Selling a home can be a daunting task. Even the thought of getting it ready to show can stir up feelings of stress and anxiety, especially if you’ve accumulated too much “stuff” over the years. If this is where you are, please know you’re not alone! The good news is that a little preparation on your part can make listing, selling, and moving much easier than you might think.
Ready, Set, Go!
Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
Why Simplify Before Selling?
1. Maximize Perceived Value of Your Home
Simply ordered rooms look more spacious to prospective buyers. In addition, neat and organized homes appear better maintained. Buyers can more easily visualize themselves living in your home if there’s not a lot of visual clutter.
2. Reduce Stress
Less clutter to corral means you’ll feel confident you can be ready to show your home anytime, even on a moment’s notice. Staying organized is much easier for your family with systems and processes in place ahead of time. Eliminate “overwhelm” and experience the joy that organized spaces can bring today!
3. Free Up Time and Energy
Spend less time looking for things and more time doing what you love. Most people also experience increases in creativity and productivity without the distractions of clutter. And remember, any time you invest now means you’ll have less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack later!
Questions to Ask as You Declutter:
Functional Items
- When was the last time I used this?
- Do I have another item that does the same thing?
- Is it in working order? If not, how long has it been broken?
Sentimental Items and Memorabilia
- Does this item make me happy when I see it?
- Am I keeping it out of guilt?
- Can the memory be preserved in a photo?
- Do my children/heirs want it? Will it live in a box forever?
Clothing and Accessories
- Do I wear this? Is it in good condition?
- Do I have a similar item that I like better?
- Do I feel GREAT when I wear this?
All Items
- Could someone else benefit from this more than me?
- What is the worst thing that would happen if I get rid of it?
- Will it fit in my new space?
- Do I really want to pack, move and unpack this item?
Organize Using These Tips
1. Aim for half-empty closets
Take half the stuff out of your closets, then neatly organize what’s left to give the appearance of more space. Develop a plan for unwanted items and take action right away: sell, donate, or dispose of so these things don’t find their way back into your space! Use under-bed bins for storing seasonal items.
2. Use baskets and bins
Organize hard to store items in a basket to make them tidy. Use stackable bins to store excess items whenever possible to maximize use of total space available.
3. Get everything off the floor
Especially in basements, closets and garages, place items on shelves, not on the floor whenever possible. Adding low cost vertical storage shelves makes rooms look bigger and maximizes use of space at the same time.
4. Focus on high impact areas first – kitchen, entryway, living area and master bedroom
Clear everything off the fridge and minimize counter clutter to make your kitchen look organized and efficient, Organize your cabinets and pantry by corraling loose items and keep only what you use and love. Take out “extras” that don’t belong in the kitchen. Make your entryway and living areas inviting & tidy. Create a simple, serene vibe in your master bedroom and show off your best linens.
Show Your Home at Its Best
1. Take the “home” out of your home
It may feel impersonal and just plain boring on so many levels, but you have to do it! Reduce family photos, memorabilia & keepsakes by 30% or more to help buyers visualize themselves in your home.
2. Less is more
Minimize large furniture and keep the arrangement simple to make your space look bigger. Crowded rooms significantly diminish visual appeal. Minimize knick-knacks and other clutter to simplify your space and save time cleaning as an added bonus.
3. Have a defined purpose for each space
Avoid combination rooms like the famous “office-bedroom-craft room” scenario. With many people working from home these days, multi-purpose rooms are sometimes necessary. If this is the case, organize the space into clear, functional zones.
4. Make your home bright and cheery
Increase wattage on lamps. Open or take down curtains and clean windows. Trim back bushes that block windows and light.
Enjoy the Process
Making your home clutter-free and move-in-ready for a potential buyer can speed the process to a sale and make it easier for others to visualize themselves living there. That means a faster sale, less uncertainty and hopefully more money in your pocket.
Additionally, by taking time on the front end to declutter and determine which items have the most meaning to you, you’ll save time and money by not packing and moving the things that don’t. Imagining your next home with only the things you love and need can make the process of decluttering satisfying and fun. And it’s a great way to make a fresh start!
Photo credit: Alicia Buckley-Century 21 Scheetz
Ready to Get Organized? We’d Love to Help!
Interested in help getting started? There’s nothing we love more than sharing our organizing advice with others, but we also like rolling up our sleeves and helping others organize virtually or in person. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.
