Decluttering
South Africans are so accustomed to sunny warm weather that when winter sets in, they tend to stay at home. Staying indoors gives you the opportunity to look at your home critically and take note of issues that you would not usually notice. Do you battle closing cupboards or draws? If you haven't worn clothing for over 18 months, sell it or better give it away... it's a great feeling to know that something that lay unused in your cupboard is now being worn with pride by someone else or just keeping them warm. Bowls or serving dishes, that you had use for years before have the capacity to make a bride happy. Go through your bathrooms and kitchen cupboards and empty them of everything that might have expired or you will never use again.
You will feel liberated when you manage to find something you need in seconds and you can open a cupboard without worrying what will fall out.
Your property also needs attention and we tend to nor see a problem although it might just be staring you in the face.
Walk around your home as if you were a prospective buyer and imagine you were the buyer and what would you want the seller to repair etc before you submitted an offer.
Things to look for:
1. Damp: inside and outside, in the cupboards or on the boundary wall.
2. Painting: a coat of paint makes a huge difference if walls are dirty or look faded.
3. Lights: Are they all in working condition and do the light fittings need to be cleaned?
4. Plumbing: do any of the taps leak, is the water pressure adequate?
when attending to repairs endeavour to professionals-which might cost a bit more but a guarantee is necessary to transfer over to a new owner. This way, recurring dampness will not be your problem.
Experience the joy of feeling lighter in all aspects of your life and be assured that a home that is well-maintained will cost you less in the long term.
Written by: Jo Ann Gray - General Manager