The countdown to putting our house on the market is shrinking, and with it, my ability to maintain control over the clutter in our house. I believe the plan is to stake a For Sale sign in our front yard at the beginning of April. Which means we have approximately 31 days to get our act together.
We did a pretty massive toy and clothes purge after the holidays and our newly-acquired Stuff. But it seems as if there still isn’t enough room in our tiny bungalow. Mr. B’s closet is one gigantic, overflowing shelving unit of bins of stuffed animals, space stations, vehicles and games. And while everything in his room is pretty contained to containers under his bed or in his closet, he hasn’t quite mastered the visual ability to see all the little LEGOs, books, and knick knacks that adorn his dresser, end table, and the far corners of his room. The playroom has become one giant catch-all for all of those “projects” Mr. B brings home, party favors, and spare socks. Every now and then I tackle both of these spaces with a garbage bag, but little hands are quick, and those spaces get unorganized once I turn my back.
| Not our actual cabinet…but pretty darn close! |
But what really scares me the most? Our front hall closet and our kitchen cabinets. There seems to be a code of conduct in our house that anything with a door on it is just one giant hole to throw crap in. It’s not as bad as a sitcom closet, but when you’re looking for a certain pot or pair of shoes or box of Cheez-Its, it can certainly feel like it. I have been trying to prep everyone that once that sign goes out in the yard, things need to stay neat and tidy. And here is where I differ from everyone else. I think we should just get started practicing to keep things show-ready NOW. But since the sign isn’t out yet, the general consensus is that it’s not a priority.
Here’s what I really worry about, what gets my stomach in a knot and my panties in a bunch. How do I get everyone on board with this whole “leave the house every morning show read” thing? Or is this ultimately going to become my responsibility that blossoms my on-the-verge-OCD into a full-fledged obsession? Am I going to have to start getting up at the crack of dawn to wipe down counters and toilets because I don’t happen to suffer from crumb- and scum-blindness? I already feel like I spend my free time picking up that random Lincoln Log that Mr B failed to notice, or the food crumbs that remained on the table after breakfast or lunch.
Anyone out there ever sell a house with small beings? What were your tricks? How did you get your kids (and husband) to pick up COMPLETELY after themselves, like a Leave No Trace hiking excursion? Or is this your chance to give me a good slap, tell me to loosen up, and reassure me that our house will present really well, even if a potential buyer steps on a My Little Petshop dog as they’re walking through the house?
We just did, and the key thing is: throw away, throw away and then throw some more stuff away.
It’s the only way. And we’ve got five kids…
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Tammy
LOL…I already know when we move from here, we’re in a world of hurt with my pantry,closets and cupboards.
Last time we had 4 kids ages 3-12. How did we manage? Babysitter, throwing them in the backyard,the park, wherever, and threw away. A LOT!
Good luck hun
Momfever – I agree, and I see a large dump in our future. Or at the very least I might have to pack up some stuff and hide it in our crawl space. I guess the less there is in the house to scatter, the less there is to pick up, right?
Tammy – Sure, no problem!
mrsmom – we have neighbors who just store everything in their garage, and she’s told me that she’s never moving because she never wants to go through it. I know we’re not nearly that bad, but all the clutter makes me crazy. If I could ship us all off for a couple of months while we try to sell, that’d be ideal.
Girl, now how did you get that picture of my kitchen cabinets on your blog?
Been wondering how you’ve been and what’s been going on with moving. Trying to keep a house show ready (I watch too much HGTV) with little children sounds like the first circle of hell. Too bad you give potential buyers some kind of glasses that give crumb and scumblivion and call it a day. You’re a dancer, you know how everything comes together at the last minute – after much cursing, crying and abuse – but it all comes together. Good luck!
Keesha – As for the picture of your cabinets, remember, we are wonder twins, right? The move is plowing forward and gaining speed. And you are correct, this IS the first circle of hell. Oh, and you forgot sleep deprivation in that list of spot on last minute strategies. I think I have an ulcer…