How to Declutter Before Selling
- Jackie Hauer

- Jan 19
- 1 min read

Decluttering is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prepare your home for sale. A clean, open space helps buyers focus on the home itself—and imagine living there.
1️⃣ Shift Your Mindset
You’re not organizing for daily life—you’re staging a product for buyers.
Aim to remove 30–50% of visible items
Think neutral, clean, and spacious
Less clutter = more perceived space.
2️⃣ Go Room by Room
Avoid overwhelm by working in sections.
Start with:
Living room
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Storage areas
Finish one room before moving to the next.
3️⃣ Clear Flat Surfaces
Crowded surfaces make rooms feel smaller.
Declutter:
Tables
Shelves
Nightstands
Leave only a few simple décor pieces.
4️⃣ Declutter Closets & Storage
Buyers always check storage.
Remove off-season clothes
Organize shelves and bins
Leave visible space
✔ Spacious closets signal good storage capacity.
5️⃣ Depersonalize the Space
Buyers need to picture themselves in the home.
Pack away family photos
Remove personalized décor
Neutralize bold styles
✔ Neutral homes appeal to more buyers.
6️⃣ Decide What to Do With Extras
You have options:
Rent short-term storage
Use labeled storage bins
Donate or sell unused items
Temporary storage is often worth it.
7️⃣ Don’t Forget Hidden Areas
Buyers notice everything.
Declutter:
Laundry rooms
Cabinets under sinks
Entryways
Garages
✔ Organized spaces suggest good maintenance.
8️⃣ Maintain the Look for Showings
Once decluttered, consistency is key.
Make beds daily
Clear dishes immediately
Keep floors tidy
Being show-ready keeps opportunities open.
🏡 Final Tip
Decluttering helps your home:
Look bigger
Feel brighter
Sell faster
It’s one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost steps you can take before listing.




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