Yes, the first rule to staging a home to sell is to de-clutter. But not all of us are selling and well, every day living is a state of mind.
I am a professional Home Stager and when I first visit a client's home I know their apprehension is what I am going to think about the state of their home. Many of them don't believe me when I say that everyone lives with clutter. This is a normal state. Sure there may be 2% of the population who live in a "staged" home for real but the majority live like everyone else.
Why do I bring this up? Because I want to start an evolution that will allow homeowners feel comfortable. I want people to feel comfortable when other come into their home when it's unprepared for visitors. How horrifying, heh?! I still freak out when I hear the doorbell ring without my expecting someone to arrive.
I'll start. Here is my confession. My house is a mess. Always. I'm like a dog chasing its tail- clean one room, move to the other and by the time I get to the next, the first one is a mess. Why on earth would I put my kids' needs ahead of keeping the house in top notch condition?
The opportunity to have fun will not wait but housework will! I can't tell you how many good times was had because I let go and allowed it to happen. I'm tempted to place a sign at my entrance that says: "I play with my children, can you tell?"
I know many people who reluctantly admit they clean their home when they know someone is coming over but act like they live like that on a daily basis. But to be honest, I purposefully invite people over just so I get caught up on my chores because a messy house gets on my nerves.
Now I tell my friends, "Don't clean up before I visit, it will only compel me to clean up before you visit" Please, can't we all be honest, embrace the clutter and relax. Our home no longer defines who we are like in previous generations! Let's work together and not clean up!
Yes, cleanliness is important but clutter is forgivable! If we all work togther we can have fun, relax about our clutter and won't we all be happier?
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