The Best Decluttering Strategies When You're Getting Ready to Sell
To make your home stand out to buyers, you need to create a clean, spacious, and neutral environment. That starts with smart, strategic decluttering. Not only does this make your home show better, but it also signals to buyers that the home has been well cared for.
Why Decluttering Matters When Selling
Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home—not feel like they’re intruding on your space. Decluttering helps you take a step back and present the home as a fresh canvas. A cleaner, more organized home typically shows better, photographs more beautifully, and can even help it sell faster.
Start with a System: The Four-Box Method
One of the simplest and most effective ways to begin is the Four-Box Method:
Keep
Donate/Sell
Storage
Trash
As you move through your home, sort every item into one of these categories. Haven't used it in the last year? It's likely ready for the "Donate/Sell" box. This method keeps you focused and makes decision-making easier.
Go Room by Room (Not All at Once)
Tackling your entire house in one go can be overwhelming. Instead, go room by room—or even shelf by shelf. Focus first on the spaces that make the biggest impression: the kitchen, living room, and entryway. From there, work through bedrooms, bathrooms, and less-used areas.
Using a timer can help, too. Set it for 15 to 30 minutes and challenge yourself to see how much progress you can make. These short bursts of focus help prevent burnout.
Decluttering Tips That Make a Big Impact
Depersonalize: Pack away personal photos, kids' artwork, and collections. Buyers need to picture themselves in the home, not be reminded that it belongs to someone else.
Clear Surfaces: Countertops, tables, and shelves should be as clear as possible. This applies to kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and even nightstands.
Edit Your Furniture: Less furniture often makes rooms feel larger. If a space feels cramped, consider removing or storing extra pieces.
How to Declutter Specific Spaces
Kitchen: Store away rarely used appliances. Clear the counters completely. Organize pantry shelves and toss expired food.
Bedrooms: Pack up off-season clothing and pare down closet contents. Clear nightstands of anything but a lamp or book.
Bathrooms: Hide all toiletries. Use clean, folded neutral towels. Clear out the medicine cabinet.
Garage & Storage Areas: These often get overlooked but are crucial to buyers. Keep shelves tidy and boxes off the floor. If needed, move excess storage to an off-site unit.
Final Prep for Showings
Do a Buyer Walk-Through: Walk through your home like you're seeing it for the first time. Take photos—they often highlight clutter that our eyes miss in real time.
Bring in a Pro: If you’re short on time or facing a big job, hiring a professional organizer or junk removal service can speed things up and reduce stress.
Rent a Storage Unit (optional): If you have items you want to keep but don’t need for staging, consider moving them off-site. This frees up space in closets, garages, and cabinets.
Make Your Home Market-Ready
Decluttering is one of the smartest moves you can make when getting ready to sell. It shows off your home’s best features and gives buyers the blank slate they need to fall in love with it. It also saves you time and energy when you go to move. With the right plan and a little effort, you'll be well on your way to a faster, smoother sale.
Want to learn more about preparing your home for the market?
Download our free guide for smart sellers who want to make the best first impression. Better yet? Reach out to us to schedule a one-on-one consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
Warmly,
Lauren, Tina and Gigi | Lauren Zurilla & Associates