How to Declutter Like a Professional
There’s not much that can detour the sale of a house more than clutter. Sure, the layout and shape of the house matter, but when it comes to appeal, clutter has the power to make or break the sale.
When I work with sellers, here are a few things I ensure they do to help make their home look clean, open, and ready to sell.
Pack up all out-of-season clothes to help create open spaces. So if it’s summer, put away all of those winter coats into storage bins. If it’s winter, make sure your swimsuits and swim towels aren’t still stuffed onto a shelf somewhere. Aim for your closet to look 60% (or less) full.
Put away excess home decor. It’s okay to have a few tasteful items out, but in most cases, less is more. Ask, “does this room look beautiful without ____?” If the answer is yes, pack it away.
If you aren’t using your extra blankets, towels, sheets, etc., it’s time to pack them. You can live on less than you think!
Clear off those kitchen countertops. There should be nothing on your island except a bouquet of flowers or something similar. On your back counters, make sure most (if not all) small appliances are packed.
Speaking of kitchens, make sure your refrigerator is clear of any magnets, artwork, invitations, or photos. Those may help make your house feel like a home, but you want buyers to picture it as their home…not yours.
When it comes to kids' rooms and playrooms, be sure to purge or pack the toys. Invite your children to help you with this process and work together to only keep a few special items they play with regularly.
Lastly, don’t neglect the garage. Work to pack away toys, tools, and more so your garage is primarily clear of anything that may be considered clutter.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to sell your home, I’d love to help! Reach out anytime at traceyrice@kw.com or 405-226-3770.