Top 6 Home Organization Upgrades that “Spark Joy” for Buyers
14 Jul 2019 by Bent Danholm

Thanks to Marie Kondo and her hit Netflix series “Tidying Up,” home organization is a hot topic right now. Marie encourages her viewers to minimize their possessions and keep only those items that “spark joy.”

With spring in full bloom, now is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and add organizational systems to your own home. Not only will you clear out clutter, your efforts can actually increase the value of your home.

Ready to give it a try? Here are six home organization ideas that will “spark joy” for you and your property value.

 

Boost Bathroom Storage Capacity

When was the last time you cleaned out your bathroom cupboards? If it’s been awhile, remove everything and take a look at each item. Toss any old or expired products—keep only what you actually use.

If your vanity has drawers, add drawer organizers, so you have a dedicated space for smaller items, like makeup and jewelry. For deep cabinets, install roll-out shelves or baskets to maximize the use of space.

And don’t forget about the walls! Mount open shelves to store towels. If you’re short on storage space, a cabinet over the toilet can offer additional room for supplies. These inexpensive additions can make your morning routine a little easier while giving your bathroom a more custom feel. And on average, minor bathroom remodeling projects like these see a 102% return at resale.1

 

Upgrade Your Laundry Room

Sort through the items in your laundry room and throw away or donate anything you no longer need or use. If you’ve been holding onto a collection of old washcloths and single socks, it’s time to say goodbye. Then give your laundry room an upgrade with some customized organizational features.

A mix of open cubbies and cabinets with doors will give you plenty of options for storing detergents and supplies. If you have space, a divided hamper or set of laundry baskets can provide a place to sort your clothes before washing. Install a hanging rod or drying rack for delicates and a flat work surface for ironing and folding clothes. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn this chore into a score!

 

Fully Utilize Your Basement or Attic

Basements and attics can easily become a dumping ground for clutter. If that’s the case in your home, you know what to do!

Once you’ve conducted a thorough clean out, think about how you can better utilize the space to meet your family’s needs. Install cabinets and a table so you can use the area as a craft room. Or you could turn it into a game room with a media center and ping-pong table. Investing in your basement will not only add function for your family, but also the average basement remodel can see up to a 70% return on investment when it’s time to sell.2

If you have an attic, consider adding a cedar closet to store your off-season clothing. The cedar lining will keep your clothes free from moths and smelling fresh year round.3 Turning your attic into a more usable space will pay off down the road, too. A finished attic sees an estimated 60% return on investment.2

 

 

Customize Your Closets

Cleaning out the closet is a chore most of us dread, but by now, you’re a pro! Get rid the clothes and shoes that don’t fit you, are uncomfortable to wear, or that no longer “spark joy.”

Then it’s organizing time. So where do you start? You’ll want to create a designated space for each type of clothing: high hanging rods for dresses and long jackets, lower rods for skirts and shirts, and shelves for folded items like jeans. And accessories need a place to go, too. Add racks for your shoes, drawers for jewelry, hooks for hats, and shelves or racks for handbags.

A well-equipped closet can be a major draw for buyers—the average return on a closet remodel is 57%.4 But more importantly, it’ll improve your day-to-day life. Surveyed homeowners gave their closet remodel a “Joy Score” of 10 out of 10, higher than kitchen or bath upgrades.5

 

Install Built-in Bookcases and Cabinets

Built-in furniture adds functionality and storage to a room while giving your home a high-end look. Built-in bookcases can turn an empty room into an office. Custom cabinets can be used in a living room to display media equipment while providing hidden storage for DVDs, board games, and family albums.

When designing any built-in feature, remember not to go too custom. A design that only fits your tastes or belongings could turn off future buyers. Instead, select standard sizes and classic finishes to appeal to a broad range of buyers when it comes time to sell.

  

Equip Your Garage

If you can no longer fit your car in your garage, it may be time for a clean out. Similar to an attic or basement, the garage can quickly become overrun with clutter. A thorough cleaning will help you assess which items are worth keeping.

When adding organizational systems your garage, start with a small rack to store yard tools and larger racks for bikes and sports equipment. Overhead racks are a great place to put seasonal items and bulky luggage. A workbench against a wall lined with pegboard and hooks creates a dedicated space to use and store tools. If you have children or pets, add a cabinet with a lock. This will give you a place to securely store harsh chemicals and sharp tools. With a little effort, you’ll be pulling in your car (and buyers) in no time!

 

 

SPRING INTO ACTION

If you’re searching for service providers to help with your spring cleaning or home organization efforts, let us know! We can connect you with our trusted network of local home improvement professionals. We can also help you determine which organizational upgrades will add the most value to your home. Call us today, and let us know how we can help!

I am sure you have questions or concerns about this topic …

If you do, feel free to call or text me on (407) 288-0704 or use the contact form by clicking here.

 

Sources:

  1. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/top-home-updates-that-pay-off-pictures
  2. Nationwide – https://blog.nationwide.com/valuable-home-improvements/
  3. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/maximum-home-value-storage-projects–attic
  4. The Closet Doctor – https://www.closet-doctor.com/news/what-is-the-return-on-investment-on-closet-organizers
  5. NAR Remodeling Impact Survey – https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2017-remodeling-impact-09-28-2017.pdf
Bent Danholm

Bent Danholm is a prominent figure in the Central Florida real estate market, specializing in luxury homes in Orange and Osceola counties. With a rich background that spans continents and industries, Bent brings a global perspective and unparalleled marketing expertise to the table. Educated in Denmark with a finance and business organization degree, his career journey has led him from founding and leading a mortgage lender and broker company to becoming the chief marketing officer of several prominent online businesses.

Before establishing his roots in Florida, Bent sold real estate in Denmark and France. He co-founded a real estate agency in the UK, giving him a diverse international background and a deep understanding of the luxury market. His entrepreneurial spirit has seen him start and sell several successful businesses, including a foundational role in a Mortgage Investment company. Bent has positioned himself in the region's top 2% of all agents.

Bent's expertise is not just in selling real estate; it's in making markets meet. As a target marketing specialist, he can connect his listings with the most likely buyers and procure exclusive, unlisted properties for his buyers, offering his clients first access to the home of their dreams. His marketing skills give him and his clients an advantage in the real estate market.

What sets Bent apart is his professional achievements and his commitment to honesty and integrity. He is straightforward with his clients, willing to advise against a listing or sale if it doesn’t align with their best interests. This honest approach, his marketing prowess, and his deep commitment to customer satisfaction make Bent Danholm a trusted advisor in the luxury real estate market.

Beyond the world of real estate, Bent is a global citizen who loves diverse cultures and experiences. His journey across four countries has shaped his professional outlook and instilled in him a profound appreciation for what makes a place feel like home. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, Bent Danholm offers a gateway to your next grand adventure in Central Florida.

Discover the difference a world of experience makes. Contact Bent Danholm for an unparalleled real estate service that is as distinct and forward-thinking as you are.