When you're putting your home up for sale, remember that potential buyers want to see everything. Nothing and nowhere is off-limits from the eyes of a serious home buyer. So it's absolutely vital to maximize every square inch of space in your home by minimizing clutter congestion.
Decluttering isn’t about throwing away your belongings-- it's about preparing your home for sale. Buyers want to be able to visualize and imagine what they can do with the space. By elimating distractions and maximizing usable space, you can display 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 up the Front Yard
Home buyers very often drive through neighborhoods they're interested in before going to open houses or requesting showings. And so, it is important to keep your front yard squared away and make a positive first impression.
Create a Welcoming Entryway
Similar to the the front yard, the entryway sets the first impression of your home. Organize the space and give it a facelift for an entrance that invites potential buyers in.
Showcase the Kitchen
Your kitchen is probably one of the most important places for nearly all potential buyers. Even if your kitchen is tiny
or outdated, decluttering will help show it at its best. Keep the countertops clean and clear with no small appliances, the refrigerator free of magnets, notes, pictures, the pantry and cupboards tidy and well organized. And don't forget to clean out the refrigerator, freezer, and the under sink area.
Highlight the Living/Great Room
After the kitchen, the living room is the showcase of the home. Keep it orderly and free of eyesores during showings. Clear out magazines, pare down books in the bookshelves, and limit throw pillows and table decorations that can make the room feel cluttered and small. A balanced amount of furniture will also help a room look larger. Rmove extra furniture or furniture that's worn or in poor condition – either to the trash, donate, 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 personal stuff!), linen closets, and medicine cabinets. Put away 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
It's vital that you de-personalize your home by putting all family photos out of sight. It’s easier for buyers to imaging the home as their own without the reminder that other people currently live there.
Clear the Hallways
Narrow hallways can make even a large home feel cramped. Remove as much visual "noise" as possible including hanging hooks, photographs, decor, 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, too. Organize your cleaning products, make sure the appliances and floors are spotless to illustrate the kind of laundry space prospective buyers will want.