Expert: Jamie Novak - 8/31/2006

Question
Hi!  My husband and I have lived in a 2 bed 1.5 bath town house for close to 3 years.  (My husband has been there for almost 8!) We have a new 7 month old that is still sleeping in our bedroom because the other room is junked up!  We are looking for a house, but in the mean time the stuff just keeps backing up!  I have a ton of clothes that I don't want to get rid of but can't wear yet from my pregnancy.  Plus I've got my pregnancy clothes that I want to keep for the next time.  

I also have all of my child hood things, that when I moved in were just thrown into that extra room.  Plus you have his stuff that has been moved from other parts of the house and thrown in there.  

My husband said not to worry because when we move he'll just go thru and throw everything away!!!!  THAT CAN"T HAPPEN!

So my questions is what are some helpfull hints to start getting ready for the move, so when we do get ready it will all be easy to move, plus not to mention the house will be cleaner!  Can I store stuff in Cardboard/packing boxes? (I heard bugs would get in my stuff)  I don't have the money to go buy tote boxes!  We are hoping to be in a house within the next couple of months!  
Would you suggest spending an extra 30ish bucks a month for a storage unit?
Thanks!!!

Answer
Jacque, thanks for your question, sorry for the delay in a reply, I was off for the holiday.

Well it sure seems like you have your hands full! And you are correct that things need to be dealt with BEFORE it is time to move.

I have some simple ideas that I hope will help. You can find more ideas on my website at www.JamieNovak.com and on Sept 14th at 9 PM I am going to be offering a free call, we'll talk about this exact thing.

So let me assure you that this can be solved. And I;m glad to hear you are taking steps now to declutter, that way your baby will learn the skill of organization from an early age when it is easiet.

About the storage unit- bad idea :)

OK, here are some things you can do, I also included some hints on selling a house for the most profit, I hope you find those useful in a few months when you move.

Clearing Clutter

1. set your timer for 18 minutes and start work in one area.

2. put like items together as you go until the bell rings

3. as you sort label the piles so you can easily see what you have

4. work in 18 minute blocks at least once a week until you can see what you have in the area

5. put away just what you use and love

6. find good homes for the other stuff you are not using right now

7. if you are storing something away use small boxes and place all of one type of item per box

8. clearly label each box on every side so you know what is inside

9. work in small blocks of time do not attempt marathon sessions

10. once you have sorted an area be sure to keep it clear then start working on the next area

Moving Simplified

Here are some tips to make preparing to move easier:

1.   Start by creating a moving notebook. Take a 3-ring notebook; add some sheet protectors, index tabs, folders, and notepaper. Carry this with you all the time. This is where you can store your lists of things to do, business cards, important numbers, contracts and so much more. No more hunting for lost papers.

2.   Pare down to what you use and love, in other words only the stuff you think is worthwhile to move. Do you need to move three egg separators? Or can you part with two of them? If you locate a charity to donate to it can make parting with items easier.
3.   
Choose a charity that picks up; keep their number in your Moving notebook. Call them often, do not wait until you have everything to give them in one shot, have them come and take away all the stuff that is still good but that you do not need any longer.

4.   Consider having a moving party. Invite friends and family to bring boxes, you supply the pizza, put on music, and pack the night away.

5.   Pack like with like, make the boxes manageable in size and weight, paper is heavier than you think.

6.   Label everything! And label all sides of boxes.

7.   Do a little packing each day. You do not have to wait for large chunks of time to pack, by adding even a few pieces to a box a few times a day, entire rooms can be packed in increments.

8.   Pack one bag of the essentials so when you get to the new house you do not have to open boxes to find toilet paper or a cup. Include bath towels, paper products, glasses, sheets and any medication or vitamins.

9.   Take a photo of the outside of the house before you leave for your memory box.

10.   Create a maybe box, pack up all items your might be okay letting go of. Move them to the new space and if you don not unpack that box in six months let the box go (without opening it.)

HOME STAGING TIPS

The goal: To make your home look as spacious and inviting as possible so the potential buyer can imagine happily living there.
Preparing
o   Keep in mind that your home is no longer yours, it is a sellable item, and following the guidelines will net you more profit.
o   Remember that this is temporary, and the more you pack now the less you’ll have to do when it sells.
o   Try walking through your home with a trusted friend, ask them to critique the space.
o   Clear the clutter!
o   Clean, windows, carpets, walls, bathrooms, sinks and more. If it can’t be cleaned, replace it.
o   Pack away throw rugs, they give the impression you are trying to cover something up.
o   Pack away collectables and photos, home buyers need to imagine their photos on the tables not be reminded this is not their house when they see yours.
o   Check out who else has a house for sale in the area and go to their open house to get ideas of what works and what doesn’t.
Open House and Showing Tips
o   Take down, or rearrange certain pictures or objects on walls. Patch and paint if necessary.
o   Leave on certain lights during the day.
o   Turn on all lights and lamps.
o   Have a nice scent in the air, tart burner, baking cookies etc.
o   Have stereo FM on during the day for all viewings.
Outside Your Home
o   Walk around the outside of the home, remove all garbage cans, wrap up garden hoses, remove all extra stuff. If you need to call 1-800-got-junk for removal at a fee.
o   Look at all plants in your landscaping, remove dead ones, prune them if need be. Keep them from blocking windows.
o   Weed and then mulch all planting areas. Keep lawn freshly trimmed and remove and dead plants or shrubs.
o   Clear potted plants as plants indicate work to many people.
o   Clear patios or decks of all small items. such as small planters, charcoal, Barbecues, sandboxes, kiddie pools, toys and more.
o   Repaint if needed, the trim, the house, the doors (especially the front doors) and so on. Choose neutral colors (sage, light gold, pale yellows and gray)
o   Replace the mailbox
o   Replace the outside light and keep the entry way well lighted
o   Be sure the house numbers are clearly visible
House Rules While the House is on the Market
o   Make all the beds everyday no matter what
o   Keep all toilet seats down and the towels neatly hung up and toothpaste globs out of the sink
o   Make sure everything is cleaned up after meals, sticky tables, dishes in the dishwasher etc.
o   Don’t leave anything on the floor especially dirty laundry
o   Trash goes out every day and keep up on the laundry
o   Kitty litter is changed every day
o   Use the fan or open windows when cooking to minimize food odor.
Living Spaces
o   Remove piles of clutter, mail, magazines, catalogs, or books.
o   Keep the curtains open so natural light shines in.
o   If the room is crowded, remove any unessential furnishings, dust the remaining furniture.
o   Have some fresh flowers visible, change them often. You might even consider asking a local florist to bring a fresh bunch weekly for a special price.
Kitchen Ideas
o   Appliances and the floor must be cleaned after every meal to a spotless shine.
o   Repair or change anything that sticks, squeaks, or drips.
o   Clear off the front of the refrigerator.
o   Cabinet space is valuable, put away anything you do not use every day.
o   Clear everything from countertops.
The Master Bedroom
o   Clear off tops of dressers and nightstands.
o   Closet space is important, be sure only what you use now is in the closet, store everything else.
Bathrooms
o   Clear off the countertops, space is valuable.
o   Look at the grout and tiles scrub them if needed.
o   Make sure the ceiling fan works and doesn’t squeak.
Home Office
o   Clear off all surfaces, keep desktops clear of papers.
o   Use a cord bundler to keep nests of wires and cords out of site.
Resources:

Pods Storage 888-776-PODS (they deliver a pod, you fill it and they pick it up)


Best of luck to you, I know you can do this, remember small steps!

Fondly, Jamie

PS hope to have you on the Sept 14th call.