for staged homes compared to similar homes. This translates to a substantial return on investment for simply organizing and removing excess items.
A clutter-free space allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living in your home. They won’t feel distracted by personal items or overwhelmed by cramped spaces. Instead, they’ll see the true potential of each room.
Create a Lasting First Impression
First impressions matter in real estate. A study by BMO Financial Group found that 62% believe owning a home is still one of life’s biggest aspirations. A clutter-free home immediately feels more spacious, clean, and well-maintained.
Start with your entryway. Remove unnecessary furniture, organize shoes and coats, and create a welcoming atmosphere. This sets the tone for the rest of the home tour.
Streamline Your Move
Moving often ranks as one of life’s most stressful events. However, decluttering beforehand can significantly reduce this stress. You’ll have fewer items to pack, move, and unpack in your new home.
Consider this: Moving.com estimates the average cost of a local move is $1,250. By decluttering and reducing your belongings, you could potentially save hundreds on moving costs.
Prepare for Your New Space
Decluttering forces a critical evaluation of your possessions. This process helps identify what’s truly important and what you actually use. As you prepare to upsize, you’ll gain a clearer idea of what you need in your new home.
Families who declutter before upsizing often make more informed decisions about their new home’s layout and storage needs. They’re less likely to overspend on unnecessary space or features.
The Halyard Group Advantage
While many real estate agencies offer general advice, The Halyard Group specialises in helping families in the Greater Toronto Area upsize to larger homes. They provide expert guidance throughout the process, including personalised decluttering strategies. Their comprehensive support ensures a seamless transition, maximising the selling price of your current home while finding a new one that meets your evolving needs.
Decluttering isn’t about discarding everything. It’s about creating a home that reflects your current lifestyle and needs. This crucial step not only prepares your current home for sale but also sets the stage for a more organised and enjoyable life in your new, larger space. In the next section, we’ll explore effective room-by-room decluttering techniques to kickstart your upsizing journey.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Strategies
Kitchen Overhaul
The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, requires a thorough decluttering approach. Empty all cabinets and drawers, then wipe them clean. Sort items into three categories: everyday use, occasional use, and rarely/never used. Discard or donate items from the last category if you haven’t used them in a year.
Tackle the pantry next. Check expiration dates and discard old items. Group similar foods together and use clear containers for staples like flour and sugar. This method not only improves appearance but also helps you quickly identify restocking needs.
Getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40 percent of housework in the average home. In kitchens, this often manifests as duplicate items or unused gadgets (those “must-have” tools that now collect dust).
Living Room Refresh
Create a spacious and inviting living room by evaluating your furniture. Interior design experts suggest keeping about 30% of your floor space clear. Remove unnecessary pieces that make the room feel cramped.
Address your entertainment centre next. Sort through DVDs, CDs, and books. With the rise of streaming services, many families no longer need physical media. Consider donating these items to local libraries or schools.
For decor, adopt the rule of three: group decorative items in odd numbers, preferably threes, for a more balanced and appealing look. Professional stagers use this technique to create a polished appearance without overwhelming the space.
Bedroom Transformation
Bedrooms often become catch-all spaces for items without a designated home. Start with your closet. Reflective garment decluttering can be related to sufficient clothing consumption. Use this knowledge to make more discerning choices about what to keep.
Try the “reverse hanger” technique: turn all your hangers backwards. After you wear an item, return it to the closet with the hanger facing the correct way. After six months, you’ll clearly see which clothes you actually wear.
For children’s rooms, involve them in the process. A University of Minnesota study found that children who participate in household tasks from an early age have greater success in early adulthood. Decluttering can teach responsibility and decision-making skills.
Bathroom Blitz
Bathrooms accumulate surprising amounts of clutter. Start by disposing of expired medications and beauty products. The FDA recommends checking medicine expiration dates annually.
Organise remaining items by frequency of use. Keep daily items easily accessible, while store occasional-use items in less prime real estate. Use drawer dividers or small bins to maintain tidiness.
For linens, follow the rule of two: keep two sets of towels per family member, plus two sets for guests. Anything beyond this usually becomes excess that occupies valuable storage space.
Garage and Basement Cleanout
These areas often become dumping grounds for items we’re unsure about. Start by categorising everything: tools, sporting equipment, holiday decorations, etc. Be honest about what you actually use and need.
A National Association of Professional Organizers survey found that 50% of homeowners rate their garage as the most disorganised area of their house. Combat this by implementing a zone system: designate specific areas for different categories of items.
For sentimental items, consider taking photos before donating or discarding. This allows you to keep the memory without the physical clutter.
As you progress through each room, you’ll likely discover that effective decluttering methods can significantly streamline your possessions. In the next section, we’ll explore specific decluttering techniques that work well for families preparing to upsize.
Family-Friendly Decluttering Techniques
When it comes to decluttering as a family, having a structured approach can make the process more manageable and even enjoyable. Here are some effective techniques that work well for families preparing to upsize:
The Four-Box System
This straightforward approach involves four boxes: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. As you tackle each room, place items in the appropriate box. This method encourages quick decision-making and provides clear actions for each item.
For the Keep box, be selective. Include only items you use regularly or that hold significant sentimental value. The Donate box should contain gently used items that others could benefit from. Consider local charities or online platforms for donations.
The Sell box is for valuable items you no longer need. Online marketplaces can turn your clutter into cash. The Trash box is for broken, outdated, or irreparable items, such as expired items and old technology.
The KonMari Method
Marie Kondo’s famous method focuses on keeping items that spark joy. This approach can be particularly effective for families.
Start by category rather than by room. Clothes are usually the easiest to begin with. Gather all clothing items in one place and have each family member hold each item, asking if it sparks joy. If not, it goes.
Research hypothesises that clutter might prevent people from reaping the benefits of having a home – a place commonly associated with comfort and security.
The 90/90 Rule
This rule asks two questions: Have you used the item in the last 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90 days? If the answer to both is no, it’s time to let it go.
This method works well for seasonal items. For instance, if you’re decluttering in summer, you might keep winter coats even if they haven’t been used in 90 days. However, if you find summer clothes you haven’t worn, it’s probably time to donate them.
Involving Children in the Process
Make decluttering a family affair. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children. Younger kids can sort toys into keep and donate piles, while older ones can tackle their own rooms.
Create a reward system. For every bag of items donated, plan a family activity or treat. This positive reinforcement can make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a game.
The goal isn’t to discard everything. It’s about creating a space that reflects your family’s current needs and lifestyle. These decluttering methods will make your current home more appealing to buyers and help you start fresh in your new, larger space.
Final Thoughts
Declutter strategies offer families more than just space creation when preparing to upsize. The Four-Box System, KonMari Method, and 90/90 Rule help streamline possessions, reduce stress, and facilitate a smooth transition to a larger home. These methods also promote increased productivity, less cleaning time, and a calmer daily life in your new, spacious environment.
The Halyard Group understands the challenges families face during the upsizing process. Our team provides expert guidance on effective decluttering techniques, home staging for maximum appeal, and finding the perfect new home for your family’s needs. We specialise in assisting families make seamless transitions to larger homes in neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area, ensuring a stress-free and rewarding experience.
Decluttering allows you to curate a home that reflects your family’s current lifestyle and aspirations. It prepares your current home for sale and lays the foundation for a more organised life in your new space. For personalised assistance with your decluttering and upsizing journey, contact The Halyard Group to take the first step towards your family’s dream home.
