on Jan 4th, 2010The time to declutter is now!
If the start of the new year has you looking around your house and wondering, Where did I get all this stuff, and WHY?, it might be time to add PURGING to your 2010 resolutions. While that might sound like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Just follow these simple steps and your Indianapolis real estate will be a zen-like retreat in no time!
- Set the bar low. Don’t try to tackle your entire house at once. Chances are the only thing you’ll achieve is frustration. Pick a room (your favorite, the one that needs the least help, the smallest room in your house, whatever…) and give it the once over, getting rid of anything that’s obviously unnecessary. Once that’s done, dig deeper, opening drawers and closets for a more thorough purging. Three times around a room should ensure that you’ve done all you can! Uncertain about whether you should actually get rid of something, apply the following standard….
- Haven’t used it? Lose it. If you haven’t picked it up, worn it, or even looked at it in six months or longer ask yourself what the odds are that you ever will. Better yet, don’t even ask. Just get rid of it. Having trouble letting go? Try this…
- A little help from friends. One good and trusted friend is really all you need. While they’ll understand what’s important to you, they’ll also have a more impartial, rational view of your “treasures.” And speaking of treasures, remember that….
- One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Unless, of course, it really is just trash, in which case you should send it directly to the dumpster. Consider donating anything that’s in good and working condition. Sure, you could save it for a yard sale, but is the hassle really worth the $2 you’ll get for your $50 lamp? NO! Donating can be a good tax write off, and it you’ll feel good knowing your stuff is benefiting someone else. Many charitable organizations such as AmVets, Goodwill and Second Starts will even pick up your donated items! How easy is that? There’s only one thing left to do…
- Just say NO! Unless you correct your bad habits and stop bringing more things into your home than you need, all your hard work will be for naught. Adopt a strict Do Not Enter policy. If you can’t immediately think of a place to put an object, a legitimate need for an item of clothing or a reason to replace a gadget, leave it at the store. Your bank account and your home will be happier for it!
For information on Indianapolis real estate, contact your Indianapolis REALTOR:
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty
317.840.7555
Pat@HaddadTeam.com