When I was between the ages of 18 and 38 I moved almost every year. The one thing I learned is that you had to get
rid of stuff. I had it down to my clothes, furniture, 3 boxes and 3 50 gallon drums. This included all my kitchen stuff and my Christmas decorations. But, now that I have lived in my current house for 12 years, it is quite a different story.
When it's time to Sell Your Home in Hoover Alabama, the first thing you need to do is to get rid of the Clutter Clutter Eats Equity. Too much stuff makes rooms look smaller and focuses buyers' attention on your belongings rather than the home you're trying to sell. That's why many professional stagers recommend removing as much as a third of your things to better show off rooms and closets.
Decluttering can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? I recommend taking it one room at a time. Start with a room that is used less frequently - if there is such a thing. Make a pile of the things you don't want anymore and pack anything else that you don't really need RIGHT NOW. If it is spring - pack up those winter clothes. If you haven't worn it in two years GET RID OF IT. Pack up family photos, collections and just about anything else that says "you." Streamline your artwork and consider toning down bold decorating statements. Next look at the "don't want pile". Is it something that can go to charity, do you have a yard sale, or just THROW IT OUT.
There are several charity organizations out there. Put Hanna Home on Speed Dial - they can come by once a week until you are finished. If you want to give old furniture items to a relative, make sure they want it. If they haven't come to get it in two weeks, they probably don't want it and just aren't saying so because they don't want to hurt your feelings. Tell them, "if you don't come get it by Friday, it's gone". If they don't come get it, find another home - immediately.
Once you have things boxed up, if you don't have room to neatly stack in the basement or some other storage place then rent a storage unit. The cost: $150 to $300 a month for three months' storage. Only then is it time to put up the For Sale sign.
Buyers have a hard enough time envisioning how their stuff will look on your walls. I'm not saying take everything off the walls, but by neutralizing and depersonalizing your decor, you can help give them the blank canvas they need to imagine your house as theirs.
I have been selling homes in Hoover, Alabama for over 10 years. If you need more tips on getting your home in the best condition to show, contact me at www.ToniBird.com.
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