Hotel and interior design experts offer tips for staging primary bedrooms with touches of luxe.

Recently, furniture and home decor company, CB2, named “luxury for all” as one of the top three home trends of 2022. The brand’s popularity with millennials, who currently comprise the largest percentage of home buyers, means CB2’s insights are valuable intel for real estate professionals.

The use of staging can set a listing apart from the crowd and increase the amount buyers are willing to spend on a property, according to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®. If homebuyers crave luxury and want it at a variety of price points, sellers would do well to stage their homes in a way that reflects these lifestyle aspirations. What better template for luxury staging than a five-star hotel suite?

Making a primary bedroom look and feel like a five-star hotel guestroom is “all about making mindful choices, keeping things really simple and introducing luxurious elements in very attainable ways,” says interior designer Rebecca Gitana, founder of Healing Through the Home.

Luxury hotel experts and interior designers offer suggestions for arranging and styling bedrooms like five-star hotel rooms.

Limit Art and Accessories

Removing family photos and personal items is standard protocol when staging a house. But retaining or adding a couple of thoughtful accessories can boost the aesthetic appeal of a primary bedroom.

“High-end hotel rooms often imbue an aesthetic of minimalized clutter—sometimes just a coffee-table book, single piece of art, or a design-centric lamp bedside are enough,” says Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par.

“The hotel feeling is all about less is more,” agrees commercial interior designer Gerardy Cabrera. “You can go wild with artwork, not with quantity, but with size and color.”

Choose Crisp White Bedding

If there’s one thing that makes a bedroom feel more like a five-star hotel room, it’s high-quality, high thread-count bedding, according to Brianna Glenn, luxury travel advisor and founder of Milk + Honey Travels.

Interior designers agree. “Crisp white bed sheets are the number one staple in any five-star sleeping situation,” says Gitana.

Jaclyn Isaac, the principal designer and owner of Doni Douglas Designs, calls white sheets a no-brainer and suggests topping them with a fluffy white duvet cover. “Certain colors don’t show well on camera, but white looks bright and clean and gives off that hotel vibe,” she explains.

Pick a Signature Scent

Filling the kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked cookies before an open house is the oldest trick in the book. The idea has stuck around because it works. But if the scent of cookies makes a kitchen feel like home, what makes a bedroom feel luxurious?

Hotel candles, according to Glenn. These days, many hotels infuse the lobby with seasonal signature scents ranging from the distinct smoky-spicy aroma of Hotel Emma in San Antonio to the gentle waft of cherries and lilies in The St. Regis New York.

“I stayed at Royal Monsour in Marrakech, and I remember they sent me home with a candle that had their signature scent—I could light it at home and instantly be transported back to that magical place,” she recalls.

While any high-end candle will do, homeowners can infuse their bedrooms with scents inspired by actual five-star hotels with products from Hotel Lobby Candle, a brand launched by travel writer and influencer Lindsay Silberman.

Take Cues from Nature

Luxury lodging often brings the outside in. That’s the case with one of Berkson’s new favorite properties, Piaule Catskill, which he says features simple oak-framed beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that “allow you to wake up to the surrounding forest.”

Of course, staging a room isn’t the same as renovating it. But homeowners can still include nature with lush houseplants or simple arrangements of foraged branches. Isaac says she always uses fresh flowers when staging.

Gitana suggests taking it a step further by decorating with colors and textures that mimic the natural world outside the room’s windows. Natural fibers might include cotton, bamboo, silk or wool. Even a bedroom entirely staged in shades of white can include natural variety by mixing up the fabrics and textures.

Include a Seating Area

In the world of hospitality, consumers associate square footage with luxury. While standard hotel rooms clock in at 330 square feet on average, luxury guest rooms range from 430 to 4,000 square feet, according to hospitality management software company Cvent.

You can’t increase the square footage of a listing, but you can spruce it up for all it’s worth. Luxury properties do this by creating thoughtful sitting areas, even in heritage hotels with limited space.

“No matter the size of the bedroom, you can create a little spot to take a call, have a cup of coffee, or just stare out the window,” says Gitana. “Create this for yourself by introducing an interesting chaise lounge or love seat into your space. Have an even smaller space? A single chair also works!”

Balance the Layout

Not all primary bedrooms are symmetrical, but thoughtful furniture arranging can make the space feel balanced.

“Start with a bed frame that fits the room,” says Cabrera. Bigger isn’t always better, as a crowded bedroom feels like the opposite of luxe. He suggests choosing a bed that leaves 3 to 4 feet of space on each side, even if that means staging with a double bed in place of a king or queen.

Once the bed is in place, position a nightstand on each side. It might sound like a simple suggestion, but the resulting visual balance evokes a luxurious sense of calm and comfort, according to Gitana. Complete the look with a large enough rug to fit under the bed and the nightstands. “A too-small rug is a rookie decor mistake,” Isaac warns.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Sustainable design and warm, cozy spaces are on the rise in 2023.

While homeowners compile their holiday wish lists, we’ve compiled a list of 12 home and design trends experts think will be next year’s stars.

Architecture and design experts weigh in on what’s emerging in 2023. As the new year emerges, lifestyle changes due to the pandemic continue to hold strong. Cutting home expenses and conserving resources are top of mind for many. Move over, granite: These new countertop materials are coming in strong, and cozy comfort is taking the place of stark, minimalist design.

Home Office Updates

For many, hybrid work is here to stay, so home offices make the list, though changes are in order. Many crave some interaction, says Priscilla Holloway, a salesperson with New York City–based Douglas Elliman.

Architect Liz Peabody of Boston-based The Architectural Team says that open, partially open and glass-walled spaces are seen in houses as well as multifamily buildings’ common spaces and individual apartment units. Another change is that some offices are larger and have a window for a nice view, according to designers at The Plan Collection.

Why now? The pandemic changed how and where we work, and people are still figuring out what works best at home.

Induction Cooking

Though the change will be gradual, many homeowners are expected to switch to induction cooking from natural gas. Many are finding that their cookware is induction-safe, despite previously held beliefs, says Chicago kitchen expert Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design. Induction has many benefits: Water boils faster, food cooks quicker, and homeowners have more control of heat level calibration, he says. Additionally, the smooth surface is easier to clean.

Why now? Many cities are outlawing natural gas hookups in new homes and buildings to reduce fossil fuel emissions and better control environmental and climate challenges.

Eco-friendly Design

More real estate sites list eco-friendly design as a priority, from solar panels to energy-efficient windows, stronger builds that better resist severe weather, more tech features like programmable thermostats, gardening apps and smarter, more environmentally friendly, hygienic toilets like Toto USA’s Washlet and bidet toilets. TOTO also manufactures domestically, reducing its products’ carbon footprints, says Bill Strang, president of corporate strategy, e-commerce and customer care. 

Why now? More homeowners know the importance of sustainable design due to climate change reports, how fossil fuels damage the environment and the importance of preserving resources.

Cozier Comfort

Tough times call for an antidote, and many are seeking a dose of comfort within the walls of their homes. The ebb and flow of COVID-19 in conjunction with other stressors has people wanting to feel as though they’re wrapped in a warm hug, says Chicago-based designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design. He suggests doing so with patterned wallpaper on both walls and ceilings. A tactile touch also works, he says. Think big, upholstered headboards; ’50s and ’60s lounge-style sections to sprawl, watch TV or eat; and colorful tufted or handwoven area rugs that resemble art.

Why now? Collective stress levels are at an all-time high, and people are finding they need a respite from the constant barrage of information available because of the digital age.

More Natural, Personalized Interiors

The biophilic, natural look prevails in appeal because of the benefit nature provides. Homeowners want organic furnishings, live plants and warmer colors in the clay palette, says Gena Kirk, vice president of Design Studio at Los Angeles–based homebuilder KB Home. The latest iteration reflects interest in embracing memories through personalized design aesthetics that display mementos and heirlooms, Kirk says.

Why now? During the pandemic, homeowners opted for cleaner, minimalist interiors to set a clear boundary between personal space and the outside world. They now want to return to a new form of nesting, through an accumulation of textiles, warmer colors, new hardware and fabrics for a welcoming, natural environment to live, work and play, Kirk says.

Dekton and Neolith Surfaces

Every few years, a new countertop surface takes center stage as the best in terms of durability, sustainability, color or novelty. The latest “it” surfaces are newer “sintered” stones, a combination of minerals that form a solid surface that can’t be etched, scratched, burned or stained. Dekton and Neolith appeal because they resemble marble and other high-end surfaces and are resistant to fading, says Boston designer Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions. Milwaukee designer Suzan Wemlinger adds that because the slabs are large, there’s less need for seams, and they can be used in outdoor kitchens without cracking in extreme temperatures.

Why now? New technology processes have led to the development of these stain-resistant, strong surfaces, and kitchen counter durability is nearly always top of mind for homeowners.

Affordable Design Choices

Instead of tempting buyers with fancy cabinets, finishes and appliances, more homebuilders are turning to affordability as a feature. “Good design is not about spending the most money but offering well-designed homes, sometimes without bells and whistles,” says Mary Cook, founder of Mary Cook Associates, a Chicago-based commercial interior design firm. Builders are displaying predesigned packages of cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring that keep costs down. They’re also cutting square footage to show that buyers can live well in smaller homes, Cook says.

Why now? Higher interest rates have put a pause on buyer frenzy. “We went from crazy busy to crazy slow,” one homebuilder says. Now is the time to see how affordability and quality design come together.

Zero Emissions

Master-planned developments are taking the guesswork out of emission-free living. Developer Marshall Gobuty of Sarasota, Fla.–based Pearl Homes shows how with his 18-acre Hunter’s Point development, the first LEED Zero–certified community in the world, he says. “There’s no energy cost associated with the 86 single-family houses except for a $35 monthly maintenance fee from Florida Power,” he says.

Why now? With the pandemic and overall inflation, energy costs continue to soar. Also, sustainable development helps communities adapt to challenges posed by climate change and protects natural resources.

In Multifamily: More EV, Fewer Additional Amenities

Few multifamily buildings are constructed without an EV charging station, says architect Peabody. Developers are including a handful and leaving infrastructure available to expand the number. At the same time, they are devoting less square footage to amenities since younger generations are less inclined to pay for features they may not use, especially after seeing how the pandemic shut down facilities. What most still want are lounges, coworking spaces and outdoor areas to exercise and unwind, Peabody says. Pet parks and spas still make the list as well, says Cook.

Why now? EV stations are essential as more people switch to electric vehicles. Just over half of passenger cars sold in the U.S. will be electric vehicles by 2030, according to Bloomberg.

Walkable, Affordable Boomer Living

More efforts are underway to create more options for the enormous boomer cohort as they age. Many want to give up owning a car, live where their location has a high walkability score and cut living costs by living in smaller, energy-efficient homes. One example is developer David Fox’s Passive House building in Northampton, Mass., to be completed in 2024; it will eliminate 80% of typical energy needs to heat and cool and be built with sustainable mass timber construction, solar panels, a community garden and a bicycle shed. The building’s 70 apartments will average 1,200 square feet; share a gym, lounge and roof area to exercise; and limit rent increases.

Why now? Boomers are the largest aging community to date, and as the country ages, more emphasis on how elders live is needed now.

Fire-Resistant Modules

On the east coast, building structures to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and floods are in high demand. On the west coast, however, San Diego–based modular builder Dvele focuses on manufacturing fire-resistant steel modular houses. The company started with 500-square-foot homes constructed from a single module design and now offers 4,000-square-foot homes from seven module designs. All are also highly energy-efficient due to self-powered solar panels, says Kellan Hannah, the company’s director of growth.

Why now? The National Interagency Fire Center statistics show that as of last October, almost 60,000 fires burned 7 million acres, above the 10-year average of 48,000 fires and close to 6 million burned acres. Fires are only worsening, meaning construction must adapt.

What’s NOT Hot?    

Several once-popular design choices are losing appeal, primarily because they require high maintenance or aren’t functional for today’s busy routines, says Gena Kirk with homebuilder, KB Home. She suggests letting go of these four in the year ahead.

High Pile Carpet 

While soft, shaggy carpet styles make a statement, they are difficult to keep clean and aren’t practical, especially in households with kids and/or pets. 

Gray Cabinets 

Gray cabinets have been popular but are cooling off as more homeowners shift to warmer hues to make their spaces more welcoming. 

Standard Subway Tiles 

Standard-size white, horizontal subway tiles are still popular, but many now prefer larger 4-by-10 inch or 4-by-16-inch tiles that run vertically to draw eyes up and give an age-old design a fresh look.

Open Shelves 

Most struggle with clutter, so even though some love the open look above, others are opting for the traditional closed cabinets since they find it easier to keep stuff concealed. These days there are countless custom interior organization systems to arrange contents in a neat fashion.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

The pandemic-era remodeling boom continued this year, but homeowners were more keen to seek professional help rather than do it themselves.

As the remodeling boom continues, homeowners are increasingly in search of outdoor projects and other renovation ideas. Though the housing market overall is slowing, there is no shortage of demand for home improvement. But are some homeowners trying to take on too much for their level of DIY expertise?

The following are the top home and design articles at REALTOR® Magazine Online for 2022:

1. How Homeowners Can Make the Most of Their Yards—Even in Winter

After almost two years of pandemic life, homeowners understand the significant value of having a yard. Here are 8 ideas for getting creative with outdoor space.

2. 7 Most Popular Bathroom Upgrades

Homeowners are spending a median of $9,000 on bathroom renovations, which is 13% higher than last year, a new study finds. These are their favorite trends.

3. 4 DIY Jobs Sellers Should Stop Doing

Home inspectors say they can spot the work of an amateur versus a pro.

4. Home Organization That’s Easy to Maintain

Share these tips with your clients to help them take a deep dive into decluttering and storage for greater efficiency and enjoyment of their abode.

5. 2023 Home and Design Trends to Watch Sustainable design and warm, cozy spaces are on the rise in 2024

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

After almost three years of pandemic life, homeowners understand the significant value of having a yard. Here are 8 ideas for getting creative with outdoor space.

Key Takeaways:

• Backyards continue to be a way to extend square footage, even during colder months.
• To get started, homeowners should make a list of their favorite ways to spend time outdoors.
• They should consider decorating “rooms” of the yard but also have a place to store items when storms and winds come.

Spending time outdoors at the height of the pandemic was a way to get fresh air, exercise safely, and expand living quarters. Now, nearing three years later, an outdoor retreat has become even more sought after, causing homeowners and design professionals to get creative in maximizing square footage.

Whether homeowners have a big suburban yard, rural acreage, or a small urban balcony, there are multiple ways to take advantage of the space, even in winter. They can pile on layers or follow the Swedish mantra of Friluftsliv, which translates to “open-air living and the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical well-being.”

The key isn’t the size of their space, or which activities homeowners do, but taking advantage of Mother Nature’s gifts—air, sky, clouds, sun, and greenery.

Millennials and other new homeowners have become particularly adept at using their yards for almost everything—from camping out with a tent and fire pit to organizing a staycation, or setting up an alternative office when they need a break from their indoor space, says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of TurfMutt Foundation, the education arm of the Alexandria, Va.-based Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which encourage enjoyment of nature.

Kiser says there’s even a new term for this trend, which doesn’t need translation: Backyarding!

Here are eight ideas to share with clients to help them make the right investments in furnishings, landscaping, appliances, and more for their yards.

1. Link the indoors and outdoors by blurring lines. The most common way to do this is to add more windows and doors to connect the spaces and make the glazing bigger to achieve better views. It can also be done by using more colors and textures found in nature inside the home and bringing in plants. Homeowners can also decorate outdoors as they do inside, according to the online design resource, Houzz. The company’s search data shows that people want their backyards to be relaxing extensions of their interiors, which can be handled with stylish, durable materials, as well as by adding a fireplace or fire pit, outdoor TV, sound system, and comfortable seating, pillows, and rugs.

2. Set up an outdoor office. Many people made do with cramped makeshift offices during the pandemic. Others created separate indoor spaces but working outdoors can literally offer a breath of fresh air to ramp up creativity. Flowers, bushes, and trees can become the living backdrop on conference calls instead of the kitchen counters or office bookcases. Essentials to make it work include strong Wi-Fi, an electrical outlet or two for equipment that’s not wireless, a sturdy table for a laptop, a comfortable chair, lighting for night-time work, and a rug to add warmth underfoot. Some may want a small portable generator to keep power running, Kiser says.

3. Dine al fresco. Homeowners shouldn’t limit themselves to only eating dinner outdoors. Any meal—breakfast, brunch, lunch, cocktails, and snacks—can be enjoyed plein air. They should have a nice flat area, whether a balcony, terrace, or deck, to set up a table and chairs with enough space to navigate around them. Homeowners also should choose a material that won’t need frequent repainting—many closely resemble real wood and stone and are sustainable. Add the right equipment—a grill, pizza oven, running water from a spigot that won’t freeze (or a sink), and firepit—to make the experience more enjoyable. They can hang some lights, maybe a curtain, and if there’s room and funds, construct a pergola for an overhead cover. If the homeowners like the sound of running water, they can add a recirculating fountain so the water won’t freeze in the winter.

4. Add entertainment. All work and no play isn’t fun, and the outdoors is a perfect place for classic games like croquet and badminton, and board games such as Monopoly and Clue, or jigsaw puzzles. Many families are also investing in large-screen outdoor TVs and movie projectors. And then there are all the pools being built. If there is no room or funds, they might consider a less costly above-ground pool or smaller hot tub. Suggest they position it close enough to the house so they’re not trekking far in the cold or snow.

5. Establish a wildlife habitat. Attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds by planting the right flowers and plants. Add a greenhouse if there’s room, which will allow homeowners to garden all year. A birdhouse and feeder or two, and great additions; even a chicken coop is becoming more commonplace.

Kris Kiser and Mulligan (Mo-Mo) – OPEI/TurfMutt Foundation

6. Make a yard pet friendly. Are your clients’ pet owners? If they have a dog, they could add a fence of some type, maybe a sandpile for digging, a doghouse that’s large enough so Fido doesn’t feel cramped, and perhaps an agility course so he or she gets good exercise. Hardscape like bricks, concrete pavers, or stone can be an alternative spot to urinate that won’t ruin your lawn. Also, homeowners can consider some faux lawn choices—many look authentic—and avoid planting things that are toxic to dogs and people, according to The Spruce.

7. Store neatly. Even outdoor spaces can become cluttered. A shed or closet in a garage can be set up with shelves, bins, and hooks to hang rakes, bicycles, helmets, and more. This will also keep tools out of reach of young children, and provide a place to store fuel safely, too, says Kiser.

8. Create some privacy. While homeowners may want to have a friendly relationship with their neighbors, they may also want some privacy at times, especially when working from home or throwing parties. Fences work well, but so can living screens of greenery—rows of trees, bushes, or vines. They should choose native materials that don’t require a lot of watering and consider materials that provide color or texture year-round. Suggest they start small with plantings that will grow over time, which is less costly than investing in big, mature plants.

While many of the tips on this list can be undertaken by a skilled DIYer, homeowners should also consider contacting a contractor, landscape designer, or architect sooner rather than later since many are booked far in advance.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

A new home design movement prioritizes property features that are meant to raise the lifestyle of your four-legged sidekick.

Who’s the house for—you or your dog?

Americans are so devoted to their pets that most say they’d pass on their dream home if it didn’t suit their four-legged sidekick, according to a recent realtor.com® survey. So, it’s no surprise that pet-friendly property features, like a fenced-in yard with a dog run or a “catio,” are rising to the top of home buyers’ wish lists. The trend toward pet consciousness is sparking a new home design movement called “barkitecture.”

All about incorporating more pet-friendly features throughout the home, the barkitecture concept can add value and interest to a property and perhaps improve the odds of a sale. After all, 43% of households in 2020 indicated they’d be willing to move to better meet their pets’ needs, according to National Association of REALTORS® datapdf. Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, recently spoke to REALTOR® Magazine about the barkitecture features that are popping up in more homes.

Q: What is ‘barkitecture,’ and does it have staying power?

Danielson: Barkitecture is an evolving term that encompasses innovative ideas to create comfortable and stylish spaces for humans and their four-legged friends. Originally used to describe the design and construction of dog houses and other structures specifically for dogs, the trend today has grown popular due to its ability to incorporate practical elements of pet ownership into the design of kitchens and bathrooms that both humans and dogs can enjoy. Barkitecture is here to stay due to growing demand among pet owners who view their animals as true family members. They are willing to invest in ensuring that every part of their home reflects this sentiment.

What type of pet-friendly home features are buyers prioritizing?

One of the most popular pet-friendly design features is adding a dog wash station in the mudroom. This feature makes it easier and less messy to give the pup a quick bath after an outdoor adventure.

A dog wash station typically consists of a faucet with a flexible hose attachment and an elevated platform, providing easy step-in and step-out tub access to the pup. Installing a handheld showerhead and using a tiled area with a drain helps pet owners clean up muddy paws with ease while limiting messes and tracking water around the house.

Positioning this station near a home’s entrance makes it quick and easy for everyone to clean up before coming in. Plus, having a designated spot can make washing your dog much simpler. Throw in some toys or treats so that they look forward to baths!

The other popular trend is installing hidden food and watering stations, which offers numerous benefits for pets and their human owners. They make feeding time much easier by creating an organized system that is convenient to use. Many of these built-in feeding stations are incorporated into the kitchen island, including a pot-filler faucet for the pet’s water bowl. These stations can help keep bowls off the floor to avoid spills or messes while also providing an aesthetically pleasing solution that doesn’t compromise style or decor. These stations are immensely helpful for house-training puppies who need frequent access to water throughout the day. All in all, this is a great way for pet owners to combine both form and function in one convenient feature.

Additionally, homeowners who serve fresh foods or subscribe to a food delivery service for pets can install an under-counter refrigerator dedicated to Fido’s culinary delights. For those foods or treats that do not require refrigeration, kitchen cabinetry is a great place to hide or recess food storage compartments.

What’s even better is that any homeowner can incorporate barkitecture. Homeowners no longer need a dedicated mudroom or expensive renovations to make their homes more inviting for their furry friends. With a few simple changes and the addition of some special touches, any homeowner can create a space that both they and their pets will enjoy. One example could be installing a specially designed grooming hand shower and attachments in your existing tub or shower. A dog-friendly hand shower and attachments can create a luxurious and inviting environment for humans and pets alike without a ton of extra work or space.

What are the most unique barkitecture renovations you’ve seen?

We’ve seen some incredible barkitecture projects, both simple and complex, from converting a pantry into a luxurious pet lounge with fun wallpaper to crates built into cabinetry and custom-made furniture pieces. These unique renovations can seamlessly tie into existing decor, and they truly reflect the style and personality of the homeowner and pup.

There are so many unique and creative solutions out there. As this trend continues to grow in popularity, we’re excited to see what new ideas designers and homeowners dream of to make their homes more welcoming for their pets.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Whether selling or staying put, most homeowners could benefit from a little decluttering.

Key Takeaways:

• Share with sellers the financial advantage of only taking with them what they’ll use.
• Explain how breaking down the process into smaller tasks can lighten the stress load.
• Offer ideas on how to dispose of belongings by selling, donating or sharing.

Decluttering makes moving easier for everyone—and less costly, too. It is also helpful for those who want to live more simply in their current residence. In fact, homeowners who have less clutter and are more intentional about what they bring into their space find that a positive for both their mental and financial health.

Many saw the wisdom of doing so during the pandemic when they were stuck at home, looked around, and wondered: Why do I have all this stuff that I never use?

Now, in the dead of winter when many again are indoors for long stretches, can be a good time to encourage clients to begin. Advise them to think of it as an adventure they pursue gradually rather than feel pressure to tackle all at once.

Truly effective—and lasting—decluttering represents a multistep process that varies according to each person’s situation. Those who have inherited a roomful of brown furniture from the 1950s and ‘60s and stacks of books, photo albums, crystal, and more may feel overwhelmed if they don’t want or can’t fit these furnishings into their home or apartment or find consignment shops interested in selling pieces, often because they have so much that’s similar from others hoping to unload possessions.

The following toolbox is offered up as a resource so that anyone can get started on their decluttering journey.

Share What Experts Advise

Marie Kondo became a world-touted expert on the benefits of decluttering with her first book, The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up. It extolled the virtues of owning fewer belongings to have more space to display belongings that spark joy. Kondo went on to write more books, including one for children, and developed two Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” and “Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo.” She also opened an online store, KonMari, and started a certified-consultant training business.

If the Marie Kondo method doesn’t quite spark joy, there are alternatives, such as the “Swedish Death Cleaning,” which involves getting rid of anything not needed, in order to relieve others of the task of discarding a loved one’s possessions after they’ve died. Margareta Magnusson, author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Make Your Loved Ones’ Lives More Pleasant, says the practice offers an underlying message of caring for our heirs.

For those who want more than decluttering and are interested in a minimalist lifestyle, resources abound as well.

Cheer On the Downsizers

Decluttering, even if moving isn’t on the immediate radar, is a great idea for many reasons. First, you never know when a move might be necessary. An intentional approach to decluttering well before moving ever becomes a question takes a lot of stress out of the moving process when it finally happens. Doing so can save time packing, slash moving costs and help reduce the amount of new living space someone might require. Even before it’s time to move, there’s the listing process to think about. Decluttered settings help present a better visual, which helps maximize sales, says Christopher Matos-Rogers, AHWD, GREEN, associate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty in Atlanta. 

While many find it tempting to put off the difficult decisions about what to keep and what to toss until after they move, gently explain the wisdom of being realistic about what can fit in their new home, says Barry Izsak, an Austin, Texas-based moving and relocation expert and founder of PackingMovingUnpacking, an online service that helps those moving find movers in their area. “This is especially important for those moving long distances.,” he says. “Remind these clients about their new climate. They might be able to ditch most of their winter clothing and that snow blower, too,” he says.

Know When to Suggest Professional Help

Homeowners who can’t handle the task on their own should consider hiring a certified member of the National Association of Professional Organizers or the National Association of Specialty and Senior Move Managers, ideally a professional with years of experience, says Izsak. As a former president of NAPO, Izsak says the national hourly rate professionals typically charged ranges between $50 and $100, depending in part on their locale.

Rhea Becker—who, as the Clutter Queen, offers organizing services for homes and offices in Boston—says many of her clients appreciate how professionals speed up the process by keeping them focused on maximizing profits and avoiding digressions over each object’s history. “With a professional, you have the best chance to cut the time and get some money on the table since they know what will sell,” she says.

Group Items Into Categories

Whether your clients decide to bring in a professional or go it alone, it helps to have them categorize each item in a given part of their home into one of five groupings: keep, store, sell, donate or toss. Izsak says the litmus test he uses and shares with clients is to save an object only if it fits one of these three criteria: It’s useful, beautiful or loved. Becker suggests homeowners snap photos of favorite items that are difficult to part with to give them a visual memory they can retain rather than keeping the item itself. Here’s specific help you can offer them for each pile:

Sell

Midcentury modern furniture and contemporary art both appeal widely to buyers of all ages, especially if they’re of good quality and in decent condition. Create a list of estate sales specialists and consignment shops in your area that are known for fair dealing. However, be aware that many services that do the work of selling take a big cut, often half the sales price. If your clients are inclined to try to sell items themselves, suggest they try eBay for the best prices. However, if they’re not willing to go through the trouble of shipping sold items, encourage them to post goods on local online sites, such as neighborhood Facebook groups or Craigslist.

Donate

Remember the adage, “One person’s trash is another’s treasure.” Suggest to older clients that they first ask their children to claim beloved items from their childhood. Becker says it’s important to set a time limit for those who are interested to pick up what they want. Donations is another area where you can be a hero by compiling a list of trustworthy sources in your neighborhood for your clients. Take note of what charities will accept and when, and even which ones will pick up donations, saving your clients time and hassle. Some charities have gotten choosier about what they accept. For instance, many won’t take mattresses, box springs, pillow cases, or sheets. Real estate salesperson Christopher Flores with Keller Williams Larchmont in Los Angeles suggests a local halfway house that helps troubled young adults stabilize their lives as a great destination for used goods. “That way, they provide furniture and clothing they don’t need to those who may have nothing,” he says. Remind sellers that they may be able to secure a tax donation from the IRS if they contribute to a qualified tax-exempt organization. Because of recent changes in the tax code, it’s best for clients to keep detailed notes of what they donate and to consult their tax adviser for the exact percentages they will be able to write off.

Toss

Clients may save themselves some work by calling a local trash-hauling company or 1-800-GOT-JUNK, a REALTOR Benefits® partner, which operates nationwide. Have information on pricing and what haulers won’t take on hand. Homeowners can also consult HomeAdvisor’s list of trash-hauling service providers by ZIP code. Also, it’s important to be aware of laws governing trash. Some municipalities allow homeowners to leave stuff by the curb with a sign that reads, “please take me,” while others levy fines for such activity. A more organized version of this idea comes in the form of local Freecycle chapters, part of a grassroots nonprofit where local people post stuff for free pickup in their own towns to help keep usable goods out of landfills.

Store Off-Site

It may be tempting to store certain household items off-site, and one in three Americans do, according to StorageCafe. There are numerous reasons why. Aside from apartments getting smaller, people are unwilling to part with stuff permanently. The pandemic required a bit of a shuffle as well, requiring work-from-home space that didn’t exist previously. Some families moved in with one another and needed a place for the extra stuff.

Picking self-storage requires homework. Advise clients to consider units that are locked, insured and climate-controlled and that offer access whenever they want. Prices can vary widely. Also remind clients that self-storage isn’t a great long-term solution, as months can extend into years and beyond. “Often storage is a matter of postponing the inevitable. It’s better to get rid of whatever you don’t need,” Izsak says. “If you know you’re storing something for a granddaughter who will use it in a year, that makes sense. Otherwise, get rid of it now!”

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission