A local guide by Marc Silver of Silvertone Homes | Top Philadelphia Realtor
January is when Philly homes tell the truth. The holiday clutter lingers, routines reset, and suddenly every tight corner and overstuffed closet feels louder than it did in December.
That feeling is especially familiar in Fishtown and Northern Liberties, where classic rowhomes and modern condos dominate the landscape. These homes have character, but they demand intention. Space doesn’t come from square footage, it comes from flow.
As a longtime Fishtown resident and local real estate expert, Marc Silver of Silvertone Homes helps homeowners think differently about space, layout, and energy. A January reset isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about maximizing what you already have and setting your home up for a stronger year.
Why Decluttering Matters More in Rowhomes and Condos
Most Philly homes weren’t designed with excess storage. Narrow layouts, steep staircases, and limited closets are part of the charm, but clutter disrupts flow fast.
In Fishtown rowhomes and NoLibs condos, decluttering helps:
- Make long, narrow spaces feel wider
- Improve light and sightlines
- Create better energy and movement
- Highlight architectural features buyers love
What this really means is your home starts working with you instead of against you.
Feng Shui Basics for Philly Homes
Feng shui gets a bad reputation, but at its core, it’s practical. It’s about how energy moves through space. In Philly homes, where rooms often stack front to back, this matters.
A few principles that work especially well in rowhomes and condos:
- Clear pathways. Energy should move easily from the front door through the home.
- Balance weight. Avoid heavy furniture blocking windows or hallways.
- Let light travel. Even small obstructions can make narrow spaces feel closed off.
Decluttering is the first and most important step. You can’t improve energy in a space that’s overcrowded.
Start With the Entryway: Set the Tone
In many Fishtown rowhomes, the front door opens straight into the living area. That space sets the tone for the entire home.
January reset checklist:
- Remove shoes you don’t wear weekly
- Limit coats to the current season
- Clear surfaces completely
A clean entry creates immediate openness and better energy flow. Buyers feel this instinctively when walking into a home.
Living Rooms: Create Breathing Room
Rowhome living rooms are often long and narrow. The biggest mistake is oversized furniture or too many pieces.
Declutter with intention:
- Remove extra accent chairs or side tables
- Choose furniture that sits off the walls slightly to improve flow
- Keep decor minimal but meaningful
In Northern Liberties condos, open layouts benefit from clear zones. Decluttering helps define living, dining, and work areas without walls.
Kitchens: Where Function Meets Flow
Whether it’s a compact rowhome kitchen or a sleek condo setup, kitchens hold energy and clutter.
January is the time to:
- Clear countertops completely
- Eliminate duplicate appliances
- Reorganize cabinets by daily use
From a feng shui perspective, clear counters signal abundance and control. From a real estate perspective, they make kitchens feel larger and more modern.
Bedrooms and Closets: Calm Equals Space
Bedrooms in Philly homes should feel restorative, not crowded.
Focus on:
- Clearing under-bed storage if possible
- Limiting furniture to essentials
- Keeping closets no more than 70 percent full
In feng shui, bedrooms thrive on calm energy. In resale, uncluttered bedrooms photograph better and feel more spacious.
Basements, Storage Units, and Condo Lockers
Fishtown basements and NoLibs storage units often become long-term holding zones. January is the reset point.
Ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Is this adding value or just taking space?
Clean, organized storage areas signal pride of ownership and reduce buyer hesitation later.
Decluttering With Resale in Mind
Here’s the thing. Even if you’re not selling this year, decluttering like a seller changes how you live.
Homes that feel open:
- Show better
- Appraise stronger
- Sell faster
Marc often recommends a January reset to clients months before listing because it changes how a home is maintained long before it hits the market.
The January Reset, Fishtown & NoLibs Edition
Decluttering in Philly isn’t about stripping character. It’s about letting it shine. Rowhomes and condos in Fishtown and Northern Liberties have incredible bones. They just need room to breathe.
If you’re thinking about selling, renovating, or simply want to understand how to better use your space, connect with Marc Silver of Silvertone Homes. His hyper-local insight helps homeowners see what’s possible, whether that’s improving daily life or preparing for the market.
Clear space. Better energy. Stronger value. That’s how you start the year right in Philly.