Homeowners, and yes, even Home Stagers in their own homes, often struggle with the task of decluttering.  As we hold an item in our hands, trying to decide on which pile it goes -- keep, fix, donate, toss -- we have to keep some things in mind that we may forget... the HIDDEN costs of keeping.

As you try to make the big decision about that old sweater, the little side table that could use glueing, or your child's long forgotten toy that brings back memories of their first steps, ask yourself this simple question:

How much will it cost me to keep it? 

You may answer, NOTHING. 

However, we all have to consider THE HIDDEN COSTS OF KEEPING - which can be monetary, physical and emotional.

Monetary

• cost to fix it, repair it, or mend it into useable condition?
• cost to store it properly?
• cost to move it?
• lifetime maintenance costs, such as dry cleaning a sweater?

Physical

• the exhausting work of packing, lifting and moving boxes, and unpacking at the new home
• for those with allergies and asthma, the impact of dust, mold and other assailants that lurkand multiply in stored and unused items

Emotional

• the cost of living in a cluttered, stress-inducing space, vs. a spare and clean oasis of serenity
• Waiting to lose weight in the hopes clothing will fit again vs. the fun of buying something new to celebrate if one does manage to shrink a size or two
• The missed opportunity to recycle goods to those less fortunate who could really use that older coat, or the toys that are still in good enough condition to make a child's eyes light up at Christmas time.

and, last but most definitely not least, the biggie cost... 

How much will it cost me if I have not decluttered my home for selling, and I lose a potential sale because buyers cannot see past the clutter.  Ugh! 

Happy sorting!

Lisa