In a recent survey of Vancouverites, Montrealers and Torontonians, 31 % of the urbanites polled claimed they felt more satisfied after reorganizing their closet than after having sex. If given the choice, the majority of those surveyed said they would choose more closet space (30 %) over a bigger kitchen (17%) or an extra bathroom (11 %).

This on-site, three-location survey conducted by IKEA Canada, a leading home-furnishings retailer, seems to back up their space-saving approach to furniture and design. IKEA Canada may not have been pleased to learn that only 24 % of those surveyed rate buying nicer furniture as a top priority. Thirty-six per cent had more living space as their prime objective.

Since only 29 % claimed to regularly and ruthlessly throw out things they didn't need anymore, it is not surprising that moving to get more space is still one of the most common reasons for buying a new home. Smart sellers should strive to present a spacious, organized home, even if a massive clean-out and full-scale garage sale are necessary to clear up the clutter. Putting up shelves and building-in storage can be inexpensive, relatively easy ways to improve your home for resale. Increasing kitchen storage may simply involve adding display shelving and plate rails around the relatively unused upper areas of the room.

Once you realize that buyers considering your home are looking for more places to put their stuff, you may unleash your creative spirit and come up with some great storage ideas. If not, your local library and umpteen websites have home improvement suggestions to get you started. Realtors and professional renovators may also be a source of space-maximizing ideas.

At least, clean out the closets before you put your home on the market.

By the way, Montrealers of both genders were the most likely to say they found sex more satisfying than organizing their closets.

Published: March 14, 2000

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" -- intent on "Challenging The Best Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 7 books and more than 1600 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy... Your Choice! (CatapultPublishing.com), which is filled with suggestions and insight on protecting and using home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?," which identifies 7 common mistakes professionals unknowingly repeat to their detriment, will be published in 2009. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors -- and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking -- a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on blogs, books and topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.