There’s no need to wait until 2022 to get your home organized. Make it your resolution to start getting your space decluttered and tidy by the end of the year. While this can seem like an overwhelming task, if you break it down into smaller steps, it’s definitely doable — and it doesn’t require moving to a larger house.
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“A common issue many homeowners have when it comes to organizing their home is feeling they do not have enough space,” said Mike Opyd, managing broker at RE/MAX Next in Chicago. “Many times, this means they decide to move for more space, but unfortunately, they still run into the same issues in the new home because they treat it the same way they did the smaller home. They fill it with a lot of unnecessary things and do not look to maximize the space they have.”
Here are Opyd’s tips for making the most of the space in your current home.
Look For Any Unused Space
“The first place a homeowner should start is seeing if they can find extra space in the home they currently have,” Opyd said. “Start by looking at closets and see how much unused space is there.”
You may not be utilizing top shelves or any space that’s far above your eye line.
“Oftentimes, even when homeowners put in storage, it doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling, leaving a lot of unused space above what they have,” Opyd said. “This is very usable space that should be used as much as possible.”
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Optimize Unused Space in Closets, Garages and Other Areas
If you have a garage, you may not be making the most of the space available. The same goes for any attic or basement space.
“If there is space available in the garage, add shelving or even put down plywood to create a storage area above the car,” Opyd said. “Also, look at the attic and basement to see what extra space can be used there — adding shelving may make a difference.”
The same goes for your closets. Adding additional shelving can give you more storage space, which can allow you to better organize what you need to store.
The cost of these additions will depend on the scope of your project and whether or not you do it yourself.
“I would expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 if a homeowner decides they want to create more space by adding shelving or additional storage areas, like above the car in the garage, basement or attic,” Opyd said.
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Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
If you find you still have extra stuff you don’t have a place for even after you’ve made the most of all of the space in your home, it’s time to do some decluttering and get rid of anything you don’t need or use.
“Once that’s done, then it is a lot easier to organize a home,” Opyd said.
In addition to helping get your home organized, decluttering can also make you money as there are a number of retailers that will reward you for your old stuff. And what better way to start off the New Year than with an organized home and some extra money in your pocket?
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Real Estate Resolutions: How To Get Your Home Organized Before the New Year