Tips to keep a home tidy

A clutter-free home is vital for the overall enjoyment of your home and a crucial part of selling for the best price possible.

Maintaining a tidy home can feel like a never-ending task, but with the correct strategies, it becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.

Adrian Goslett, the regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says a clean and organised space can help the property stand out in a competitive market, leading to quicker sales and better offers.

“Keeping a home tidy is crucial when selling because first impressions matter. A clutter-free home can make rooms appear larger and more inviting. Additionally, a tidy environment signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, building their confidence in the home’s value,” he explains.

Whether you are in the process of selling your home or are ready to adopt some tidier habits, RE/MAX of

Southern Africa shares simple yet effective strategies to help you keep your home tidy:

• Keep a paper tray near the front door
One of the most common causes of clutter is the accumulation of paper, whether mail, receipts, children’s homework or flyers. By putting a paper tray near the front door, you’ll have a designated spot to drop off these items immediately as you walk in.

This prevents paper from spreading to other surfaces, like countertops or tables, and gives you a central location to sort through it when you have time. Regularly empty and organise the tray to avoid buildup.

• Place baskets around the home for clutter
Baskets are great for tidying up because they can hold various items, from toys to blankets to loose cables. Place them strategically around your home in areas like the living room, bedrooms or hallway to collect items that might otherwise clutter surfaces.

At the end of each day or week, you can easily grab a basket, sort through its contents and put everything in its proper place. As a bonus, baskets serve a practical purpose and add a stylish touch to your décor.

• Adopt the “Don’t put it down, put it away” rule
This rule is a game-changer for maintaining a tidy home. Commit to immediately returning items to their designated spot instead of putting them on a table or counter when you’re done with them.

Whether hanging up your coat, putting dishes in the dishwasher or returning a book to the shelf, adopting this habit prevents clutter from accumulating over time. It might take some effort at first, but once it becomes a routine, your home will stay neater with much less effort.

“A well-presented home improves the homeowners’ enjoyment of the home and allows potential buyers to see the property’s full potential.

“As challenging as it might be to adopt tidier habits, it can be helpful to remember that small changes can lead to big improvements in the long run,” Goslett concludes.