5 Places Clutter Hides in Your Home

Cleaning and organizing your home isn't an easy task, and it can seem especially overwhelming when you have a lot of clutter. Getting rid of stuff you don't need and organizing spots that attract clutter can give you room to breathe and make things a lot easier if you decide to sell your home. Our real estate agents advise clients with Belleville homes for sale to de-clutter as much as possible before putting their property on the market. Here are some often overlooked areas where clutter may hide.  

1. Entryways
   Entryways aren't just magnets for coats, shoes, backpacks, and other everyday items. If you have a table near the door, you may also be tempted to stack mail and kids' school papers there. These piles can get out of control in just a few weeks, so make it a habit to open mail right away, pitch what you don't need, and put the rest in a designated organizer or tray in your home office or an area where you do administrative work like paying bills. Let kids know that their backpacks and schoolwork are their responsibility and should be put where they belong as soon as they walk in the door. Creating special baskets or bins for their stuff can help them get in the habit.  
2. Junk Drawers
   Millions of American households have one or more junk drawers that hold random items. Old batteries, pens, screws and nails, greeting cards, office supplies, and pretty much anything you can think of may be found in this drawer (or drawers). While it's easy to practice "out of sight, out of mind" with these things, going through your junk drawer once in a while can free up tons of space for things you actually need.
3. Pantry 
   The thought of cleaning out the pantry can be daunting, but if you keep on top of it after cleaning and organizing, you might find that it's a pleasure to find things more easily. Putting similar items together can make cooking more efficient, and using sealed containers for items like flour, sugar, and cereal can keep them fresh longer. Make sure to check expiration dates every few months and pitch old items.
4. Bathroom Cabinets
   Your medicine cabinet can easily become a nightmare if you let old medications hang around. If you don't use something within six months, throw it out. Putting toiletries, makeup, toilet paper, and other items in bins can help save space and make the area more organized. Go through towels and washcloths – if there are any old, ratty ones you don't want to use in the bathroom, cut them up and store them with cleaning supplies for later use.
5. Under Beds
   Shoving stuff under the bed is a temporary solution that can lead to keeping stuff you don't need or want. Check under beds regularly and use the space wisely – it's a perfect place to store wrapping paper, off-season clothes in plastic bins, and gym equipment.

These are just a few areas where clutter can hide. Keeping track of them and cleaning out clutter frequently can help you keep your home looking and feeling fresh.

Are you ready to buy or sell a home in southern Illinois? Our seasoned real estate professionals can help. Contact us to get started.