A Kickoff to Spring (or anytime) Cleaning

Each spring, Portland throws open its windows, breaks out the vinegar-based cleaning solutions and rolls up its sleeves to dig into a deep clean. For those who are in the process of selling their home, they won't wait until the dry(er) season to start this process. The KonMari Method of organizing and cleaning up is less ruthless disposal and more thoughtful sorting. By clearing out items that no longer "spark joy" or serve an integral purpose, homes get a fresh boost of energy and space for future buyers.

Marie Kondo, author of the #1 New York Times best-selling book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," and recent star of Netflix's "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo," advocates for organization on a more manageable scale.

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"The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go."

The process of preparing your home for the market can be daunting without the added element of sorting which items stay and go. Looking at belongings through a subjective lens allows for you to more thoughtfully pack those that carry meaning or purpose while also increasing the amount of space in your future home. This process is particularly important before you or your agent schedule a photographer: fresh, bright and tidy spaces will ultimately photograph far better!

Follow the KonMari Method's 6 Basic Rules of Tidying

RULE 01

Commit yourself to tidying up.

RULE 02

Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

RULE 03

Finish discarding first.

RULE 04

Tidy by category, not by location.

RULE 05

Follow the right order.

RULE 06

Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

While we may not all have an affinity for organization and "tidying up," the steps to making your home a more approachable, versatile space to buyers begins with a simple intention.

Originally posted by Keeping Current Matters. Excerpts from konmari.com