Declutter Your Home: The Ultimate Guide to Selling Fast | How to Get Rid of Your Stuff
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Have you wondered how to declutter your home? One of the most daunting tasks when you are thinking about selling your home or downsizing is what to do with your stuff. Especially your stuff that no one wants. And how do you do this FAST? Kati breaks down the process of giving away your stuff, selling it, or trashing it. This is an emotional process and Kati wants to make sure you have the right places to start with the resources provided!
This video talks about the emotionally charged and logistically complex task of decluttering your home for sale. Featuring expert advice from a seasoned real estate agent who has facilitated hundreds of sellers, it breaks down decluttering into manageable steps. It addresses the emotional hurdles, planning and scheduling, the reality of unwanted possessions, and the generational shift in valuing items. Additionally, the video provides strategies for efficiently sorting, selling, donating, or disposing of items. Highlighting services like Caring Transitions for comprehensive estate sales and the effectiveness of platforms like Facebook Marketplace for giving away items, it aims to make the decluttering process less daunting. Ultimately, Kati's "Ready, Set, Sell Master Class" is introduced as a resource to further aid sellers in preparing their homes for a successful sale, promising substantial financial benefits by following five simple steps.
RESOURCES IN TODAY'S VIDEO
⚡️ ➡️ Ready. Set. Sell! Masterclass: bit.ly/ReadySetSellLive46
⚡️ ➡️ Caring Transitions: bit.ly/CaringTransitions
⚡️ ➡️ Honest Junk Company: bit.ly/Honest-Junk
⚡️ ➡️ TaskRabbit: bit.ly/Task-Rabbit
⚡️ ➡️ The Bagster: bit.ly/DBagster
⚡️ ➡️ DOWNLOAD our FREE Seller's Playbook: bit.ly/TLHSellerChecklist46 🔥
⭐️ Need an Agent Anywhere in the Country? Fill out this form... bit.ly/Find-An-Agent-46
⭐️ In Illinois or Florida? Kati can list your home! Text or Call Kati directly at 847-318-3431 today!
❓ SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS❓ to Kati to answer in a Live Stream or video!
bit.ly/QuestionsForKati
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Planning
02:27 No One Wants Your Stuff
04:06 Who Does Want Your Stuff
05:28 Moving
06:35 Selling
07:43 Resources
09:00 Trash
09:54 Ready Set Sell Master Class
10:35 Packing Up Your Stuff
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⚡️ ➡️ Avoid These Costly Updates When Selling Your Home: What Really Pays Off ttps:// • Avoid These Costly Upd...
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Hey, Kati Spaniak here, I’m a top Chicago North Shore Real Estate Agent. Thanks for watching my channel your ultimate guide to selling and buying homes in the Chicagoland area. Specializing in the vibrant communities of Northbrook, Glenview, Northfield, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest and Deerfield. I offer expert advice and insider tips to navigate the North Shore Chicago real estate market with ease.
Whether you're looking to sell your property for the best price or buy your dream home, my channel provides comprehensive support, market insights, and personalized services to meet all your real estate needs. Stay tuned for our latest success stories and invaluable advice from one of the top Realtors on the North Shore of Chicago, ensuring you make informed decisions in this dynamic market. Terra Lux Homes (Formerly the Spaniak Team)
Subscribe for the latest updates and reach out for a personalized consultation to start your journey in the North Shore Chicago real estate market today!
Kati Spaniak | Team Leader & Broker
Terra Lux Homes - eXp Realty
847-318-3431
www.TerraLuxHomes.com
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*Thinking about selling your home in the next 5 years. Join my Ready! Set! Sell! Masterclass and find out all the ways to prepare your home to maximize your profit!* bit.ly/TLH-PIN
Marketing and selling. Come on! Is all about you right?
When we moved across country I called Salvation Army to asked if they were aware of anyone who had been victims of a fire. So thankful I made that call. The day before they’d received a call from a young couple with a small child who’d lost everything. They took a large pickup load of furniture, home decor items, sheets & pillow cases, towels & many small kitchen items. It was a WIN WIN for both of us. We felt so blessed to help someone in need & the couple was overwhelmed that complete strangers were willing to help them .
We also had two young nephews getting married that each took a pickup full of stuff. It helped knowing 3 loads went to people who both needed & appreciated what we had to leave behind.
This is a really nice story. Thx for sharing!
Love this!❤❤❤
What a great way to declutter!
❤
I love the idea of donating to a family that was in crisis.
Downsized from a 7000 sq ft mansion to an 800 sq ft penthouse apartment and I couldn't be happier. My kids won't have to go through some massive hoard when I croak.
Yep!! Thanks for watching!
She’s not kidding. It hurts watching your stuff go away. Even if you sell it. Downsizing sucks, but better you do it, rather than forcing that on your family when you pass.
Thanks for your comment!
i have toys from the 80s and 90s that i cant let go. Like Alf and the Gremlins.
I had to explain to my parents when they kept dumping their stuff on me, that your stuff is connected to a memory you want to keep. Your memories are not my memories, therefore I don’t have any reasons to bring those things into my home to somehow carry forward your attachments. I’ve noticed that giving up attachments to stuff is sometimes a 2 step process. Once someone finally is willing to get it out of their house, some look for someone in the family. Because, in a way the family is still close to their stuff, and they can check on their stuff. How do you like that antique mirror I gave you? Isn’t it a treasure! In my case, I accepted one thing, and then my parents thought, if I took one thing, I must want everything they want to purge. I started getting their stuff dropped off at my house in boxes. I figured out soon that this was the only way they could get rid of stuff, so I took their boxes and just threw it in the trash or took it to charity. If someone cannot let go of things because it holds a memory, I recommend that you take a picture and put it in an album.
@@lynnesews9725 Yes. you summed this up perfectly!!! You nailed it
IDK, a proper Texas sized bond fire could sort out many excess toys or items...
Emotional? Maybe. Do you won stuff or does that stuff own you???
I get that keeping some things makes sense even if it is only on an emotional level, yet this lady is correct - declutter when able!
I am only half way through your presentation, I have to stop and say straight away you are so right. I'm 70 so I really have old school mentality. When I had to clean out my Family's two family home it was unbearable.
I thought I would get a little money here and there. Was I wrong. I called antique dealers to view what I thought was "the good stuff" and was offered 40 dollars for a dresser. I spent hundreds renting an 11x15 storage unit. I finally realized after a few years that it was insane. I did it initially because it was so emotionally over whelming to me and I was pressed for time to sell the house to pay the nursing home, so I stored everything until I could cope. I don't wish this on anyone. I'm going to downside because I am single and have no children or grands. I thank you for being so honest.
So sorry that I was right about this!! It's truly draining!
I'm going through your same situation now and as a single dealing with the emotions and being pressured to sell while finding ways and means to not just simply throw all is really an eye opener for me to downsize.
Thank you for writing back. I sincerely hope that you find some me time and don't do everything all at once.I know, easier said then done. Please be kind to yourself. Wishing you all the best,much kindness.@@nadir8804
Antique values have gone down significantly. I visited local thrift store. They only sell perfect stuff. Unique, real quality,and beautiful items were priced lower than Walmart cheap stuff!
I will be down sizing in 3-4 years time and I am starting on this process now. You’re right that no one wants your stuff. I’ve donated quite a lot, furniture is difficult to get rid of and absolutely no one wants an old piano. 😅
Tale of 2 sets of grandparents: one set did not have a will, all the siblings fought during the funeral. The other set walked each child and grandchild through the house, limited each to 3 items, marked them accordingly, everything else was sold/donated after their passing.
That is a good system!
@@KatiSpaniakdefinitely left everyone with nothing to argue over.
Ridiculous
Why are ppl so petty ?
@@sandysmom100 ... what is ridiculous??
People with cluttered houses think the problem is they aren’t organized when in actuality, they have more items than they can manage. It makes life difficult to constantly have the stuff on the back of your mind.
Truth!
I stopped buying things that I don’t TRULY need. Game changer in my life! You won’t have much clutter if you just stop buying stuff that you don’t actually need.
So true, you need to separate needs from wants. I save so much money by having this mindset.
Same - I actually had MORE (unexpected) money for a vacation last year!! I’ll never go back to spending on things I don’t genuinely need.
truth!
That is where I am too. I have everything I need, really. It's so freeing. Every once in a while I buy something, but I must love it and have a place for it.
I’ve been putting things aside that we have duplicate of or that were gifted to us for our son for when he’s out on his own. He got married last year and his wife is very appreciative of the things I’ve offered. I told her to be honest and not to worry about hurting my feelings. So far, so good. If she wants to get rid of things later I will not be offended. We’ve boxed up a lot, kitchenwares especially and it will save them a lot of money when they’re out on their own.
When I had to clean out a house, I did the following:
1. Yard sale -- everything priced to sell, made hundreds but not thousands
2. St. Vincent de Paul Society pickup -- they carted away the usable items that didn't sell, for free
3. County large trash pickup, but put items out early -- scheduled a pickup by the county service that hauls away big trash. I used this for things I was not even willing to give to charity because of missing parts or visible damage. But people told me to put the items out early. I did, and more than half was gone before the county even showed up.
Seriously, when they say no one wants your stuff, they mean no one in your own social circle wants your stuff. But the world is full of dumpster divers who will strip a non-working microwave for parts.
Great recommendations! I highly highly recommend local companies and charities. A lot of them will even pick up your stuff for free!
How do you know what to price things at?
@@karenm9868 Just looked at a few other yard sales in the area before I had mine. And I was wiling to haggle, since the goal was to get rid of things while getting SOME money rather than to maximize the profit.
I barely want MY stuff. I definitely don't want anyone else's stuff.
😆
Haha very true! Thanks for watching!
Truth
Indeed
😂😂😂❤
I admire my children for not wanting what I have. They just don't want clutter. How I wish I didn't fall prey to the more is more mantra years ago. I started clearing out about 15 years ago and I continue the process monthly. I don't buy like I used to which has helped greatly. My daughter told me a few months back that she can't believe how much my mindset has changed about stuff. I took that as a compliment.
Thanks for sharing!! It is an important process that I still work through!
I think one of the reasons we tend to overvalue our "stuff" is because we attach our memories to it...
I totally agree. After going through my stuff I realized some of those memories I was ready to let go of. Definitely others I was not ready to part ways with.
especially if you are a widow or widower, it makes you feel guilty be giving away things they bought or kept ( for some reason ) BUT it is Sooo relieving to do it , you then really can start your second life , and i know the dead person will approve of this YOU onmly get one life , and it is ONLY STUFF, memories are still there and that why we do what we do right >?? to make experiences and memories? no one ever said on their deathbed i wish i had bought more stuff, instead of going to see LONDON with the grandkids ?? LOL
Yes, i get emotionally attached to things. Im 59 and i have some things i made in elementary and jr high.
You are absolutely correct when you say nobody wants your stuff. If you have family or friends that ask for items you're getting rid of, great. Don't try to guilt people into taking your stuff, you are just placing unnecessary stress and a future burden on them. I say this as a someone in their mid sixties. Also true that people over value their posessions. An item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, period.
Truth!! Thx for your comments!
I am a second hand dealer in South Africa and I buy everything you don't want or need anymore. It is simple to deal with a second hand shop. I come to your house, make an offer on each item and if we have negotiated a price, I load everything up and pay you in cash and take it out of your life. SIMPLE AND EASY
I did this when I moved away from New Zealand to Scotland. He bought the stereo, the cutlery, everything. He said everything sells if the price is right. He gave me twice what I expected because he bought everything, not just the bed and sofa. Very liberating for me
Hi @annelienaude7200 where in South Africa are you based?
Most of them in the USA will only give you a one flat price for everything regardless of the value of each piece.
This is what I need here in Colorado. Hmmm, just thought of this…maybe I can start a business doing what you do!
When we decluttered our home, I asked around to all the churches and kids friends. my extra sheets ,blankets, towels, pillows. Extra dishes. Decorating items. You name it, I helped out more underprivileged families. It made me feel so good.
That's wonderful!
👏👏👏
This makes me think - wouldn’t it feel so good just to have a FREE yard sale?
Drag it all outside, give to your neighbors and hopefully those truly in need.
You have a GREAT idea!!
👏💕👏
LOVE IT
Awsomeness!
@@user-ex3mx7hk4l Adore this idea!
Mother-in-law lived to be 95 and her attic was full of boxes.1 for every holiday not to mention her basement and garage. Finally my husband had to rent a dumpster. You are absolutely right. NO ONE WANTS YOUR STUFF!!!
I know... it's sad!
Most people don't have the room for the stuff. I have no room for any of my in-laws stuff. They have both passed.
When we declutter I just put it out on the curb and it is quickly picked up, it is much less stress than trying to sell it for a few dollars. I am getting my mother to do Swedish death cleaning so we are not left with a bunch of belongings to get rid of when she passes away. She is finding this hard to do but with my encouragement she is slowly getting there. She just called me yesterday to ask me if I wanted her silver tea set, I said no because the queen is never going to be coming to my house, 🤣
We have been dumping my Dad’s junk for approx 2 years and it’s been brutal. Kudos for you to get your Mom to do the Swedish death cleaning.
Good for you and your mom!
@@teresalopez7081maybe she can sell her items? That might make it easier for her 😢
I do the same
Silver tea sets do well in antique shoppes and pawn shops.
Memory items. Take a picture of them which triggers the memory with no need for the physical item. Win/win.
I heard that suggested years ago and now that’s what I do!!!
Until you need to declutter your computer....
I am selling, donating and purging my folks house, more than 50 years in a 4000 sq ft under roof. FULL basement packed with mom's treasures. Daunting. BUT the house sold well and fast when it was empty, clean, stripped wall paper and wall to wall gone. Thank goodness I had purged a lot from my house prior to this project......I have my MILs stuff now too. Marketplace is my retirement job......
Clean homes do sell easier! Thanks for sharing!
donated everything - a year later - no regrets
That’s usually the case
We donated most of our stuff before we moved out of state. There are a few items we regret donating because we now need them and it costs much more to buy them now due to the crazy inflation. But overall, we feel much lighter not having to deal with all the junk/clutter we’ve foolishly kept for years in our crowded home!
Even the local thrift stores did not want ANY of our stuff. It was all in great condition too.
We live in a very rural area on 10 acres. After trying to even give away some nice real wood furniture, we finally ended up having a very big bon-fire with it all. 🔥🔥🔥Best thing we ever did! 🔥🔥🔥
Wow.
When my father passed, I had a clearance sale and many dealers showed up. They all sang the same tune. "Don't get rid of that it's worth $xx.xx." "Okay, make me an offer." "Oh, no. I can't use it." I ended up bagging tons of stuff and my cousins helped me put the furniture on the curb. We put an ad on Craigslist to "come and get it." It wasn't long before they showed up in trucks and hauled stuff away to resell. That was fine by me. That's their business. But I don't like when they want me to PAY them to clear out and haul it away so they can resell it.
As for my house, I probably take a trunk load to Goodwill once or twice a month. Whatever I leave behind, my kids can put a dumpster in the driveway and fill it up.
I am sorry that happened. I am glad you are trying to make it easier on your own kids. Great advice! Thanks for watching!
Good point. 😊
Clever!
We were moving from the west coast to the east coast and got rid of a ton of stuff. I just put everything in good condition on a curb a couple times and everything was gone. Furniture, clothing, dishes, decor, baby gear, childrens toys .... we only packed 50 boxes worth of stuff as a family of 6 so I think I did pretty good.
That is awesome! Congratulations on your successful move!
I knew a middle age man who collected books and had a large storage unit fitted up with bookshelves to hold his books. Not collectibles, regular books. He died suddenly and the unit came into his elderly moms hands. I advised her to tell the storage people that he died and eventually they would hold a abandoned unit auction and the buyer would dral with the contents. Well she worried the books would be thrown away so she was moving out boxes of books. She ended up needing a joint replacement. The morsl of the story is know your limits, your health is more important than someones stuff.
Began one room a week in January - repaint and declutter. I have the kitchen tomorrow and then the master bedroom. Took my time in EACH room. The place looks fantastic and clean and free of junk in every single closet and in the drawers as well. The kitchen has taken two weeks but I also CLEAN top-to-bottom including waxing the wood floors and using a full-size rug cleaner on area rugs. Do your "Swedish Death Cleaning" while you can. I am off to the garage as well but we have been slowly cleaning out "crap" for the past 3 months. Who wants to move "garage" items that take up SO MUCH space. A bit of determination and elbow grease and trips to Sherwin Williams for paint and supplies.
That is a great plan and great commitment! Breaking it down can be extremely helpful and make the large project seem smaller. Thanks for watching!
I put my favorite furniture pieces and all my Christmas decor (30 years worth - all the Hallmark ornament collections for my 3 kids) into a storage unit for when I bought my post-retirement dream home. Last month, the entire storage facility went up in flames. I will live. My kids are healthy. It’s just stuff and we sure did enjoy it while we had it. Time for (much fewer) new things and new memories. I was looking at larger homes. Now I’m looking for a smaller home. Not going to lie….I’m somewhat relieved despite being sad that certain things I loved living with are gone forever.
I am so sorry that happened to you. It might be a relief but definitely sudden and emotional. Thanks for sharing!
Plus, hopefully, you got an insurance settlement. Converted the old stuff into cash in hand with no effort!
My wife recovered from cancer and decided she should get rid of things so it wouldn't burden the children and me. I told her I want her dresser top left just the way it is. The children told her not to get rid of her things because she's still alive to enjoy them and they are willing to take care of it all when she's gone. The house wouldn't be the same without her things.
Clearly you are not ready. It’s ok.
Hear! Hear! My family feels the same and I agree with you. I want to enjoy my things while I am here and the same for my husband, I wouldn’t want him to get rid of his collectibles. Hope your wife is doing well!
I like how you talked about the "stuff" and what it means to you. It helps to either release or to appreciate stuff truly. 🙂
I think if there are things she is passing on to children, family or friends to let her do it so she can watch them enjoy it. That may bring her a sense of joy. Also if going thru some things and lessening the load brings her peace, don't take that away from her. Really sit down and tell her how you feel and listen to how she feels and come out in the middle with a compromise. Your way is not the only one that counts!
Sorry you are going through with this, it's a struggle that no one can comprehend in less they have been in your, your wife's shoes. Be blessed 🕊️
Letting some of her things go, isn’t the same as letting her go. If she wants to let things go, that might be part of her processing her own sense of mortality. I live with chronic illness and every time something looks bad I always want to clear out because if I don’t recover I don’t want to leave a burden, but if do, I want to spend it with family not taking care of stuff. It’s just not important anymore.
❤ There's a tradition in Japan. You clear your clutter so your children don't have to deal with your junk when you die ❤
Good tradition!
Same in Sweden. Many countries and cultures understand the cycle of life. In America we were brought up with consumerism and then decluttering when a friend or family member dies.
Excellent video! I loved that you began with, "Nobody wants your stuff!" Too many people overvalue their stuff and forget about the sunk cost!
Sad. But true!!
My mother says, if it doesn't love you or keep you warm, and you can't eat it, you don't need it. My siblings and I could easily clear their house out of nearly 40 years in a day.
That is a great saying! Thanks for sharing!
Love your realistic, honest "down to earth" advice. I am 78 yrs old and am fully aware and ACCEPT the fact that no one wants my stuff. Fortunately, before my husband passed away 6 yrs ago, we had moved and majorly downsized "stuff." Two years after he died, I moved again to a smaller, more affordable home and decluttered more. It IS so important that we accept the fact that our stuff is mostly only significant to us, so I have minimized quite a lot. Also, I am still employed 20 hrs a week at a thrift store. I watch my younger coworkers buying "stuff" all the time and I just smile and think OMG, when will you guys realize that "stuff" is not important ~ life is important, but not stuff! I consistently look around my house to see what I don't need or use and take it to work with me to donate. Our thrift store, as many others do, supports local families in need, so I feel good about giving back to our community! I also feel great about sorting through my own stuff and purging rather than burdening my children with that horrifying task. Your video has inspired me even more! Thank you! ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It’s important for others to hear about it also!
@@KatiSpaniak 😊
I an 73 and going through my house, so your comments helped me . Drawers and my garage are full of stuff ...... I am taking to Good Will. It feels so cathartic . Life is more important YAY ! 🌹🌹
@@LancashirelassCan. Way to go! It does feel good to let go of that stuff. Then we don't have to think about it anymore. ☺️
@@LancashirelassCan. Good for you! Congrats! Glad I could help!
Moving every 7-10 years serves a great purpose. You have to “see” everything you own. All those closets and storage areas get emptied out. Then it’s time to donate , sell, or pass on to someone who actually wants it.
Truth
My mom (70) gets offended every time she asks me what we will do with all her stuff. She literally twists my words and says that she thinks that I find her stuff ugly or gross or something. Reality is we have everything we need and don't have space for more furniture or things. She has beautiful stuff but I don't need anything. Also I have 8 siblings and am the only one that lives in the same city as my parents.
My mum has lovely crystal wine glasses and then bought cheap ones to use "so the good ones don't get broken". My sisters and I told her bluntly "when you are gone, we are gonna use those crystal glasses, and too bad if they get broken, so you might as well enjoy them yourself!" She was offended at first, then realised it made sense, and now she enjoys her good things.😊
@@karenmartin9008 my mom did the same with guest bedding. She finally started using the pretty stuff recently.
@@karenmartin9008My grandmother used to say, "Use the good china. Don't leave it for the second wife."
@@margaretlake 🤣
@@margaretlakeI'm 69, and realizing that I have a house full of beautiful things that I've been saving "for the future." What a waste. I could have been enjoying those things but I had this mindset from my mom, that you don't use the nice things. Now I find, like the video says, that people don't value fine things any more, so nobody's going to take them off my hands. Nobody. I'm trying to work up to using my beautiful things daily but wow, it's a hard mindset to break.
If you are having an issue with letting go of stuff, because you might miss it, then rent a storage shed and box it up, and put it in the storage shed. Now every month you have to pay rent on that stuff that you don't really need. It won't be long before you realize you don't miss the stuff. Anything you really need to keep you will go back and get and for the rest of the stuff you will realize isn't worth the $100 + rent each month. So $100 is for a small storage shed. Another hint, if you have stuff that is stuck up in the attack that you never access or use, then you need to get rid of it. If it is truly valuable to you, then bring it down and display it in your home.
Also if you are a country dweller with a few acres to a lot of acres, declutter your land. I have been looking at small little farms for myself where I can have a few goats and dogs and stuff. I am looking for a clean, well-organized piece of property with a little barn or place to put one. I want nice fences, not pieced together junk that I am going to have to completely replace. I do not care about fancy wood fences, but just good sturdy clean fences. When I am online I see pictures of patchwork fences that look like a slight breeze could knock them down. Rolls of old fence wire lying around piles of construction wood that are sitting out in the open decaying, old cars that obviously don't run, car parts spread around the property, and tools left lying around everywhere. It looks like a hillbilly/redneck junkyard, not a cute little farm. First of all, it tells me that you are probably not taking care of the house and doing the maintenance on it. I am also terrified that you will decide to leave all that mess (your treasure is not my treasure) for me to clean up. This is true for homes in towns on lots too.
I think the storage shed idea can work for some people. However, I think there would be plenty of people who would empty their house to fill the storage shed, keep the storage shed and refill the now empty house with new stuff.
This is great advice! Thanks for watching!
One good reason to declutter is to not put this burden on others. I cleaned out my Aunts apartment and my parents house. So many emotions and memories. I kept things because it was “ moms” . Now that a few years have passed it is easier to let go. I realize that generation didn’t have as much and never threw away good things. It’s hard to throw away my things too- but videos like yours are like gold. Thank you for all your hard work.🙂
Thanks for sharing!! I appreciate your kind comment!
My kids want my “ stuff” as you put it. They each have requested which items they want. Fortunately they each have their own taste and have not requested the same items.
It's great that your kids have their own unique tastes!
When I moved 5 years ago ( family of 5, down to one) I had a garage sale. Here in Hawai’i it’s the best way to sell things,on island. Please plan ahead. I let go of items worth thousands for $20 dollars and I’m still having a hard time letting go. I needed the money to move a clean and deposits and vehicle transportation and etc etc. I learned my lesson. Please plan ahead 🌺
Planning ahead is KEY!! Thank you for watching!
I took a different mindset when i was moving. I set aside the items I wanted to KEEP, then listed everything else on FB marketplace at .20 on the dollar. No haggling. I sold everything except for two pieces that I hired a local mover to take to charity. FYI, some moving companies will charge a smaller fee to take items to charity.
Nice work on clearing out the clutter! It must have felt amazing to lighten the load before the move.
@@KatiSpaniak It did!
Just put my stuff at the dumpster at my apt complex! 42 minutes ago, it's now ALL GONE! Yep, 42 minutes people. It was alot of stuff too. I decluttered my whole apt this month.
Congratulations! It is a rewarding process! Thanks for watching!
Our town used-to have a "Bulk Pick Up" where you put unwanted 'stuff' curbside, and the Borough would eventually come around and load it onto trucks and take to the local dump. It was so amusing how the "vultures" would drive through all the neighborhoods and scarf most of it up. I would say, "One mans junk is another mans treasure". Now we have to take the stuff to the local dump ourselves on a given week, and an army of workers remove the stuff and load onto front loaders. I have our road trailer already loaded with an old heavy desk that I don't need anymore. It goes to the dump next week.
I went on a rampage and ended up selling some old pots and pans for $25.00 after i sold them I then realized they were collectors items and worth all together over $1000.00 - so do ur research....
Holy cow!!! Ugh
You said “old” this I doubt you would have received $1K for it. It’s possible.
I love decluttering. Each time I move countries, i get to throw out things that needed to go anyway: towels, bedding...and i get to have new colours and styles in my next place. Love it!
That is awesome to hear! Thanks for watching!
I'm the same way..the less cutter I have, the clearer my mind is. I bought a new home this year and about ready to close on selling my old home. The whole process was the most stressful thing I've ever done. I was fortunate enough to buy while still keeping my old home, so I was able to empty out the whole old house for listing - Zero clutter!
That is awesome! Thanks for watching!
Totally agree. No one wants your stuff. Or your grandparents stuff. Young adults live differently than their parents did. The older I get (60’s), the less stuff I want & I’ve gone paperless which has helped so much. I’m embracing a more minimalist attitude!
Love it! I have started embracing the minimalist lifestyle too!
There are resellers out there, like myself, that would LOVE your vintage stuff. I go to estate sales ALL THE TIME to source my inventory. I buy it, it sells, and it’s not taken to a landfill.
Are you in Central Florida by any chance?
Where are you?
@@lesliekraff596 I have booths in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky.
I went the estate sale route because i had lovely antique furniture. They sold my valuable antiques for a tiny fraction what it was worth. If i had known i would have gone with an estate auction instead.
My favorite thing to do is take pictures of the item before it disappears. Pictures are needed for marketplace or eBay anyway. I keep the pictures. If I want to see the item (for memories), there's the picture. Also, seeing a lot of pictures of 'gone' stuff is rewarding.
That is a great idea! Photos are great for SO many reasons! Thanks for commenting!
I've been doing that for books for years now. It helps me when I remember a cover but not the author or title, and it just helps me remember what I've read.
I had a 6 bedroom, 4 bath 5K square foot home full of pretty things. When it was time to down size, I couldn't seem to part with most of it. I ended up buying two smaller homes. One to live in and one to vacation in. It worked out perfectly.
I like your idea!
Great! Glad you were able to make it work!!
What a great solution!😀
Everyone does want your stuff! If you gift it to them. I joined a neighborhood fb group and have been able to clean out my house. Gifting will save you on physically moving things, taking things to Goodwill, trying to sell to people who want it free anyway...get over it and enjoy the joy of gifting your things!
People LOVE free stuff. I am a part of those free groups and they are helpful because people will pick up the stuff. Thank you for commenting!
Quality furniture Ethan Allen, Drexel, Henredon sells well on Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace. Mixing quality vintage pieces gives a high end bespoke look. The key is not too much furniture makes the room look small and cohesive color palette.
Great advice! Thanks for commenting!
I totally agree about the quality furniture pieces as I have those same Ethan Allen, Drexel, Henredon. These furniture pieces were made of real wood and beautiful quality workmanship compared to the disposable furniture so popular today.
@@user-bd1qz6ko4x This is exactly what I'm talking about...
There are tons of real estate experts on CZcams-but…Kati, you are one of the best out there! We are in the process of getting our house for sale (next month) and all of your advice has been GOLD! Thank you for not only informing us of what we need to do to but also giving us the “why”. So helpful!!
Agreed! I just found Katie and her information is concise and pithy!!! Highly recommend!!!
Donna! Thank you so much for your comments! This means so much to me!!
Thank you so much, Debi!! I really appreciative of you taking the time!
I Wish I would have continued to embrace Minimalism- that’s SMART.
AGREED! This woman is amazing
Not true in some cases, MIL, lived in a home for over 60 yrs, for sale last year, Everything she ever owned was in this home, she never, thru away anything before the open house, house was clean, and the cellar was orderly, people had a bidding war over this Split entry home, in the end she recieved $50 k over asking price, some people could see past the wallpaper and Grandchildrens photos, 1965 $17k, to $815k, the week before she moved to her new home, put put a sign out on the lawn, make a offer, personal stuff still in the home, she had beautiful things! People took everything. She did the right thing for her. 😊
Yes, everyone and everywhere is different! Some people do want everything but in a lot of cases, people want to start fresh with their own new stuff.
I sold HUNDREDS of items on Craigslist from 2012 to 2018. More expensive items I sold on eBay and Etsy. You definitely have to have the TIME to do this. Expect one hour per item you list. You need to take pictures, upload them, write a description of item (this is very time consuming on eBay now). Then when item sells, you have to package/box item, print a label with postage, a go to post office. Also be aware in case you don't know this yet, but shipping item has become V E R Y expensive ! ! ! So make sure you know shipping cost BEFORE you put item up for sale.
Yep! Some people don't have the time but I am glad you have been successful! Thanks for commenting!
“The more cluttered your house is, the more cluttered your mind is.” That is exactly me to a T, which is why I’m constantly hauling trunk loads of stuff to the thrift store. I don’t have time or energy to list or mark stuff to sell, so I just donate. But my husband and I just bought new expensive leather sofa recliners for a couple thousand dollars that we want to try to get as much money back when we sell. We’re planning on moving next year, so I’m already planning. The funny thing is, this video popped up and I wasn’t even looking.
CZcams can read Minds!!
@@KatiSpaniak yes, apparently it does and I’m so glad it suggested your videos. I’ve been hooked and sharing them with my husband. But reading through some of the comments, there are people saying gray is out. Are they just the odd ones because from what I see, gray is definitely still in.
@@sleeplesscrafter So "cold" gray is out. It's more of a warm greige... But it's still gray-like with a hint of warmer tan or beige. Here are some of the colors that are in: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101112399-15488772
I painted my walls gray/green so it's not a flat gray. Green accessories complement the walls. But, when I'm selling my house, I'll ask my realtor for advice on what color I should paint.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch". Brutal but true, for years my Sunday morning walk was the local flea market: and people were effectively "giving away/getting rid of" truly beautiful expensive stuff simply because it reminded them of their now dead relative. So that's another factor that plays into this selling/vacating a house equation... Here in Australia we have Salvation Army, St Vincent DePaul who will take furniture, and other charities that will take stuff (none will take electrical stuff). a brutal but important videos, thanks for posting, John, Perth, Western Au'
Decluttering. Oh how i laugh at those that threw out Tiffany lamps, art deco/art novo items, deemed out of date, dowdy. Fetch millions now 😂😂😂😂
Not a whole lot of people, I'd guess. Nowadays, there's so much mass production that truly valuable, crafted items are rare. Most people are getting rid of the same stuff everyone else has.
Isn't it crazy how things that were once considered old-fashioned are now worth a fortune?
When we cleared my Mums home after she passed it was heart-breaking.. I have started to clear but hubby is very resistant but I want to make things as easy as possible for my own daughter when the time comes. Thanks for this video!
It is definitely hard to think about but once you accept that one day it will come, it becomes easier to go through stuff.
I had this epiphany during Covid when I was quarantined upstairs in one of my guest bedrooms in my home. It was filled with castoffs and extra decor, not something I’d really want my guests to endure during their vacation stay in my home. Every quarter since, I schedule a Vietnam Veterans pickup at my door and the relief of letting go is phenomenal. It has also inspired me to really think before making an impulse purchase knowing it will inevitably end up in the donate pile.
That's awesome! Quarantine really made us rethink a lot of things, right? Good on you for making positive changes!
Moving to Hawaii from Idaho… literally having to get rid of 99.9% of my stuff (3600 sq fy house). I am a minimalist and still have a ton… boy is decision fatigue setting in. Gave my daughter a metal cigar box of family heirlooms- because metal and wood is destroyed in Hawaii. Decision fatigue is real! The few things I am keeping is eye opening. Facebook market is a life saver!!!!
Thank you for sharing! Moving is a tough process but I'm glad you are getting organized now!
Planning a multi generation garage sale for this summer. Going room by room and pulling everything I’m not using, or don’t want anymore for the sale. I’m amazed at how much I’ve got tucked away that will not ever get used, including some of my parents and grandparents stuff that migrated to my house! Anything left over after the sale will go to charity or the dump. My kids emphatically don’t want my “stuff”😆
That sounds great! I did that years ago with my kids and some neighbors. It was a relief! Thanks for watching!
Other options to explore for getting rid of quality items - furniture, art, decor etc- are consignment shops and auction houses. For most you can email pictures and they will decide what they think will sell. Another option is to look for shops that sell flipped and upcycled furniture. They are often looking for pieces
That is very true! There are a lot of companies in various cities that donate to consignment shops and other shops.
Great video. People need honesty like this when decluttering. My husband and I have been slowly downsizing the last few years in preparation for a possible move. Going room by room, I’d empty a closet or dresser or whatever completely, then strategically decide what goes back in and the rest gets tossed or donated. I call it “moving in place.” It also helps to get rid of items you’re replacing, for example phones…recycle or sell back your old phone instead of holding onto it and then having a drawer full of old, dead electronics. I went through the agony of cleaning out my parents’ house after they passed, and it was extremely stressful…54 years’ worth of accumulation in the same house.
Thank you! I tell people to take it slow. Going too fast can definitely be overwhelming. I appreciate your honesty and advice.
I wanted my grandparents'
stuff and my parents' stuff. I'm sentimental
PIANOS-There are a lot of nice free pianos on marketplace and I had one to get rid of that wasn’t as nice as some already listed. I called a moving company and they said they regularly move pianos to the landfill! That broke my heart. I scheduled them to pick it up in a week. Then I advertised “Free Delivered Piano.” I had multiple calls. They had to be within a certain radius unless they wanted to pay the difference. They had to be ready for it on a specific day. It went to a good home with young kids ready for lessons (and I didn’t have to think about my piano laying in the landfill). BTW, they charged me $200 for the move.
It's so sad but glad you found a home for your piano. I hope a future Beethoven will love it!
I'm 74, and a former shopaholic, and began aggressiveky decluttering 2-3 years ago. Every month I fill the back of my Rav4 and take it to goodwill, without fail. i also give away any furniture I dont use regularly. The house looks a lot better, and if/when I downsize it will be much easier to do.🌺
Also, I take photos of things I love but have no further use for, then donate them.
Good for you!
This is so true! No one wants your stuff. My young 20-year-old pretty much just wants her bed, some clothes (that are trendy) with a few classics, toiletries, her iphone, lap top, ipad, and iphone watch. If she can't take it with her in a carry-on luggage and back pack--she doesn't want it. I told her when I pass--just sell it all. I've de cluttered--and now am working on getting my husband to let things go.
That sounds like my kids too. They are living their own lives and maybe want a few things from home but would rather start fresh. Thanks for watching!
Keep in mind that a lot of the antique furniture that you may have that she is saying 'kids these days want to be trendy and don't want!" -- NEED a full house to have. If you can't get a house of your own in today's market, where are you going to put Aunt Agnes' 12 seat dining table? For the majority of Generation X, Millennials and others, buying a home of their own is now a pipe dream.
If you are constantly having 'renovictions' in your area so landlords can raise the rent more than the set amount, making you need to move every year or so? IKEA furniture is a lot more portable and less likely to make you lose friendships over getting help to move.
Yes. They do need more furniture!!
I''m moving out and selling my house in a couple of months and getting my house ready now. Your video just showed up on my YT screen and all what I can say is that YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT! NOBODY WANTS YOUR STUFF AND NEW GENERATIONS DO NOT WANT TO TAKE OLD AND DATED THINGS FROM PARENTS ANYMORE! . That's why this time I decided to donate everything I am not taking to a charity org called TMM here in Tucson AZ. They are amazing helping victims of domestic violence and came over and picked up all I did not need anymore. Thank you so much for your honesty!
You are SO welcome! Glad it showed up for you!!
Donating to an organization who helps victims of domestic violence, is wonderful! I’m going to look them up. I live in Tucson (Oro Valley) as well. Thanks for mentioning them. Wishing you all the best with your move…🙂
I've not had any trouble finding someone who wanted my stuff.
Excellent info! I’m in sales at a retirement community & have this conversation with every client.
Thanks!!
This was clear and very matter of fact. Just cleared out parents homes and now we need to go through their stuff as well as trim down ourselves. You were very kind in how you said that the kids don't want your stuff. You are very right. They don't want it. You can also call local charities. Our local youth shelter takes stuff for kids getting their own apartment including linens, furniture, and houseware but not ceramic figurines.
When I recorded it, I felt a bit sad. Meaning empathetic because I know how hard this is for people to get rid of their belongings.
Having to do this soon as well. My mom passed away 2 1/2 years ago from cancer. Last year my dad had medical issues pop up all year to the point where he now requires 24 hour care so I had to make the heartbreaking decision to place him in a senior living home. Now I need to go through his house and I plan to have an estate sale. After my sister and I (and our families) keep what they want. Then I will sell his home. I don't think anyone will take much just a few items for keepsake.
We had to clear out my in-laws house which was 2 1/2 hours away not that many years ago. Sister in-law and her family lived down the street but did nothing. We kept a few things, sold a few things, donated a lot and even gave a few items to neighbors who were always there for my in-laws. Emotionally it's hard but knowing it needs to be done and keeping everything just makes it harder longer. This video helps
@@artbylauri I'm so sorry. I know how hard this is. There are companies that can help with the removal of a lot of stuff... But I'm guessing you aren't there yet. Reach out if you need any resources.
Ooohh, I am going through this right now. We are moving into a tiny home so we need to get rid of most of our stuff. It been a lot harder than I ever thought. 15 years of collecting things together. We are remodeling the tiny house ourselves in & out so it is a slow go. I am not organized at all !! Huge mess everywhere, ugh. I can't wait this to be over. Thanks for the info 👍
You got this! Thank you for watching and sharing. It can be stressful but take it slow!
@@KatiSpaniak Thank you so much. My heart has already moved but my body is stuck in the twilight zone. This all shall pass one day :)
I really appreciate such an honest video. As recent retirees we have decided to begin downsizing our possessions by one third now even though we do not plan to move for a decade. I am not overly sentimental with possessions but, unfortunately, my husband is so this process is more difficult for him.
But as my mom once told me memories of home and possessions live on in your heart even if you literally move on from them.
You are right. My mind is a big mess of clutter, like my house. I have stuff I moved from my mom's, my step mom's craft room (like a Micheal's craft store), my brother left in my garage, my husband's brother's stuff he left. So much stuff that I havent been able to get rid of since I had a car wreck 10 yrs ago. I am overwhelmed!!!
Thank you for sharing your story. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but you can tackle this clutter one item at a time.
This reminds me of George Carlin's "Stuff"..."What is a house but a place to keep your "stuff"? If you didn't have "stuff", you wouldn't need a house. You could just walk around all day."
I love that! Definitely true!
My inlaws wanted us to take a lot of their furniture when they decided to retire and move. They were very upset that we would not take a bedroom set and other things. We had been in our home for 10 years and it was already fully furnished.
Yep. No one wants their stuff
@@KatiSpaniak Someone with a fully furnished house didn't want their stuff. That doesn't necessarily mean that no one wants their stuff.
Just finishing up the sale of my parents' condo that they had "Down-sized" to. It was still packed with massive amounts of "collectables". I sold a few things and gave away the rest. It showed BEAUTIFULLY! I got my asking price.
Congratulations on successfully selling the condo!
Hi Kati. Thank you for the straight talk. Your honest opinion is really refreshing .
Thx!
Currently doing this now. Making some little gas money but something is better than nothing. Also making connections and friends. 😊 I’m having a good time with this project of mine. You can’t take it with you to the grave. Pass it along.
Thank you, this was so helpful!
I'm so glad! I have a class going on if you are interested www.katispaniak.com/readysetsell_lp
Over 60. Kids didn’t want our stuff. We downsized by 1/3 & moved 700-miles - - and were astounded as to how much we could sell. Not at big money - but dog kennel, some tools, some antiques, exercise equipment, BBQ grill. Shopped these items on F-book Marketplace, then sold competitively - and sold it all….but took about 2yrs to methodically do it. Donated some - but not a lot.
Thanks for letting me know! That gives our viewers hope!
Since we live in a sketchy neighborhood, our strategy is to put it out with a price tag on it and just wait for someone to steal it!
Haha!
Scottish ancestors passed their Bibles to relatives when they died with favourite quotes and little clippings. When my 101-year- old father died, i inherited all 17 of them. Unfortunately, no one will want these old fragile books of family members they never knew. They left few possessions when they died but a lasting family heritage of their love and faith in God's goodness
I'd much rather have a collections of loved Bibles vs cheap furniture!
Maybe you can get a large shadow box picture frame and mount them all in their with little tags under each Bible that says the ancestor's name and birth-death years. It would give it a museum vibe.
A university or research library with a Scottish (immigrant?) interest? Documents of people are history-micro-history, the best kind.
Valuable info😊so glad u posted this info❣️
Glad it was helpful!
Great content. Thankyou for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I'm watching a ton of these videos and yours is the best I've seen so far!
Awwww… thank you! You made my day!!! I’m definitely not a decluttering specialist! I have a video coming out next week and I actually tear up in it! I guess I’m passionate!!
@@KatiSpaniak Passionate is great! Honestly, the biggest struggle I have is that I have a lot of tools and "stuff" relating to building things like nuts, bolts, electrical outlets, doorknobs and things I'll use but not today. The decluttering I'm getting the hang of but dealing with the "storehouse" type supplies is much much harder for me.
@@AdHocAtom If it's in the garage, don't stress too much if you are decluttering because of a move. The garage is the last place that people care about being clean and organized.
This is the best video about selling stuff, it is a part time job so better give it away in advance sometimes take nore then 3 years to sell something so its bot worth it
Thanks for your comment!!!
My dad came from a family of 10 siblings. When my grandmother died, everything went to auction. If there was stuff they wanted they had to buy it. Then they split up the money evenly. One of my uncles bought the house. It was drama free and no worrying about dividing stuff up.
That sounds like a great idea! My husband and I have 5 girls so the drama free is very key!! Thanks for watching!
I love giving things away! ❤
You are so right about being emotionally daunting, but more so with some people which makes decluttering almost impossible. Keeping stuff in storage units can be very expensive, also.
When you are ready to take on the task, it will be rewarding. Take your time and know it is okay to take it slow!
Thank you for sharing and you are right on. 👍🤩
Thank you for watching!
We thought we were sitting on a goldmine of antiques in a big two story home. We had an estate sale and made about $2k. If things have crazing or cracks it drastically lowers it. Yes people wanted the stuff but for cheap! Honestly you have to get out of the mindset of this is a goldmine and that someone for the right price will be so happy to have it. And they might flip it which good for them because truly you are not going to spend the time refurbishing. Also we got lucky that a neighbor ran a yard sale as a business and he came and got the remainder for free which was lucky.
Its so much better to do it a little at a time
Yes, take your time and be open to the fact that it might be slow and cheap. Thank you for watching!
"No one wants your stuff" is true unless your "stuff" happens to be in a bank then its abosolutely amazing just how many people suddenly start showing a whole lot of interest in your "stuff"..
True!!
Awesome advice. We already had a contract but before moving I realized we needed to get rid of all the stuff. As soon as this video was over I got started
So glad it helped!!
You are absolutely 100% right am paying 700.00 storage for my mom’s furniture high end , nobody wants it , I can not put it on the curb like trash, she loved it, am on my way out too, so I told my husband just take it to the desert and burn it.
Thank you for watching! I appreciate it. It is expensive to keep up with storage units and such.
I bought a house recently came with left overs since we were renting it out furnished til we move in no biggy. However I moved over my aunts dishes they had been in our previous rental unit. There was an incent where I had stored them in this cabinet that was left behind. It hot jostled trying to move it around. Crash they all went. All the shelves fell. Honestly there was not one sad moment. I was glad to not have to be responsible for them. So as we move from our home of 30 yrs. I can tell regardless who gave to you. If what you have does not serve your purposes give them away. Habitat even takes old usable paint btw. So this move we are taking limited kitchenware , cloths,and debating if we are taking the living room and diningroom furniture. I find I knock a piece off the move everytime I do a walk thru with my list. Its April move is for October. The Kitchen is boxed due to leak. I was mortified how much 2 people owned in one tiny kitchen. 8 boxes. Yeah, the leak helped us decide not much is going with us. You don t really feel the burden of all that stuff till you pack it up.
I moved stuff to my new place. One carload at a time, it went into a spare bedroom. When I needed stuff, I took it out, and after a year, there was only stuff in there I did not need. So, I eventually took it to auction. I got about $10, for stuff, I clearly spent $50 to move (lol). No body wanted my junk.
Great topic and useful channel. Most people shop for the things they want and the last thing they need is more junk. Think of it the reverse way. When my son buys new appliances, for some reason, he brings the old still working item to us. We Don't Need Appliances, furniture or anything else. There are probably people new to the area, a parent escaping an abusive relationship that maybe would be happy to have home furnishings gifted to them.
In over 30 years we have more than plenty and now downsizing. It ain't easy.
Thx for your comments!
Just found your channel and sub'd. Great info and love that Im in the burbs of chicago so your resources are all easy available. This is so relavent as I was just decluttering but had this concept already kind og formulating that I also need to be setting myself up for future move. Well done video
Thank you for watching! I appreciate your comment. I am hosting a seller class if you are interested here: www.katispaniak.com/readysetsell_lp or shoot me an email!
Thank you for the pep talk and refresher on decluttering tips. I'm overwhelmed. In our 60s and trying to get ready to move with decluttering and repairs. (been in this house over 20 years). I'm ok with getting rid of things but husband is having a hard time with it. ugh. On top of that, trying to declutter my 86 year parents' home. This is all so much, we may have to push back a year on selling and moving.
Let me know if you need help! I can provide you some resources. Info@terraluxhomes.com
I can totally relate to the husband issue. Mine actually came up with the decluttering concept "could we be bothered moving this to the new town?" Worked brilliantly for me, I reduced my craft supplies to a quarter what they were, my books about the same, family "treasures" that had sentimental but no display value, gone. He can't seem to part with anything, has the most feeble excuses for dragging stuff across the state that has been sitting untouched for 30 years eg TWO model planes that were both only flown a couple of times at our previous home and have sat on top of a cupboard at this one. Apparently he "needs" them both, and gets angry when I gently try to reason with him - "you want to throw all my stuff away". He can see my enormous pile of Donate boxes, he just keeps shifting things to the parts of the house we haven't got to yet, or the garage, so he doesn't have to face the decision yet.
Worse is when he starts packing up bookshelves and I say "wait, I have to cull those books, I don't need them all", and he's "you can do that later, we just need to get them out of the way". Meanwhile the garage gets worse and worse...🤣
@@karenmartin9008 When my husband held up a Social Security card that had belonged to his great aunt's husband and said, "I should probably keep this." - I knew the decluttering was going to be extremely painful for the both of us. (great aunt's husband died two years before husband was even born smh)
I hear you. This is so painful and can be traumatic when the other spouse isn't really on board!! @@karenmartin9008
So brave! Thanks for the reality check!! 😱 I'm still trying to accept it, but deep down... I know you're right. Because I don't want other people's stuff. 😒
Thank you for your comment!!