Is decluttering as fashionable as your little black dress?
We all have that little black dress (LBD) , or in full transparency, even in my well organized, color coded, decluttered closet you may find, let’s just say…more than one! There’s an album “The New Black”, a song by the same title and the popular Netflix original spin on the title “Orange is the New Black or OITNB“, but just when did it become so popular to declutter? There seems to be many reason behind why people are doing it. So let’s look at why “Decluttering is the New Black or DITNB”
Decluttering is the 1st step in Home Staging
As the owner of Better Homes and Staging, we often start with decluttering and organization. This in itself transforms spaces creating an environment that will invite the potential buyer to envision themselves living in their new home. In the event that we are providing this service for the client that is remaining in their home it can be a life altering. Many people are discovering that the transformation of having less clutter provides a freedom they themselves never envisioned. How is this possible you ask?
An organized and decluttered space pertains to not only physical spaces, such as, closets, cabinets and kitchens, but calendar space, as well. The National Association of Realtors recent survey found that over half of sellers agents recommend they declutter prior to putting their home on the market. Items that have a place and a purpose allow you to find them quickly and efficiently freeing your time and mind of a precious commodity…space!
Decluttering transforms your Space
Decluttering truly can transform your space. I have concentrated on decluttering each element of my life by reducing the amount of material possessions I own and removing those that are unnecessary. This has allowed me to focus on those items I value most. Now don’t misunderstand what I am saying. We all like nice things, myself included and my mother always said “a larger home allows you to have a place to put everything” and she was right. I completely buy into that philosophy. It helps me to stay organized by having a place for everything. Although, you do not need a particular size home to be organized and remain clutter free. Trust me, I know when something has been moved or not put back in its place. I guess you could call it an affliction, but this is also something you’ll have to trust me on when I say, I know there are worse things to have!
Instead of thinking outside of the box, get rid of it!
First, take photos so you have before and after proof of your hard work and progress. You will be astonished!! We can declutter by having a simple system in place. I like to use the four box system. Box 1 Consists of trash, things that you are going to just plain get rid of that are not worth keeping or donating that you are asking yourself why you still have it?? Remember to be mindful of recycling whenever possible. Box 2 Give it away or if your ambitious sell it. I have provided suggestions for donations and charities below. You can always have a garage sale…why not make it a community endeavor??!! Box 3 Organize/Put away are items that need to be allocated to their proper place, perhaps in smaller containers or boxes saving you time and energy looking for them later! and finally Box 4 Storage, these are the things that you can’t bear to part with but you don’t need or use on a daily or even weekly basis. They can go in an attic or storage space. It is essential to keep an good inventory of these items so that you are not left wondering where they are or what they are when you either move or look for them. A good example is holiday decorations.
One man’s “Declutter” is another Man’s Treasure!
We have all heard this saying in one form or another. Ideally, we would like to see items repurposed or donated as opposed to ending up in our landfills. If they need to be disposed of, please be sure they are disposed of properly. I believe part of being a good person and business owner I have a responsibility to my community. As part of my business we perform the service of decluttering so I’ll go one step further to assist with the aftermath of declutter, because, yes, there is an aftermath! Until you have donated, repurposed or disposed of said aftermath the process is not complete. I have provided some suggestions and guidelines that hopefully will prove useful.
DONATE/REPURPOSE:
VA, DAV, Community Hospice (throws, beanies, socks, slippers), Thrift shops, Goodwill, Homeless Shelters, Local Police and Fire Departments (clothing, books, toys-children), Assisted living or skilled nursing facilities (walkers, canes, wheel chairs, shower seats) Women’s Shelters (car seats, toys, books, clothing, personal care items) Habitat ReStore/Habitat for Humanity
Please, contact your local county for proper hazardous waste disposal instructions. These instructions are per the respective county websites. They pertain to those closest in proximity to the communities that we at Better Homes and Staging proudly serve.
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL:
Volusia County (386)-943-7889
- Garbage companies don’t pick up Hazardous Waste, such as: car batteries, all automobile related liquids or parts, engine degreaser, metal cleaners, hobby chemicals, rechargeable batteries, lighter fluid, varnish, wood/cement sealers, paint, paint thinner, turpentine, acetone, acid, lye, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insect repellents, flea dips & sprays, rodent bait, rat poison, mothballs, fluorescent tubes, spiral, and compact bulbs, mercury thermometers or thermostats, pool or spa chemicals, bio-hazardous waste, sharps (needles), etc.
- Please bring all of these items – with the exception of bio-hazardous waste – to the Household Hazardous Waste site located at the Tomoka Landfill or the West Volusia Transfer Station.
- Disposal of bio-hazardous waste can be coordinated with your local Health Department.
Flagler County (386)-517-2075
- Batteries
- Fluorescent lights
- Household cleaners
- Paint products
- Pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Used oil
- Flagler County Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Monday through Friday • 7 -3:30PM 1700 S. Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach, FL
One “DITNB” box at a time!
Standing the test of time, the “little black dress” is considered by many women to be an essential part of their wardrobe. Clearly, the intention being to simplify fashion. Most people have the desire to bring that same simplicity into their home. Home is where our story begins…” Better Homes and Staging was created to transform spaces into better homes- one box at a time!
Follow me on social media …“Maybe I’ll Pinterest. I hear that’s a thing.”