Clutter - to fill or litter with things in a disorderly manner; a state or condition of confusion.

Read any 'Top 10 List' of things to do to prepare your home for sale and "Get Ride of CLUTTER" is sure to be found. But how important IS cleaning up really? Can't a buyer look past a little but of clutter? 

The answer lies in the psychology behind clutter...

Clutter, in the form of an overstuffed closet, a disorderly garage, a jam-packed living space, can make people feel uneasy. In a study from the Journal of Family Psychology, clutter was linked to depression.

In addition, clutter can create a feeling of hesitancy. If the sight of clutter can shit people down, they won't want to do anything - like make an offer!

Clutter can also draw attention to the wrong things. Instead of seeing a big double garage, prospective buyers might see boxes, lawn equipment, sports equipment, camping supplies... Instead of a warm and inviting master bedroom, people may see stacks of laundry, too many photos or items on the walls, chunky furniture... Clutter can instantly turn a great selling point into a major turnoff.

And as if that's not enough, clutter has a knack for making spaces (even large ones) appear smaller. A big spacious master bedroom walk-in closet can seem very small when stuffed with clothes, boxes, hampers and more.

Don't underestimate the psychology behind clutter. Getting rid of clutter and temporarily storing some items can be your greatest investment when preparing your home for sale, and is also one of the cheapest things you can do to make your home more attractive.       

Jay Magnussen, Associate / Realtor
The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team
REMAX First
Jay@SoldByJ.com
www.SoldByJ.com

 

 

 
This post has been included in Alberta Real Estate News
Post is included in group: SouthernAlbertaRealtyProfessionals

3 Comments on Clutter - The Answer Lies in Psychology

NOV
12
2008
1,179,776 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

To quote Barbara Schwartz of Home Staging, "Clutter eats equity!" I see it in the trenches every day.
4:23pm • #1

I couldn't agree with you more.  The only other thing that I can Offer on clutter is never trust the Seller to remove the clutter after they sign the listing.  I have had Sellers who promised, committed, swore, they would clean up the place and never did.  I just wrote a blog on HELL NO, I DON't WANT YOUR STINKING LISTING.  You might get a kick out of it.
4:34pm • #2
201,541 Points 1 Featured Post

Jerry is very correct on his comment.
4:58pm • #3


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The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team

Calgary, AB

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RE/MAX First

Address: 9625 McLeod Trail South, Calgary, AB, T2J 0P6

Office Phone: (403) 278-2900

Cell Phone: (403) 650-7332

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We are a professional real estate team with Remax First and we bring you this real estate industry blog focusing on realty issues, tips and advice for the Calgary & Okotoks region in Alberta, Canada.


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