PROPERTY NEWS - Popular shows such as Tidying Up with Marie Kondo have made being organised the new fad of homeownership, which has only highlighted the importance of having effective storage space in the home.
According to Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, sellers who tap into this organisation fad could increase their property's appeal to potential buyers.
"The risk of playing into a fad is that it won't always appeal to every buyer.
"Unless your property is severely lacking storage space, I wouldn't advise overinvesting on this. Instead, be creative with what you have and add inexpensive built-in features to make your existing storage space more practical and appealing," he suggests.
There are three ways sellers can upgrade their storage without spending a fortune:
Declutter and reorganise
"Like it or not, serious buyers are likely to open cupboards to check if there is sufficient storage space.
"Overfilled wardrobes and kitchen units make it seem as though there isn't enough storage space in the home. Getting rid of unused items will allow buyers to see exactly how much space they have to work with," Goslett advises.
Enhance practicality
There are plenty of clever storage trays, dividers, containers, hooks and other tricks that make it easier to organise your storage.
For example, a rotating tray in a corner cupboard will make it easier to reach items stored near the back; built-in shoe racks at the bottom of a wardrobe make it easier to store one's footwear, and under-cabinet wine glass racks are a great way of freeing up some much-needed cupboard space in the kitchen.
Reclaim unused space
"There are so many unused, overlooked spaces in the home that hold huge potential for additional storage. For example, that small wall space next to the door frame could easily be converted into extra storage by installing some shelving units. Shower caddies and mirrored cabinets above the basin could store shampoo bottles and other toiletries that make a bathroom appear cluttered," Goslett suggests.
Whether you choose to play into the fad and upgrade your storage or not, Goslett warns sellers that one of the biggest deterrents for potential buyers is a cluttered home. "Trends may come and go, but decluttering a space will always make a home more appealing to potential buyers," he notes.
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