Want to know a great activity that is both perfect for the long Alaska winters AND will help increase the attractiveness and value of your home? It\u2019s time for some serious decluttering. And we\u2019ve got all the tips to make it feel less like a chore and more like a dance party.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re living in your forever home (lucky you!) you probably have \u201cstuff\u201d that has piled up her and there that needs to be dealt with. Kids get older, sports teams change, outdoor gear and seasonal wear gets all mixed up and you\u2019re left feeling stressed out just looking at the mess. Decluttering can transform your living space and help you enjoy your home more than you ever have.<\/p>\n
Then there are those who are thinking about a move in the near future, selling their home, anticipating a new job, or knowing that a military transfer to a new location is just around the corner. Decluttering not only keeps your home looking good and making great impressions, it streamlines your living conditions and gives you the freedom for quick moves if needed.<\/p>\n
For all of the above, we\u2019ve gathered a few easy ways to clear the clutter without getting overwhelmed.<\/p>\n
FIRST, don\u2019t tackle everything at once. Choose one area and designate an hour or two at the most. Turn on some fun music, stream your favorite silly show on your tablet or listen to a fun podcast while you\u2019re working and it\u2019ll make the sorting and hauling much more fun.<\/p>\n
NEXT, get started with the sorting. Start by getting rid of everything that can be trashed or donated. If you haven\u2019t looked at it, used it, or thought of it for more than a year, it needs to go. (Unless it has sentimental or financial value, then you need to store or sell it).<\/p>\n
After you\u2019ve made some space by getting rid of the trash, tagging and bagging donation items, and putting them in your car to be dropped off the next trip you\u2019re out, take a breath and look at the great work you\u2019ve done. Feels pretty good, right?<\/p>\n
Now it\u2019s time to start organizing. Here\u2019s a secret \u2013 clutter doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re a messy person. In fact, most of the time it\u2019s probably that things are just in the wrong place. Look at what\u2019s left in the space you\u2019re working on and find the right home for everything you see. Laundry items belong in the laundry room. Sports equipment in the mud room. Coats and outdoor gear goes in a specific closet. Kids\u2019 toys go in their rooms, hampers or baskets in play areas. Homework, paperwork, and mail in its designated location. Bathroom products and toiletries should be stored in drawers and under the sinks, not scattered over the counters.<\/p>\n