So you want to sell your home and in preparation, maybe you renovated the kitchen, painted the bedrooms and put new hardwood in the living room. But if your house is full of clutter, the first impression homebuyers will get will be one of chaos and disorganization, not renovated and move-in ready.
The beauty of decluttering is that it can completely change the look of your home, and costs almost nothing except your time and perseverance. An uncluttered space will also be easier to move once you’ve sold your home – a sale that will come much faster with all the junk out of the way.
Areas to focus on when you’re decluttering:
Front Yard
- Remove toys, hoses and empty flower pots
- Make sure the yard is fertilized, mowed and edged
- Trim shrubs so they don’t cover windows
- Plant flowers in the summer. In the winter, add mulch to your flower beds and garden to improve the look of plants that have thinned
Living Areas
- Keep the furniture minimal to maximize spaciousness
- Organize furniture to show off seating areas, and move it so it doorways and windows aren’t blocked
- Remove the bulk of your family photos and knick knacks
- Keep a few healthy plants around, but remove large bulky plants that take up space
Kitchen
- Make sure the front of your cabinets are clean and well finished
- Keep the counter tops clear – put away small appliances
- Keep a few decorative items out to highlight the room, such as a small flower pot or a few colorful cookbooks
Bathroom
- Like in the kitchen, clear the countertops – no toothbrushes, water cups or floss containers should be seen
- Make sure towels are clean, fluffy and neatly folded or hung
- Decorate with fresh soaps, bath beads or a small bouquet of flowers
All this decluttering may take a little time, but it’s worth the effort because when you sell your home, it’ll sell faster and for top dollar.
What’s your favorite decluttering tip?
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