We're not going to have the room in our lives for what we DO want until we let go of the things we have in our lives that we DON'T want. I heard these simple yet life-altering words recently and felt compelled to share them because - de-cluttering is perhaps one of the hardest things for home sellers to do. I think it is because when sellers look around their homes, they don't see clutter. They see their furnishings, their belongings, their treasures. To them it's "their stuff" - how dare we call it "clutter"?
Nonetheless, "Clutter Kills Equity" is a favorite quote among home stagers. Why? Because it's true. 
It doesn't matter what you call it, having too much stuff/clutter in a house that's for sale will make it apppear smaller than it is. Clutter prevents buyers from truly being able to see a house and all its best features. Buyers are very easily distracted by the sellers' stuff that's NOT for sale.
We're so very proud of our stuff. Our society programs us to believe that living happy and fulfilled lives, means buying and surrounding ourselves with lots and lots of it! The more money we make, the more stuff we must buy. But all this stuff that we think will make our lives better might actually end up doing just the opposite. (photo by Rubbermaid Products Photostream)
I've learned recently during a seminar that whether we realize it or not, surrounding ourselves with clutter can create the inability to focus ... clutter can make us feel like we lack control .... clutter can put us in a constant state of overwhelm. Experts tell us that we tend to buy and hold on to things that don't serve us because of something we're trying to heal, hold on to, or remember from our past. Often it's 
best to let these things go.
Life coach Jim Bunch explains: it's important to get rid of all the stuff that we no longer use, want or need, because when we do, we let go of the emotional anchors that hold us back - that prevent us from moving forward with our goals and desires....you see, we're not going to have the room in our lives for what we DO want until we let go of the things we have in our lives that we DON'T want. It really is that simple.
The faster we get rid of the things in our lives that are no longer serving us, the faster we can create our desired outcomes. (Photo by EvelynGiggles).
And in case you haven't already noticed, this extends far beyond just achieving a successful home sale. The best kind of de-cluttering that we can do involves eliminating not only things in our homes that we no longer want or need, but also removing things from our minds and our lives, like limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, draining obligations, toxic people, damaging relationships, etc. But for the sake of this discussion, we'll stick to de-cluttering the stuff that helps get houses sold.
We're not going to have the room in our lives for what we DO want until we let go of the things we have in our lives that we DON'T want." I know - just because its simple doesn't mean it's EASY!
It's easy to say you should de-clutter, but why is it so hard to do?! Our homes [closets, basements, attics, garages, etc.] are filled with stuff we no longer use, need or want but we just can't seem to part with it. Why?
Perhaps it's because we're emotionally attached to it. Or maybe it has something to do with the fact that we've spent a great deal of money on this stuff, so we can't get rid of it without feeling like we're losing something that has great value. (photo by Puuikibeach)
This must be why we resist, rationalize and justify. We make excuses for why we absolutely have to have this stuff. We think, one day..."I'm going to fit into those clothes again" or "I'll get around to reading those books/magazines/emails...."
It's time to get real and remember, we're not going to have the room in our lives for what what we DO want until we let go of the things we have in our lives that we DON'T want.
I encourage you to try it because Jim Bunch tells us, de-cluttering causes the release of natural endorphins that make us feel better. De-cluttering can cause a mental physical and emotional surge of energy. De-cluttering can give us a renewed sense of freedom, purpose and clarity.
If you have a house to sell, you'll be so glad you did this BEFORE it's time to start to packing and moving. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you really want to take with you when you move. (If you feel yourself resisting this important step, it may be time to adjust your attitudes about selling your home. See: Why Do All That? The House Probably Won't Sell)
Remember, it feels good to eliminate. Our bodies must eliminate that which is no longer needed (think of how it would feel if we didn't!) And just like our bodies, we need to eliminate that which we no longer need from our mind, our spirit and our environment. Try it - you just might be surprised by the opportunities that open up to you! (Photo by Lorda)
Comments(70)