Congratulations! You’ve chosen to undertake a remodelling project. Follow these tried-and-true tips to declutter before the renovation to make everything easier once it’s all said and done.
Embrace the minimalist within. Even if you bought your fixer-upper in the country specifically because it offers you more space than a high-rise in Toronto, downsizing is always a good idea. Oftentimes during a major renovation project, people realize that they own too many unnecessary items. Use this period to scrap the things you don’t truly need so you can store less during the renovation.
Make use of freed-up space. If your remodelling project entailed knocking out a wall or expanding an existing living space, you’re likely pleased to see you have more room to move around. This is beneficial for couples planning on starting a family or even buying a dog—but all that extra space can also be great for storage. Consider how you can build more storage into your home during this renovation period.
Move appliances into areas that help your life function more efficiently. Do you find yourself consistently running from the laundry room to the stove? Consider moving the washer and dryer into a communal space, so you can keep an eye on the load while you’re stirring the spaghetti. If your kids struggle with staying focused, bring their desks into the den so you can make sure they complete their homework on time. Position the couch so that you can actually see your family from the next room. Not only will you feel emotionally closer, but you’ll also feel more organized, too.
Take a trip to Home Depot. Even though you’re likely to toss out some old items during your remodel, you’ll probably feel the desire to buy some new ones, too. Gather up the whole family, write a list of items that would contribute to a more functional and productive household, and take a trip to your local hardware store. It’s a good way to get the family involved in the project, and the associates can help you find exactly what you’re looking for even if you’re on a tight budget.
