Spring is the prime time to get your property on the market. We may still get the odd sprinkle of snow here in the north east, but the skies are blue and the days are certainly longer bringing with it a wave of motivation.
Decluttering is a must before you list your home – but don’t take away the personality, and don’t think you need to live in a show home state of minimalism whilst your property’s on the market! Potential buyers want to envisage themselves living there, so make it easy to see the living space and features, but don’t underestimate the charm that your style and character has on a viewer.
We’re all guilty of it, we’ve kept things (wires, clothes that don’t fit, containers – minus the lids) for way too long. Whether you’re a blitz-it-in-a-weekend or tackle-it-a-room-per-fortnight kinda person, we’re a firm believer in making a plan. This can help you commit to the outcome, and adds to accountability of getting it done!
🧽 KEEP & CLEAN
Keep the things you need and what brings you joy! Make sure that each of your items have their own ‘home’ within your home. Keep daily-use items in prime positions and store the other things in logical spaces that won’t create overspill
You’ll be surprised with the amount of items that can be salvaged and given a new lease of life with a little elbow grease. Here are our favourite (tried and tested!) cleaning tips:
- Remove scuff marks
Pour one cup of fabric conditioner into a bowl of water and use a sponge to rub gently, then wipe dry with a clean cloth. Say goodbye scuff mark, grubby finger marks and dirt without damaging paint!
- Tap, tap, shine
Use a blob of toothpaste on your chrome taps to remove water marks. Rub it in using a damp cloth (or your finger will do!) then rinse off to reveal serious shine. Baby oil also works wonders! You’ll be able to see your reflection in your sink, splashback and kettle in no time!
- Power and suction
Ever feel like your hoover’s not as powerful as it once was? Undo the hose and remove any blocked debris and wash the dirt container and filter. Never pull hairs and threads from the brush head, use scissors to carefully cut them (avoiding the bristles) and tease out any blockages.
- See through your oven window
If it’s been a while (don’t worry, we won’t judge!), you’ll love this magic grease-busting paste. Mix bicarbonate of soda and water and slather on a thick layer of paste. Leave it for 20 minutes or so and wash away with a cloth and hot soapy water. For extra sparkle, many glass windows can be removed from the door. Carefully unclip and add elbow grease!
- Be gone, grout
Also using a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, rub the mix into the grout using an old toothbrush. Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and spritz it over the mix. You’ll see and hear the reaction as it tackles unsightly grout. Go over the mixture with your old toothbrush again then rinse well with water.
📦 DONATE TO LOCAL CHARITIES
There are many charities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire that will take pre-loved items that in great condition – and even some who will accept ripped/unwearable clothes and material for their rag bags. We’re proud to have worked alongside several of these charities during our 15×15 efforts.
- Home Start: family support charity, providing practical and emotional support to families with young children. Home Start offer a door collection service.
Find out about 15×15 volunteering day at Home Start.
- Somebody Cares: supporting vulnerable adults and families, they can accept office furniture as well as clothing, homeware and toys.
Find out about our 15×15 volunteering day at Somebody Cares.
- Aberdeen Cyrenians: as well as household goods and clothing, the Cyrenians accept unused and unopened toiletries including shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower gel and razors.
- British Heart Foundation: pre-loved items will be used to sell in their charity shop, helping to fund life-saving research. BHF will also collect goods and furniture from your door.
- Instant Neighbour: tackling poverty in our area. Instant Neighbour will accept pre-loved furniture, electrical and white goods as well as good quality clothing.
- Abernecessities: a baby bank that provides disadvantaged families with essential and basic necessities, accepting clothing and equipment in excellent (and pre-washed) condition.
💸SELL YOUR UNWANTED GOODS
Decluttering is good for the mind, and the bank account! Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are free tools to sell your quality items from the comfort of your home, you can even state that the buyer collects from your doorstep. Kitchenware, toys and furniture – what you no longer want or need may be another’s treasure!
eBay and Vinted are excellent ways to your pre-loved clothes. These sites take a small commission but have brilliant marketing campaigns behind them so your goodies get right under the eyes of those who want to buy second-hand clothes.
Or, why not look into a car boot sale near you? Thainstone Sunday Market runs weekly from 8am – 4pm.
We hope this inspires you to declutter this Spring. And, if you’re looking to sell your property, give us a call today on 01224 218450 or register here to get a free no obligation valuation.
Aberdeen: 01224 218450 | Inverurie: 01467 530591
Aberdeen: aberdeen@northwooduk.com | Inverurie: aberdeenshire@northwooduk.com
207-211 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, AB25 2XS | 23 West High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3SA
