Real Estate Right Now:
Clutter Costs More Than You Think

Getting a home ready for a move can be about much more than cleaning up a few rooms. In this episode of Real Estate Right Now, Jay talks with Deborah Zechini, professional organizer and owner of Order in the House, about how clutter affects our homes, our productivity, and even the process of preparing a property for sale.

Deborah explains how she helps clients sort, purge, organize, and create systems that actually work for the way they live. She also discusses the unique challenges of downsizing, letting go of possessions with emotional meaning, and preparing a home to look more open and appealing to potential buyers.

Whether you're preparing to sell, downsizing, moving, or simply trying to make your home work better for you, this episode offers practical ways to get started.

This Episode's Highlights

The process starts with sorting, purging, assigning a home, containing, and equalizing what you keep.

Preparing a home for sale often means creating more space and reducing visual clutter.

Start with the end goal in mind. Knowing what you're trying to accomplish can make difficult decisions easier.

Start With a Goal, Not the Whole House

When a home feels overwhelming, trying to organize everything at once can make the problem feel even bigger.

Deborah describes a process that begins with sorting and purging, then assigning homes to the things that remain and creating systems that make sense for the person using the space. She recommends starting somewhere that can create a noticeable sense of progress rather than immediately tackling the biggest, most overwhelming area.

That same approach can be useful when preparing a home for sale. Instead of trying to make every decision at once, focus on the changes that will make the biggest difference to the home's presentation and the selling process.

Decluttering Can Change How a Home Feels

Clutter doesn't just take up physical space. It can make rooms feel smaller, make everyday tasks harder, and create stress.

When preparing a home for sale, Deborah works with homeowners to reduce the amount of furniture, personal items, photos, books, pillows, and other belongings competing for attention. Some items may simply be packed away and stored rather than discarded.

The goal isn't to erase the personality of the people who live there. It's to create a home that feels more open and allows potential buyers to focus on the space itself.

That can complement a broader home-selling strategy, particularly when you're preparing for photography, showings, and the first impression your property makes online.

Downsizing Is About More Than Getting Rid of Things

Letting go of possessions can be emotional, especially when an object represents a memory, relationship, or important chapter of someone's life.

Deborah's approach is deliberately gentle. Instead of simply telling someone what to throw away, she gives clients the opportunity to talk through the story behind an item and decide whether keeping it still supports their goals.

That can be particularly important during a move or downsizing transition, when homeowners are making decisions about decades of belongings while also preparing for a major change in their lives.

The same principle applies to selling: start with where you're going and let that goal guide the decisions about what comes with you.

Getting Ready to Sell?

Preparing your home doesn't have to happen all at once. Linda Craft Team, REALTORS can help you determine what matters most before you put your home on the market.