So you have decided to put your house up for sale. Maybe you're moving for a new job, you're getting divorced and the house is only big enough for one, you're pregnant and you just realized you've run out of bedrooms or you're empty nesters, ready to down size or up size. So what is the first thing you should do?
#1. Before you call the real estate agent, look around. Take inventory of your stuff and think about whether or not it still works for you. Are you holding onto it because you always have? Do you need the thing to remind you of the memories it holds?
You'll always have your memories. Let go of all except your most adored photos and momentos. If it makes you smile and feel good, keep it. Put it out where you can see it every day. If it doesn't make you happy, toss, sell or donate.#2 Do you save things in case you might need them someday?
If you dig it out and you forgot you even had it stored away, toss, sell or donate.
#3 Do you keep things packed in boxes and move them from house to house, never unpacking them?
Those boxes are sucking the energy out of you. Open the boxes and consider the fact you haven't used or needed the stuff in the boxes or it wouldn't still be in the boxes.
Toss, sell or donate. Then throw away the box!
#4 What about your collections? Yes it's fun to hunt for those new additions, but couldn't you instead make your life about the passion driving your collecting?
Take a hard look at your collections, discover what inspired you to start collecting and then let your collection go. Got a train set? Donate to a children's group. Barbies? Sell on ebay. Let it go and find another way to be a kid again instead.
#5 Are your closets stuffed with clothes you don't wear... or even like?
Let go of the guilt for buying them, not fitting into them, or for not having the lifestyle you bought them for. Sell, donate or toss.
#6 Do you have project stuff stashed away in closets? Sweaters you're going to knit, jewelry you're going to bead, lumber destined to be shelves one day?
It's great to have projects. Just know which ones you are really committed to. If your time is better spent buying that sweater or you just can't seem to get around to learning how to knit, let the yarn go. And the needles.
#7 Is it hard to find wall space in your home? Has the furniture gradually multiplied until you have to squeeze past it in some rooms?
Unless you love it or it has real function, let it go. If you aren't using it regularly, or if its main function is attracting dust, sell it, toss it or donate it. Let someone else find your new treasure on craigslist or ebay or at Goodwill.
#8 If you are thinking of getting your home staged before you put it on the market - great decision!
You know other people are going to be coming through your home, looking at your stuff and you've already decided to move, so start packing it! Before you put it in a box though, ask yourself if you love it. If yes, in it goes, if no, you know the drill.
#9 One of the best places to practice your new discipline of letting go is the outside of your home. First impressions are SO important.
Clean up those flower pots, toss the old plastic ones and toss the dead plants along with them. Worn out hoses and lawn decor. Toss. Outdoor furniture that's broken or sad looking. Toss. The plastic gnome may have been cute at the time you bought it but now it just looks sad. Toss or donate.
#10 The most important love it or leave it tip? It's about You.
Love yourself and lovingly release your home as you are leaving it for a new one. Be willing to let go of it so you can move easily into your new life. Get excited about what is coming and know that everything will work out for the best. It's okay to move forward!
SELL IT
craigslist the classified ad site with local listings in almost every major metro area. Good place to put furniture or multiple items
ebay if you have an account you already know how this works but there are multiple companies that will sell on ebay for you or ask a friend and give them a cut - use for items of value that are easily searchable by keyword "Barbie 1967 Blonde" for example.
Consignment Stores - google Furniture or Clothing consignment in your metro area and find a local consignment store that will take your furniture or clothing on consignment. Most consignment
stores keep 50 - 60% of the proceeds of the sale and many clothing stores will continue to mark your clothing down if it doesn't sell so you may not net as much as you think it's worth. If it's true designer or still has tags on it, try selling it on ebay. Especially good for vintage clothing or footwear.Most clothing consignment stores only accept clean, brand or designer name pieces. Ask and check around for the best deal. Also good for childrens clothing.
TOSS IT
Most local trash pickup has a large pickup day. Go to your town or city web site to find out what day and make your pile! Good for large items such as appliances and furniture you no longer want. Plus there is always the chance someone will drive by and "recycle" it for you right into their vehicle.
1800gotjunk
From the web site . 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service junk removal company. "We'll remove almost anything – from old furniture and appliances to garden waste and renovation debris. Plus, we do all the loading and cleanup, wherever the items are – you don't even need to get it to the curb!"
DONATE IT
YWCA
Donate clothing, furniture and household items, including books. Some areas will pick up. Items should be good quality, clean and useable.
Goodwill
Goodwill does not operate a home pick-up service for donations.
Salvation Army
Will pick up furniture
There are many other charitable organizations, these are just a few. Don't forget about that nice tax write off at the end of the year for your charitable donation (if you itemize).
I can't think of a more important step to take, before you put your house on the market. Every square inch counts to your buyers and they want to see the square footage of your home and all the living space it has to offer!
So before you move and stage your home for sale, take a look around. Do you love it? Does it work in the life you have now? Do you find it beautiful?
If not, let it go.
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