Fall officially arrived last Tuesday. There are several signs that the season is here, but having a shorter day was very noticeable when I went for an evening walk last week.
All summer if I struck out about 8 pm, the sky was still blazing with the sun. The other night, it was dark and afforded me a glimpse at the neighborhood during twilight hours. A whole new world opened up. I now realize why "twilight" pictures are so effective when trying to sell a house. Lights blazing from the inside and highlighted landscaping made an awesome statement.
Aside from the importance of twilight pictures for home selling, there were a few other staging items I noticed while walking in the dark.
First item was the importance of outdoor lighting in your landscaping. The homes that had solar or electric lights strategically placed throughout their landscaping were far more appealing than those that did not. Now is a great time to add those to your current landscaping by taking advantage of after season clearance sales. Adding curb appeal is rarely a negative thing.
Secondly I noticed much more about a home's interior during twilight. Having a house lit from the inside allowed for a real glimpse into how people are living everyday. I felt almost like a peeping tom, but could hardly help it when there were no window coverings for privacy on windows. Many homeowners have fantastic windows that allow for plenty of light and fabulous views and do not want to cover them with blinds or sheers. I am all for that because as a permanent architectural feature, I want the windows to be showcased ... BUT please consider that the spectacular view that you are enjoying out, someone may also enjoy looking in. That does not mean windows need to be closed up tight like Fort Knox each evening, but be aware of what people are able to see while you are at home with lights on at night.
The third observation and perhaps the most alarming was how much CLUTTER people live with in their daily lives. I saw piles of paperwork on the countertops or stacks of books and magazines on coffee tables. Some kitchens were piled high with dishes and culinary tools that covered most flat surfaces. Let's not forget the entryways that had backpacks and jackets piled high with various shoes dotting the floor.
As a whole people need to declutter and not just people selling their homes. Think about how much smoother the daily grind would be if everything needed was in its place. There are so many ways to conquer the clutter bugs in your home. Start with the three piles I have talked about before. Keep - Sell - Trash! Remember if you don't use it or haven't needed it in more than a year, get it out circulation. This at least gives you a starting point. There are several professionals out there that can help you sort and you can always ask a friend! Sometimes people are too emotionally attached to their "stuff" and need unbiased assistance.
If you don't think your home is cluttered, it may not be. A good test is to stand outside your home with windows uncovered and lights blazing and observe. If it is a well ordered home and decorated to suit your style and needs then AMEN! If you see some problem areas, or feel stress building at just the thought of completing this exercise, then take note and take action!
Ushering in the Fall season is a great time to take a fresh look at how you are living, how your home feels and looks and how your living environment lends to your personal success and achievement each day. Try the twilight exercise and take action to allow the clutter "fall" away from your daily living. The season may be much more enjoyable if you do.
As seen in The News Enterprise, October 3, 2009, authored by Sheila O'Mara owner of Staged SO Right
Comments(10)