Less is More: Why we Love ‘Lessting’

The property industry has spawned a plethora of jargon, acronyms and newly-coined words. Downsizing, right-sizing, second-steppers, gazumping, gazundering, SSTC and OIEO, to name a few (if you don’t know what any of those mean, contact White & Brooks for a lexicon lesson).

The latest is a portmanteau – that’s when two existing words are squished together to make a new one. ‘Lessting’ refers to less things when you are nesting. It’s a trend that’s caught our eye as we are signed-up members of the ‘less is more’ mantra when it comes to presenting a property for sale.

A new study of our homely habits has revealed Brits to be stockpilers. When 2,000 people were questioned about their hoarding habits, 40% said they hold on to unwanted items. When asked who the biggest culprits were, 22% said it was parents, who hoarded sentimental items and refused to clear out the family home. Women were found more likely than men to hold on to family heirlooms and sentimental gifts.

The survey, which was conducted by One Poll for Dr Beckmann, resulted in a top 10 of items in the home that Brits hold on to. These were

1. A box of cables/chargers 40%
2. Old magazines 23%
3. Packaging from an expensive purchase 21%
4. Unmatched socks 18%
5. Childhood toys 17%
6. Expired spices 17%
7. Ticket from an event 16%
8. Takeaway menus 14%
9. A broken remote 14%
10. Expired cleaning products 12%

Despite our tendencies to amass belongings, the survey did identify a growing ‘lessting’ trend. Leading the way is Generation X – those who are aged between 45 and 60. Of that age group questioned, 55% have embraced the art of having ‘less in the nest’ for a simpler, clean space.

White & Brooks usually sees ‘lessting’ in action when people are downsizing. The milestone of having no children left at home, accompanied by moving to a property with less space, is often the catalyst for decluttering.

Lessting isn’t just for Gen X. The survey also found Millennials were keen on ‘lessting’ but for different reasons. Of those aged between 28 and 44, 24% practice ‘lessting’ so they can sell unwanted items. Millennials also believe living with less stuff is the route to happiness.

If you are thinking of selling a property you own, ‘lessting’ is a great trend to jump on to. Not only will you have fewer belongings to pack up and move, your home will feel neater, more spacious and cleaner with less stuff in it. This is especially true if you’re removing piles of old magazines, clearing out cables and reducing the number of cleaning products on display.

For many, ‘lessting’ is an emotional and cathartic experience, and it is something that can’t be rushed. Although we are strong advocates of decluttering, home movers should give themselves plenty of time to streamline and let go.

If you would like impartial advice on the presentation of your home before a sale, with guidance on what should stay and what should go to ensure your home showcases to its full potential, please get in touch with your local branch of White & Brooks: Chichester, Bognor Regis, Gosport or Haslemere.