Are you planning to put your home on the market? If so, you're about to embark on an exciting
journey that involves not just selling your property but also showcasing it in the best possible
light. One of the key steps in preparing your home for sale is decluttering. Decluttering can
make your home more appealing to potential buyers, create a sense of space, and allow them
to envision themselves living there. Here are a few ideas on how to get started to ensure a
successful sale
Step 1: Set Clear Goals
Before you dive into decluttering, it's essential to set clear goals for the process. Determine
your timeline, budget, and the level of decluttering you want to achieve. Ask yourself what you
want to keep, what you can donate or sell, and what you should dispose of. Having a plan will
help you stay organized throughout the process. *Pro Tip* Renting a driveway roll away
dumpster can be a cost-effective way to dispose of a large amount of waste quickly &
efficiently.
Step 2: Room-by-Room Assessment
Start by assessing each room in your home. Walk through every space, making notes on what
needs to be decluttered. Take photos or make a checklist to document your progress. This step
will give you a clear picture of where you need to focus your efforts.
Step 3: Begin with the Essentials
Begin by decluttering the essential living areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and
bathrooms. These are the spaces that potential buyers are most interested in. Remove any
personal items like family photos and keepsakes, as these can make it difficult for buyers to
envision the space as their own. *Pro Tip* Taking down family photos is very important as
buyers are easily distracted trying to piece together the current owner’s life by looking at their
photos.
Step 4: Reduce Furniture and Décor
Too much furniture and decor can make a space feel cramped. Consider removing any
unnecessary pieces to create a more open and inviting environment. This will also make it
easier for potential buyers to move around and visualize their own furniture in the space.
Step 5: Clear Out Storage Areas
Buyers are often interested in the storage space your home offers. Declutter your closets,
cabinets, and the garage. Organize these spaces neatly to give the impression of ample storage
capacity.
Step 6: Donate, Sell, or Dispose
As you declutter, sort your belongings into three categories: items to keep, items to donate,
and items to sell. Consider holding a garage sale or listing items online if you have things in
good condition. Facebook marketplace can be a great place to sell gently used items. Anything
that is damaged or unsellable should be responsibly disposed of.
Step 7: Deep Clean
After decluttering, it's time for a deep clean. Ensure that your home is spotless from top to
bottom. Pay attention to details such as carpets, windows, and appliances. A clean home is
much more attractive to potential buyers.
Step 8: Staging
Consider staging your home with neutral decor that appeals to a broad range of buyers. A
professional stager can help you set up the perfect ambiance that highlights your homes best
features. There are staging options both using your own furniture or renting furniture from the
staging company if the home is already vacant.
Step 9: Final Touches
Before listing your home, take a final look around. Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs, fix minor
paint issues, and add some fresh flowers or greenery to brighten up the space. Try to avoid
using strongly scented candles, melts or air fresheners as some buyers can be turned off by
strong scents.
Step 10: Market Your Home
Now that your home is decluttered, clean, and staged, it's time to get your property to market.
The next step will be to professionally photograph your home to showcase it true beauty! High-
quality photos and a well-written description are crucial in attracting potential buyers &
ensuring they are aware of the best features in the home.
By following these steps, you'll not only prepare your home for sale but also increase its
chances of selling quickly and at the highest price. Decluttering may seem irrelevant to some
sellers, but it truly is one of the most important steps in the home-selling process, so take your
time and ensure your home is in its best possible condition before you open it up to potential
buyers.
Good luck with your home sale!