Whether selling your own property or working with an agent, it’s important to make a positive first impression with potential buyers.
That’s what this series is all about– getting your house ready for market, one DIY home improvement project at a time.
Last time, we took a long, hard look at plumbing repairs and improvements. Today, we turn to decluttering. Simply put, what can you do to minimize all the stuff that eats up space in your home, making it feel more claustrophobic and less roomy than it really is?
Clutter is a major stumbling block for many sellers, but there are some guidelines you can follow to get your place clutter-free… definitively.
And that, in turn, will make it so much easier for you to get the place sold.
The Best Way to Sell Your Home? Start by Decluttering.
Our advice:
- First, don’t overlook the benefits of renting a short-term storage unit, where you can stow all your superfluous stuff while your house is on the market. Yes, it’s an expense, but it can also make it so much easier for you to get your home sold.
- Remember that clutter isn’t just an indoor problem. To maximize curb appeal, it’s good to straighten up the front and back lawns. That means putting all toys and garden tools where they go, not leaving them strewn about.
- It’s best to scale back on family knick-knacks that you have in your home—including photos, heirlooms, etc. These things hold a lot of sentimental value to you but not to your buyers. What they want to see is your space and an abundance of family items can make that a challenge.
- Make sure your hallways are clear and that buyers can move through your home without having to dodge laundry hampers, big toys, potted plants, etc.
- Curate what’s in your kitchen. Leaving a big mixing bowl or other large appliance on your countertop is fine but you don’t want the entire counter area to be covered with stuff.
- Remember that your buyers are going to look inside all your closets so just throwing all your junk in there isn’t really a solution. Keep closets organized and streamlined as best you can.
Ultimately, there’s no substitute for going room-by-room through your home and making some tough decisions about what to keep, what to donate, what to sell, what to toss, and what to put into your storage unit. It’s a big job, but it’s also the best way to sell your home.
Next time, we’ll have more tips for selling your own property, specifically focusing on deep cleaning. Don’t miss it!
