Selling a home takes work. Experts say decluttering is one of the most important and useful steps to getting your house buyer-ready. It not only prepares you for moving day, but ensures your living space is ready for walkthroughs.
Start at the beginning
Organization expert Melissa Michaels suggests in her book “Make Room for What You Love” to start at the first place people enter your home: the door. By setting up designated spots for shoes, mail, and bags, you are instilling an organizational system to the clutter that accumulates before people enter the house. Furthermore, it sets a good impression on potential buyers. From here, you can start working your way around the house, targeting one room at a time.
Take down those photos
Decluttering is particularly important when selling a house because it allows potential buyers to have a clear vision of making the space their own. If you have a wall or coffee table filled with photos, this may be the perfect opportunity to start taking them down. By removing personal items, potential buyers can better visualize their personal style in the home.
Clean up the outside
First impressions mean everything and you only get one shot.The very first thing potential buyers will see is the exterior. If you have a front yard, make sure you keep the outside neat. This can include taking down season-specific decorations, rearranging outdoor furniture, and organizing childrens’ toys.
Cleaning out your closet
Cleaning out your closet can be a daunting task, but when selling a home, it is an important place to keep organized as many buyers prioritize storage space. This is where the 80/20 rules comes in handy. Take out all your clothes and lay them on an open space—make a keep, donate, and trash pile, and assess and assign every item you took out of your closet.