Decluttering Before Selling Your Home

If you are planning on putting your home on the market, it is vital to declutter your home before your first potential buyer arrives — and of course, before your home photos are taken. It might be overwhelming, but I always tell my customers, “Space is worth money”!

1. Depersonalize and Minimize Personal Items

• Remove Personal Memorabilia: Take down personal photos, family memorabilia, trophies, awards, religious items, university diplomas, and collections like small cars or perfume bottles from walls, shelves, and other visible areas. This allows potential buyers to envision the space as their own rather than feeling like they are in someone else’s home. It also keeps your collections secure, especially if they are items appealing to children.
• Minimize Personalized Decor: Reduce the number of personalized decor items. While these items may hold sentimental value for you, a more neutral and depersonalized space tends to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

2. Streamline Furniture and Clear Spaces

• Scale Down Furniture: Consider the size and arrangement of furniture in each room. If there’s too much furniture, or if it’s too large for the space, it can make rooms feel cramped. Streamline by removing unnecessary pieces to create a more open and spacious feel.
• Clear High-Traffic Areas: Ensure that pathways and high-traffic areas are clear. Removing excess furniture and clutter from these spaces improves the flow of the home and gives a sense of openness and cleanliness. There should be a minimum of three feet of walking space in high-traffic areas if the house is small, and five feet if it is a larger home.

3. Organize and Declutter Storage Areas

• Closets and Cabinets: Potential buyers often look inside closets and cabinets to assess storage space. Keep these areas organized and decluttered. Remove items that you don’t need immediately, and consider organizing shelves and hanging spaces to maximize storage capacity.
• Under-Bed Storage: If applicable, consider utilizing under-bed storage to keep extra linens, clothing, or other items out of sight. This helps create a tidy and organized look in bedrooms. Remember, though — when professional photos are taken, many photographers use a wide-angle lens, so stand back and look from the doorway to see if the items you stashed under the bed are visible.

Remember, the goal is to create a neutral, inviting space that allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. These tips focus on depersonalizing, creating open and clear spaces, and organizing storage areas — all of which contribute to a more attractive and marketable home.