Organizing Hacks for Homeowners: Streamline Your Space Before Selling

Preparing your home for sale can seem daunting, especially considering how your space's organization and cleanliness could impact its marketability and selling price. With insights from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) revealing that a well-organized home significantly influences buyer preferences, it's clear that decluttering isn't just about making your space look neat—it's about strategically enhancing your home's appeal. This article delves into effective organizing hacks, drawing from authoritative sources like the NAR, Apartment Therapy, "The Organized Home" by Melissa Maker, and the vast visual inspirations of Pinterest. Let's explore how to transform your home into a buyer's dream, potentially increasing its selling price and making the selling process smoother with a "buy before you sell program" strategy.

The Importance of a First Impression

According to the NAR's "2024 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers," most buyers consider a home's cleanliness and organization crucial in their decision-making process. This sentiment underscores the need for sellers to focus on decluttering and staging their homes to meet buyer expectations. The NAR's guide on producing homes highlights that a well-staged home not only sells faster but can also fetch a higher selling price—sometimes, seeing a percentage increase in offers significantly impacts the final sale price.

Quick Wins for Immediate Impact

Apartment Therapy's "10 Clutter-Clearing Hacks That Take 10 Minutes or Less" offers practical tips for immediate improvements in your home's organization. For example, tackling countertops, drawers, and entryways with quick decluttering sessions can dramatically enhance your space's appearance without overwhelming effort. These quick wins make your home more appealing to potential buyers and contribute to a more spacious and inviting environment.

Strategic Decluttering and Storage Solutions

"The Organized Home" introduces a decluttering flowchart that simplifies the decision-making process on what to keep, discard, or donate. This systematic approach prevents the common pitfall of holding onto items due to emotional attachment and encourages efficient organization. Furthermore, the book provides room-by-room strategies, emphasizing the use of containers and organizational systems to declutter spaces and maintain an aesthetic coherence that appeals to potential buyers.

With its vast array of "Home Organization" boards, Pinterest offers endless visual inspiration for creatively organizing different areas of your home. From DIY storage hacks to structured decluttering challenges, the platform encourages homeowners to adopt innovative and personalized strategies to enhance their space's functionality and appearance.

Leveraging Visual Transformations

Apartment Therapy's "Before & Afters: Dramatic Organizing Transformations" showcases the potential of decluttering efforts through real-life examples. These stories and Pinterest's visual inspiration prove how strategic organizations can transform a space. Implementing these ideas maximizes your home's appeal and serves as a motivational boost during the organizing process.

Organizing your home before selling is more than a mere cleanup; it's a strategic move that can significantly influence your home's marketability and selling price. Drawing on the insights from industry experts and combining them with practical, actionable tips, such as those from Apartment Therapy and "The Organized Home," can make the process less daunting and more effective. Remember, the goal is to present your home in a way that resonates with potential buyers, showcasing a space they can envision as their own. By decluttering, staging, and utilizing innovative storage solutions, you can transform your home into an organized, appealing space that stands out in the market. Whether leveraging the "buy before you sell program" or employing tailored decluttering strategies, the effort you put into organizing your home can make a substantial difference in the selling process.

How To Declutter Your Workspace and Improve Focus and Productivity

In many offices, the busier you are, you’ll find that often the more cluttered your workspace becomes. For you to have a more efficient and productive workspace, it’s important to try and keep your workspace clear and organised. 

Although this seems like a simple task, it’s easy to let organisation slip and clutter build up. This can then lead to your workspace feeling chaotic and stressful, which in turn will affect your productivity levels and ability to focus. With that in mind, let's take a look at some ways you can declutter your workspace and improve your productivity and focus levels. 

Reasons Why You Should Declutter Your Workspace

Other than keeping your workspace clean and tidy, there are some great benefits of keeping your office and workspace free of clutter. 

Increased Productivity

By having an organised workspace, you are likely to spend less time trying to find specific documents or objects. It’s also been proven that when you work in a messy workspace, your productivity levels will be impacted too, often without you realising. If you have lots of paperwork and documents scattered around your office, look to move them onto a virtual storage space, such as Google Workspace or the Cloud. 

Peace Of Mind

As mentioned, clutter doesn’t just affect your workspace, but it has a big impact on your mental workspace too. If you find yourself getting concerned or stressed about the messiness of your workspace, then you will find yourself getting easily distracted and lacking the concentration needed to get your work done. A workspace is often a reflection of someone’s mind, so how you’re feeling will be reflected in your workspace. 

Tips For Decluttering and Organising Your Workspace

Only Keep Things You Need 

Rather than making decisions on each thing that you have in your workspace, sometimes the better strategy is to get rid of everything and then add things back as and when you need them. Over a short space of time, you will soon pick up and add the things that you genuinely need within your workspace and what can be removed. No matter if you work in an office or from home, for a tech company or a commercial property agents, the same principle should apply. It’s not uncommon to have things within your workspace that you haven’t used or needed for months, but it’s not until you remove these items that you realise that you don’t truly need them. 

Sort Out Your Cables

One thing which adds to the general untidy appearance of your workspace is visibly messy and untidy cables. We’re largely a digital world now and, with that, comes the requirement for many different types of cables and wires, from HDMI cables to phone and laptop chargers. 

No matter if these run along the top of your desk or on the floor, it can often feel like a battle trying to get them under control, so most people tend to leave them. But, this lack of tidiness and organisation can add to your overall productivity levels. You can get many different cable tidying solutions, designed to suit your workspace and it will take just a few minutes to get sorted, but is something which will have a huge impact on your workspace. 

See It From Someone Else’s Point Of View

If you can’t quite figure out where you’ve gone wrong in terms of organisation with your workspace, then a good thing to do is take a photo of your workspace and then look at it as if you are looking at it from someone else’s perspective. If you’ve ever seen someone else’s workspace and noticed clutter and mess that a coworker is unaware of, then you might not quite notice just how untidy your workspace is. 

By taking a photo, you can get the same view as everyone else has of your space. Then, you can see exactly what type of environment you are working in and, depending on what it is your eyes are first drawn to, will know exactly where to start with decluttering and reorganising your workspace. 

Transform Your Garage

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

If you've been doing projects in my garage, you've probably realized that keeping your tools organized is a struggle.

With a lot of trial and error, I found some things that worked really well…and others that didn't.

You'd be surprised at how much space you can save with a few simple tips. Let's take a look at some of my favorite storage ideas.

Clean & Declutter First

Decluttering your garage is the first and most crucial step towards a well-organized, clean garage.

If your garage is full of old clothes, toys, sports equipment, and odd tools, there's no room for your next DIY project. No matter your garage's size, you need a dedicated space for you and your tools.

Once you have some open garage floor space to dedicate to tool storage, start by removing items you don't need anymore.

Dividing your stuff into two piles: one to dispose of and one to organize later.

This includes your tools!

Start by disposing of broken tools or ones that are missing pieces or attachments. Anything you can eliminate at this stage will save you room later on. 

Once you know exactly what you have left, designing your perfect workspace will be easier!

Create a Specific Work Area

Everybody needs a dedicated place to work in your garage. 

You might only need a workbench for smaller projects. For larger projects, you might need to use your entire garage.

Regardless of the size of your garage, you need to divide your space into smaller sections to make the most of it. This is especially critical for small garages.

Here are some garage storage ideas to help organize your tools:

• A workbench – either foldable or mobile

• Closed cabinets – for chemicals, power tools, and hazardous materials

• Open shelves and drawers (preferably with clear plastic bins) – for equipment and items that need to be readily accessible

• A wall-mounted organizer, wire shelving, or pegboards – for smaller items 

• Heavy-duty steel shelves for heavy or bulky items

• Wire and cable organizers

• Separate storage for rechargeable batteries and power tools

• Extension-cord reels mounted to your garage ceiling so you have power wherever you need it.

Use these suggestions as a starting point and adapt them to your individual needs.

Once you've got an initial design set up, you'll be able to adjust the design of your garage from project to project. 

Increase Storage Space with Shelves & Cabinets

Sturdy shelves and cabinets are at the core of your garage storage system. They'll store items like long-handled tools, gardening supplies, sports equipment, and other miscellaneous tools.

Take advantage of any open wall space that you have. This includes the vertical space directly above your workbench.

I use heavy-duty garage shelves to store bulky items I want to keep off my garage floor.

These include extra kitchen and bathroom tiles and floorboards for my bedroom. I've also dedicated a shelf to oversized items like air filters, accessories for my pressure washer, and some storage bins.

I have small wire shelving near our garage entry door as a catch-all area for car keys, hats, and umbrellas.

The right mix of shelves will see wall shelves above your work area and floor-standing units. You can use overhead storage above your garage door for additional storage space.

This way, you can keep the stuff you use most at arm's reach and keep the things you use less often out of the way until you need them.

Cabinets with doors are a safe place to store chemicals and other items that could be hazardous. They're also a great place to store things you want to keep away from kids or pets.

I use two freestanding Gladiator cabinets and several wall-mounted cabinets. 

The smaller freestanding cabinet holds the garden supplies like fertilizer and weed killer that I want to keep out of the way. The larger freestanding cabinet holds all my old paint cans, wood stains, drywall tools, and supplies. 

Garage cabinets range between $100 and $800, depending on the size and options.

Maximize Wall Space With Pegboards

Pegboards are perfect for storing tools you need every day or if you're the kind of person who likes having your tools on display.  

The area above your workbench is the perfect area to store the tools we use the most. I also organize the tools I use most on a Wall-Control metal pegboard and accessories mounted above my workbench. 

Leaving your tools out after a day's work makes your workspace look messy, which we're trying to avoid. However, simply tossing them in a drawer can quickly lead to clutter. 

I prefer using pegboard on small sections of my walls. They're perfect for storing screwdrivers, glue, adhesive tape, scissors, wire cutters, and smaller electric tools.

If pegboards aren't your style, try a magnetic strip or mat. They're a great place to store knives, screwdrivers, or other small items like nails, nuts, and bolts for your current projects. 

Use Mobile Tool Carts to Keep Tools Organized on the Go

Large workbenches are great, but they take up a lot of space. 

Foldable workbenches can be stored out of the way against the wall or in the corner of your workshop. But if you have home improvement projects where you need to be able to move freely, a mobile tool cart could be the answer. 

Some, like my Gladiator GearDrawer, even include closed cabinets and open shelves that make them perfect to follow you around the garage during the day.

When you start to organize your tool cart, I recommend subdividing it into at least two compartments.

One should host the tools you use more frequently, and the second should store the other tools you like to have at your fingertips.

Alternatively, you could mount a magnetic strip to your mobile workbench to access hand tools easily.

The Best Garage Organization Ideas Grow With You

Organizing your workshop tools can seem like a big project at first. But following these tips and tricks doesn't have to be.

If you're a weekend DIY warrior, every new project will have different needs. Your workshop can accommodate those needs by setting up your garage with mobile shelves, pegboards, cabinets, foldable workbenches, or flexible panels.

Proper garage organization will ensure you have enough space for all the stuff you need for your next project.

Seasonal Storage Solutions: Preparing Your Home for Changing Weather

We partnered with a home improvement company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

As seasons change, so do our home needs. Transitioning from one season to another involves not just a change in lifestyle but also a shift in the items we use daily. Seasonal storage solutions are crucial for keeping your home organized and making the transition smoother. This article will explore effective ways to store seasonal items, from clothing to holiday decorations, ensuring your home remains clutter-free and functional. Additionally, we'll touch upon the importance of seasonal home maintenance, including a quick check for drafts or leaks.

Organizing Seasonal Clothing

Storing seasonal clothing efficiently can free up a significant amount of space in your wardrobe. Start by sorting clothes into categories: keep, store, donate, or discard. Use vacuum-sealed bags or clear bins to store clothes you won't need for the next few months. Label each container for easy identification next season. Consider the climate conditions of your storage area; avoid damp or overly dry places to protect your garments. Placing cedar balls or lavender sachets in storage bins can help keep clothes fresh and deter moths. It's also a good time to clean your closet, dust each corner.

Handling Seasonal Decorations

Seasonal decorations, like Christmas lights or Halloween props, need special care when storing. Firstly, declutter your decoration collection by discarding broken or unused items. Use sturdy, labeled containers for each holiday to keep things organized. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or tissue paper to prevent damage. For items like string lights, use cardboard pieces to wrap the lights around to prevent tangling. Store these containers in an easily accessible but out-of-the-way place, like a top shelf or a dedicated corner in the garage. While organizing these, ensure that storage areas near windows are not overly exposed to sunlight, which can damage sensitive decorations.

Managing Seasonal Sports and Hobby Gear

Sports and hobby equipment can take up considerable space if not stored properly during off-seasons. Group similar items together – skiing equipment in one container and beach gear in another. Use wall-mounted racks or ceiling hooks for larger items like bicycles or surfboards. Clear labeling on each container or rack will make it easier to find items when the season changes. If space allows, designate a specific area of your home, like a garage or basement corner, for this gear. Ensure that this area is dry and well-ventilated to prevent any moisture damage. Also, check nearby windows to ensure they are properly sealed, protecting your gear from humidity and mold.

Seasonal Bedding and Linen Storage

Switching bedding with the seasons can improve sleep comfort and enhance the ambiance of your bedroom. Store off-season bedding in breathable cotton bags or bins, preferably in a closet or under the bed. Fold items neatly and include sachets of lavender or cedar to maintain freshness. Rotate the stored items so the ones used most recently are on top for easy access next season. If storing linens in a basement or attic, ensure the area is dry and free of pests. Regularly airing out stored linens can also help maintain their quality and freshness.

Storing Seasonal Tools and Equipment

Garden tools, snow blowers, and other seasonal equipment require proper storage to ensure their longevity. Clean and perform any necessary maintenance on the equipment before storing it. Use wall-mounted hooks or shelves in your garage or shed to maximize space. Cover larger equipment with tarps to protect them from dust and moisture. Battery-operated tools should be stored with the battery charged to a medium level and in a cool, dry place. Organizing these tools in a way that they are easily accessible for the upcoming season saves time and effort. Also, while organizing your garage or shed, take a moment to inspect doors for any needed repairs, replacement, or weatherproofing, ensuring your storage space remains secure and dry.

Preparing Your Home for the Upcoming Season

As you store away seasonal items, it's an ideal time to prepare your home for the upcoming weather changes. This includes checking insulation, cleaning gutters, and ensuring heating or cooling systems are functioning properly. A key aspect of this preparation is inspecting your windows. Look for any signs of drafts or leaks, as these can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, and comfort; if any of these are present, it may be beneficial to consider a replacement. This is also a good time to thoroughly clean your windows, both inside and out, to maximize natural light during the shorter days of fall and winter.

Effective seasonal storage is more than just organizing items; it's about preparing your home for comfort, efficiency, and enjoyment in the upcoming season. By properly storing clothing, decorations, sports gear, bedding, and tools, you not only keep your home organized but also protect your belongings. With these tips, you can embrace each new season with a well-prepared, organized, and comfortable home.