ORGANIZING TIPS

When de-cluttering, tackle one project at a time, then open those windows and let the fresh air in!

When you donate articles to a charity, get a receipt for your tax purposes.

Have a friend or a professional help you address the underlying causes of disorganization, so you can remain organized for life. Being organized will give you more time to spend on what matters most—family, friends, work, school, or hobbies.

Purge clothes you haven't worn in two years, files that you don't need anymore, the documents related to the home you no longer live in, or the car you sold last year.

Before you move, cancel cleaning, landscaping, and any other household maintenance services.

Once your house is sold and you have a closing date, schedule the removal of leftover items from your house.

To prepare your home for selling, have a staging professional make an objective assessment of your home and list suggestions, such as replacing dated fixtures.

When staging your home, don't overlook its curb appeal. That's the first thing potential buyers will see.

Make a schedule you can stick to, maybe just an hour or two at a time.

Don't get overwhelmed. Pick a single area of your home to organize—for example, kitchen, office, or just one closet.

Use clearly labeled boxes and bags for Keep, Toss, Donate, and Sell.

Remove excess furniture and clutter so potential buyers can envision themselves in the space. Keep all areas clear and keep cat litter boxes out of sight.