Declaring Independence From Clutter

Happy July 4^th!  Whether you’re barbecuing with friends, ooo-ing and ahhh-ing over sparkly fireworks, or picnicking at the beach, there’s a lot to be thankful for on our nation’s birthday. In terms of your home, I have an idea – how about declaring independence from clutter?  Today, while we celebrate our freedom and everything that makes America great, I’d like to share some tips to give you freedom against the piles and piles of STUFF that can so easily overpower your home.  Freedom from clutter – yes!  And if your house is on the market, you’ll be thanking yourself when buyers come calling.

The closet. The more stuff lying around, the more claustrophobic a space can feel. Organizing a closet is a great way to freshen up your home. Go through old clothes and get rid of items you haven’t worn in more than a year. Take the rest to the dry cleaner. By the end of the week, you should have some room in that closet, and your favorite wardrobe staples will finally be front and center.

The bedroom. And oh-so-easy place to let the piles grow. Start by getting rid of all those mounds of clothes, books and bottles of perfume with a few remaining drops. Bedrooms should evoke feelings of love and intimacy, sleep and peace. Whenever I make over a bedroom, I think about how I’d like to feel – safe, relaxed, free and calm. Make your bed look gorgeous. Invest in plush linens that pull together the room’s appeal. I don’t like to see dirty laundry, threadbare sheets or shoes lying about (and buyers don’t either).

Your haven for peace & quiet. And maybe a little romance?

The kitchen. Strip your kitchen of tired utensils, dirty-bottomed pots and pans, and dishes in the sink. Make your floors shine so that they reflect the light and bounce it happily around the room. Then, tackle the refrigerator. Throw out bottles of sauce and condiments you haven’t used in months. And toss out anything crusty or caked. Wash off the shelves with hot water and vinegar. You’ll love how fresh and clean your refrigerator looks the next time you open it! If you’ve still got some energy left, clean out your cupboards.

A streamlined kitchen leaves more room for preparing meals and catching up on the day with your family.

The living room. Vacuum your chairs and couches — and don’t forget under the pillows. Move furniture and vacuum underneath. Throw out those old pillows and buy some new ones! Check out ABC Carpet & Home for luscious selections, or visit Tiny Living for fun ideas to organize your possessions. Dusting out and organizing your living room will make it seem fresh and new.

This 1 bedroom apartment had tired furniture and was overflowing with papers.

We cleared out the living room & brought in fresh furniture from the exclusive JV Collection. The result: these furnishings maximized the property value. Now it’s ready for buyers to make that immediate offer!

Summer blooms: I used to work in the heart of the flower district, and fragrant blossoms were always on my mind. To bring that sweet smell into your newly cleaned-out and organized home, go buy some tulips or lilies or an arrangement of summer wildflowers. Place them in a nice window planter and voilà, you’ve got a flower garden on your sill. Wheat grass planted in little black square bowls is another way to bring the best of the outdoors inside.

Bringing the outdoors inside.

Last steps?

Relax.

Be thankful.

Celebrate your new-found independence in your very own home.