Start the year downsizing & decluttering

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Decluttering is a top 2022 New Year’s resolution for most homeowners. It improves the appearance of your living space, reduces stress, and makes things easier in the event you choose to move at some point during the year.

By Jennifer Underwood, Realtor, ABR, CRS, SRES

Decluttering is a top 2022 New Year’s resolution for most homeowners. It improves the appearance of your living space, reduces stress, and makes things easier in the event you choose to move at some point during the year.

Guiding my clients through the decluttering process is an important part of my job, and I’ve picked up some helpful suggestions over the years for how to make the task more manageable. Here are three simple steps:

1. Start small. Choose one room or area at a time so you won’t be overwhelmed. Put it on your calendar like any other appointment and it won’t be hanging over your head indefinitely.

2. Grab a friend. If you’re a keeper, call a thrower. Sometimes it’s tough to part with things. Having an objective outside party on board to be honest with you is helpful.

3. Make three piles. Every item of clutter you touch should go into one of three piles: to keep, toss or donate.

There are a number of charitable organizations that will take your items. Some will even come pick up your things. Try the Vietnam Veterans (VVA.org/donate), the Salvation Army (SATruck.org), Habitat for Humanity (LorainCountyHabitat.org/donations) or DonateStuff.com in Cuyahoga County.

Jen Herron Underwood works at the Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Offices at 2055 Crocker Road, Suite 101, in Westlake. Check out her “Downsizing 101” seminar on YouTube. Call her cell at 440-371-2862 or visit JenniferHerron.com for more information.

Categories: Westside Professional Services