This past weekend began the removing things from walls and giving them designations - "garage sale", "keep", "donate" and "trash". We went from room to room writing down what needed to be done in each room. Some rooms will be quick; just a matter of thinning out our "stuff", others will need some spackling and repainting (what comes from hanging many pictures and other decorative wall decor). By Sunday evening I had more in the "garage sale" pile than the "keep" pile! Right now the "keep" pile comprises family photos. I am reminded of George Carlin's "stuff" skit as I go through everything.
Here's a photo of the "garage sale" pile:
And, I still have more to add to this!
Here's a photo of the "keep" pile:
See what I mean!
I was (surprisingly) pretty objective as we made our list and I started gathering the family pictures off the wall. I started with the family pictures I mention, because they were a sort of gallery in a long hallway, and this area will probably have the most holes to be spackled. We will also be repainting the whole thing. It is the perfect area to put the kids' school pictures, certificates, awards - when you are living there. Not good, and distracting, if you are selling your house. This task didn't bother me because the pictures are coming with me. It's the pictures and my kids that I love, not the wall they are hanging on.
Here's a picture of the hallway with the pictures to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
Looking at what we have to do before we list the house, it seems to be a daunting task. Although, I think it is better to be doing it now when I can take the time to do a proper job of going through everything. Dare I say that it is also a little exhilirating to not have so much "stuff"!
Next, I think I'll tackle the closets!
Other posts in this series include:
We're Putting Our House On The Market
The Powder Room Updated For Sale
Copyright 2009 Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions
Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and much more. For more information on our services and fees, please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.
