Decluttering a home you're selling is a critical step to make it more appealing to buyers. A clean, organized space helps potential buyers envision themselves living there and makes the home feel larger and more inviting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively declutter your home for sale:
Step 1: Start Early
- Why: Decluttering takes time, especially if you’ve lived in the home for many years.
- Plan: Set a schedule to tackle one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Step 2: Focus on Key Areas
Living Spaces
- Remove excess furniture to make the room feel spacious.
- Keep surfaces (coffee tables, shelves) minimal with only a few decorative items.
Kitchen
- Clear countertops of appliances and clutter.
- Organize cabinets and pantry—buyers often peek inside.
- Remove magnets, notes, and photos from the refrigerator.
Bedrooms
- Minimize furniture and personal items.
- Use neutral bedding and remove unnecessary pillows or blankets.
- Keep closets neat and only partially filled to show ample storage space.
Bathrooms
- Store toiletries out of sight.
- Replace old towels with fresh, neutral ones.
- Clean out medicine cabinets and drawers.
Garage and Basement
- Clear out excess tools, boxes, and equipment.
- Organize shelves and storage areas neatly.
Entryway
- Remove shoes, coats, and clutter to make the space feel welcoming.
Step 3: Sort and Categorize
- Keep: Items you’ll need or use frequently.
- Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need.
- Sell: Use online marketplaces or yard sales to sell valuable items.
- Discard: Throw away broken or unsellable items.
Step 4: Minimize Personal Items
- Remove family photos, children’s artwork, and personal collections.
- Neutralize the décor so buyers can imagine their own belongings in the space.
Step 5: Organize Storage Spaces
- Tidy up closets, cabinets, and drawers—buyers will look inside them.
- Use bins, baskets, and organizers to keep items neat.
- Aim for 50–70% empty space in each storage area to create the impression of ample room.
Step 6: Use the “One-Year Rule”
- If you haven’t used something in the past year, consider whether it’s worth keeping.
Step 7: Rent a Storage Unit (if needed)
- Store bulky furniture, seasonal items, or anything that doesn’t enhance the home’s presentation.
- Avoid overcrowding closets and storage areas in the home itself.
Step 8: Clean as You Go
- Dust shelves, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum areas as you declutter.
- Deep clean spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms after removing excess items.
Step 9: Stage with Intention
- Add a few tasteful, neutral decorative items like vases, candles, or plants to enhance the home’s presentation.
- Leave key pieces of furniture in place to define the purpose of each room.
Step 10: Seek a Fresh Perspective
- Invite a friend, family member, or real estate agent to walk through the home and provide feedback.
- Look at the home through the eyes of a buyer—what feels cluttered or distracting?
Tips for Success
- Start with Easy Wins: Declutter small spaces first to build momentum.
- Keep Moving Boxes Handy: Pack away items you plan to move to your new home.
- Be Ruthless: Let go of items that don’t serve a purpose in your future space.
- Avoid Storage Overload: Closets and cabinets should look tidy, not overstuffed.
By decluttering thoughtfully, you’ll create a clean, welcoming environment that appeals to buyers and helps sell your home faster and potentially for a higher price.
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Additional Resources
Check out these articles for more information:
-
Organise My House: You Should Be Decluttering To Sell Your Home – Here’s Why [& How!]
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U.S. News & World Report: 10 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Home
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The Simplicity Habit: How to Declutter Before Listing Your Home (& Why You Should)
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Andersen Group Realty: The Ultimate Guide: How to Declutter Your Home Before Selling
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DMV Real Estate: How to Declutter Your Home to Sell - 9 Steps to Success
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HomeLight: How to Declutter Your Home Fast: A Checklist for the Messy
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