5 Top Tips from the Queen of De-Cluttering

If you did a quick survey in our office and asked us what’s the number one tip we could share with homeowners who want to get their property sold or let quickly, and for a great price, it would be DECLUTTER! Declutter, declutter, declutter, and then declutter some more.

That’s right. You’ve no doubt heard it before but the reason that’s the case is because it’s true.

No one wants to walk around a cluttered lounge, treading over piles of books or toys while imagining this as their new home. Equally, nobody wants to look at photos of a property that is overly cluttered as they will be less likely to pick up the phone to book viewing.

Think of it this way - Space sells and clutter kills deals.

That’s why we were so interested to hear about a bestselling book by Japanese organising expert, Marie Kondo.

Her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, sold lorry loads of copies and established her as the Queen of Clutter (well, declutter).

And here are five fantastic tips to turn your property into a place of order, serenity and one potential buyers will love.

Lesson #1: Think Categories, Not Rooms

Instead of tackling your bedroom or lounge think about decluttering categories rather than rooms.

Marie advises beginning with clothing, since it’s the least emotionally loaded of one’s things, books come next and old photographs are much later.

Tip 2: Say No to Too Much Nostalgia

Certain pieces of nostalgia are priceless. Special old photos, your kids school reports and love letters from your significant other (do people still send love letters?). But when it comes to crushing clutter you need to choose what you keep hold of very carefully.

Tip 3: Decluttering IS Great

Marie’s book makes decluttering sound as enjoyable as relaxing on a beach in the tropics with a glass of something exotic. Marie says you need to change your mindset from decluttering being deemed as a chore to something which is wonderful to do and will change your life for the better.

Tip 4: Fold up, Don’t Hang up

Once you’ve sorted out the things to discard—and only then—you can decide where the remaining things should go. Rather than hanging in a closet, Marie thinks a lot of our clothing would be better off folded in a dresser, saving on wardrobe space which is often at a premium.

Tip 5: Feel the Love or Ditch it

Marie believes you should ask yourself one simple question when it comes to keeping something or getting rid of it; do you love it? If yes, keep it. If no (especially if it is clothes), get rid of it.

So, there you have it folks – words of wisdom from the World’s leading decluttering diva.

Thanks for reading,

Alex Knight

Whether you are selling, buying, letting, or renting, we are here to help. Call Knight Edmonds and our team on 01622 291491 or email: maidstone@knightedmonds.co.uk for expert advice which is honest, accurate and informative.