Clutter Doesn’t Sell!
‘Stuff’ has a ‘visual noise’ about it (to coin a phrase) that makes it difficult to think clearly.  How can anyone decide if their stuff will look good in your space if that space is chock full of furniture and decorative items? This is a wonderful opportunity for you to weed through your belongings.  After all you want your next home to literally represent a fresh start. Don’t know where to begin? Pick a room and start at one end and work your way through to the other. Stay focused on small areas and allow your success to move out into the room. All those newspapers and magazines you’ve been meaning to read can go to the recycler. Whittle down your memorabilia so that you aren’t lugging too much of the past into your future. If you already have the new space, draw diagrams and place your furniture. Donate or sell the pieces you can’t take with you.  It’s time to be ruthless. You might even fund your move if you sell enough pieces!

From the Outside In …
If your home is clutter free and presents the ideal neutral image but the outside is a tangled mess of half dead plants, a broken fence and paint peeling off the sides, don’t expect the real estate caravan to make a pit stop.  Your home will be the ultimate drive by!  Ask your real estate agent which projects like a fence or landscaping will help you get your asking price. Play your cards right and your profit will reimburse all your improvement expenses.

Feng Shui & Moving
The ancient Chinese ‘art of placement’ known as Feng Shui teaches that if you wish to move to a better place, neighborhood or situation, show respect and give attention to your current residence.  You are demonstrating the care you will provide the new residence you’re seeking. You are also showing respect for the person who will take over your current home. Perhaps this idea will inspire you should you be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of a move.

The Vacation or Second Home
Not every move means you are taking all of your possessions with you.  You might be lucky enough to have a second or weekend house or perhaps one you visit each summer. Nothing is more confusing then wondering where you left a treasured item.  Be sure your second home has towels and linens.  Stock the kitchen with plates, glasses and some basic cooking utensils.  Each weekend or summer when you arrive, you’ll know you can settle right in!  Make use of Excel and keep a list of special items you have in this home.  Next winter you’ll be grateful to discover that you didn’t lose that copy of “Wuthering Heights,” you simply left it in the lake house.

In Conclusion
Moving is always a huge undertaking.  All the obvious elements come into play: turning off utilities at the current address and finding new providers. Culling through years of collected memorabilia, clothing, pots, pans and photos. Looking at furniture in a new light to see what will work and what won’t.  It’s exhausting which is why I devoted an entire month to the process.  As with any big undertaking, with a plan you are going to be able to stay on schedule and achieve success easily. See this time as a positive transition to the next phase of your life.  Fill the process with joy rather than sorrow and regret.  You know what they say: it isn’t what happens to you in life, it’s how you deal with it. With One Year to an Organized Life I know you can successfully navigate any move.

Big Blend Radio - Regina Leeds was a featured guest on Garden Gossip radio on July 10, 2010. To listen to Regina's interview, please click here. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the entire show, please click here.