When you're selling your house, potential buyers want to see everything. That means nowhere is safe from the eyes of a serious homebuyer. So it's crucial to maximize every inch of space in your home by minimizing overall clutter. Decluttering isn’t about purging your belongings, but rather preparing your home for sale. Buyers want to visualize what they can do with the space. By removing distractions and maximizing usable space, you can show your house at its best. To help, here’s a list of the most important places and items to declutter as you prepare to sell your home.
Tidy the Front Yard
Homebuyers often drive through potential neighborhoods before attending open houses or requesting showings. Therefore, it is important to keep your front yard tidy and make a positive first impression.
Create a Welcoming Entryway
Much like the front yard, the entryway sets the first impression of your home. Organize the space and give it a facelift to create an entrance that draws in potential buyers.
Showcase the Kitchen
Your kitchen is probably one of the most important places for potential buyers. Even if you have a tiny or outdated kitchen, decluttering can help show it at its best. Keep the countertops clean and clear with no small appliances, the refrigerator free of magnets and notes, and the pantry and cupboards tidy and organized. In addition, don't forget to clean out the refrigerator, freezer, and the area under the sink.
Highlight the Living/Great Room
Next to the kitchen, the living room is often the showcase of the home, so keep it orderly and free of eyesores during showings. That means clearing out magazines, editing the bookshelves, and paring down throw pillows and table decor that can make the room feel cluttered and smaller. The right amount of furniture will also help a room look larger, so remove extra furniture or furniture in poor condition – either to the dumpster, or put it in storage while your home is on the market.
Make the Bathrooms Shine
Organize and declutter the countertops (no one wants to see your makeup and toothbrushes!), linen closets, and medicine cabinets. Clear out the excess items in the shower and under the sink. Since they’re inexpensive, buy a new rug and shower curtain to freshen the space.
Put Away Photos
De-personalize your home by putting all family photos out of sight. It’s easier for buyers to imagine the home as their own without the reminder that other people currently live there.
Clear the Hallways
Narrow hallways can make even a spacious home feel cramped. Remove as much visual clutter as possible including hanging hooks, photographs, and other artwork.
Organize Storage Rooms
Buyers will want to see inside your garage, closets, and backyard sheds. Make sure your storage rooms look spacious and organized by decluttering and opening up as much space as possible.
Minimize Tabletop Decor
You don’t want completely blank surfaces, but less is more when it comes to candles, artwork, and plants. Very few people have the same taste so it’s best to lean toward a neutral, minimal decor.
Clean the Laundry Room
The laundry room needs to make a good impression. Make sure all cleaning products are organized nicely and floors and appliances are spotless to create the kind of laundry space prospective buyers will want.
