Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make in your lifetime, and first impressions matter more than you might think. Decluttering your house can pay off—in both a higher sales price and fewer days on the market, with homes selling quicker and for a higher price when decluttered.
But where do you start? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through proven decluttering strategies that can help you maximize your home’s appeal and value.
Why Decluttering Matters When Selling Your Home
As a home seller, you could see 3%-5% higher proceeds simply by decluttering and depersonalizing the space inside your home. That’s thousands of dollars for most homeowners—money you can put toward your next home or other priorities.
Beyond the financial benefits, decluttering serves another critical purpose: when potential buyers are touring the house, they can better envision themselves and their possessions living there—their furniture, their belongings—which will enhance their interest and their offer amount.
According to the National Association of Realtors, a well-organized and decluttered home can sell faster and for a higher price than a cluttered one. The statistics speak for themselves, making decluttering one of the most cost-effective preparations you can make before listing your property.
Where to Start: Creating Your Decluttering Plan
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. A 2015 study done by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 54% of Americans are overwhelmed by clutter. The key is breaking down this massive task into manageable steps.
Use the Timer Trick
Try the “timer trick” method, favored by productivity and organization bloggers, which gives you a structured chunk of time to focus solely on cleaning. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and devote the time to one step of the cleaning process. After all, anyone can do anything for 15 minutes, right?
Focus on High-Impact Areas First
If you’re pressed for time, the kitchen and bath are the two most important rooms to declutter. These spaces heavily influence buyers’ decisions and deserve your immediate attention.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Tips
The Kitchen: Your Home’s Biggest Selling Point
The kitchen is the biggest influencer on prospective buyers, so investing extra effort here pays off.
Kitchen decluttering checklist:
- Remove all items from countertops, from on top of fridges, magnets on the front—make it look like nobody lives there
- Toss out old, expired food, starting with the fridge and freezer, and moving onto the cabinets and pantry. Throw away anything gross or mysterious
- Store small appliances in cabinets rather than leaving them on counters
- Donate duplicate pots, pans, and cooking tools you rarely use
Bathrooms: Create a Spa-Like Atmosphere
Bathrooms should feel clean, spacious, and serene. Clear off all countertops except for a few minimal decorative items. Organize medicine cabinets and linen closets so they appear spacious rather than stuffed.
Living Areas: Remove Personal Items
Depersonalize the space. No matter how much you love your family and wedding photos, they may interfere with potential buyers’ ideas and their vision of the space. Pack away family photos, personal collections, and over-sized furniture pieces that make rooms feel cramped.
Closets and Storage: Showcase Space Potential
Overstuffed storage makes buyers think the home lacks space. Even if you have ample storage, cluttered closets send the wrong message. Remove at least half of what’s currently in your closets to make them appear larger and more functional.
The Entryway: Master the First Impression
Hallways are one of the first places people see when they enter your house. By clearing the clutter from your hallway, you can make sure you give potential homebuyers a good first impression.
Bedrooms: Create a Peaceful Retreat
Clear nightstands, dressers, and any visible clutter. Make beds with fresh, neutral bedding and remove personal items that could distract buyers from imagining the space as their own sanctuary.
The 80/20 Decluttering Rule
One of the best ways to declutter is by following the 80/20 decluttering rule. This rule states that your home should be filled 80% of the way, and the extra 20% of space should remain empty to provide visual relief.
This principle helps create breathing room in your home, making spaces feel larger and more inviting to potential buyers.
What To Do With Your Clutter
Once you’ve identified items to remove, you have several options:
Donate: If you haven’t used an item in a year, it may be time to let it go. Donate gently used items to local charities or thrift stores.
Store: A storage unit is useful for excess furniture, seasonal decor, and personal items. Renting a unit ensures your home stays clutter-free while you prepare to move.
Sell: Consider hosting a garage sale or listing items online to recoup some money while decluttering.
Discard: Throw away anything broken, expired, or unnecessary. Decluttering now means fewer boxes to pack now and unpack later.
Common Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Just Hide Clutter in Closets
Buyers will open closets and cabinets during showings. Stuffing clutter into storage spaces creates a negative impression about your home’s actual storage capacity.
Don’t Overlook Outdoor Spaces
First impressions begin at the curb. Remove garden tools, children’s toys, and seasonal decorations from your yard and garage to create a clean, welcoming exterior.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Start decluttering early to avoid last-minute stress before listing your home. Beginning the process weeks or even months in advance makes the task less overwhelming and ensures better results.
The Impact of Decluttering on Your Sale
The benefits of decluttering extend beyond aesthetics:
Faster Sales: Decluttering is key to selling your home faster and for a better price. A clean, organized space makes a strong impression on buyers, helping them envision themselves living there.
Higher Offers: Decluttering can boost home value. A well-organized space photographs better, attracts more interest, and can lead to faster, higher offers.
Better Online Presence: In today’s digital age, most buyers first see your home online. Decluttered spaces photograph significantly better, leading to more showing requests.
Final Steps Before Listing
After decluttering, complete these final preparations:
- Deep clean: A decluttered home should also be spotlessly clean
- Make minor repairs: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and other small issues
- Add finishing touches: Fresh flowers, neutral décor, and good lighting enhance your decluttered spaces
- Professional photography: High-quality photos of your decluttered home are essential for online listings
Conclusion
Decluttering before selling makes your home more attractive to buyers, increases its value, and speeds up the selling process. While the task may seem daunting at first, breaking it down into manageable steps and focusing on high-impact areas makes the process achievable.
Remember: you’re not just cleaning your home—you’re creating a blank canvas that allows potential buyers to envision their future life in the space. That emotional connection is priceless when it comes to securing top dollar for your property.
Start your decluttering journey today, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful, profitable home sale.
References
- HomeLight – How to Declutter to Sell a House: 10 Key Rooms and Spaces
- A Cole Realty – How to Declutter Your Home Before Listing
- JK Moving Services – Decluttering Tips to Sell Your Home Faster & for More
- PhotoUp – How to Quickly and Easily Declutter Your Home Before Selling It
- FastExpert – 5 Steps to Declutter Your House Before Selling
