Does Decluttering Sell a Home?

This is the time of year many individuals and families put their home on the market and plan a move. An important element to consider as you put your home on the market is clutter. Eliminating clutter can make the difference between attracting potential buyers and no traffic at all. No one is interested in viewing a home with listing photos showing a cluttered, chaotic space – better listing photos equal a better chance of more showings.

Eliminating clutter allows potential buyers to visualize the home as “theirs”. When walls are covered with your photos and art, buyers have difficulty envisioning living there themselves. Empty, freshly-painted wall space helps to make the space appear larger. And, that’s key because you’re selling square footage.

Eliminating clutter also gives potential buyers the impression that your home has plenty of storage. When your closets, cabinets, and drawers are crammed full, it sends a message that there is a lack of storage and won’t be enough room for their wardrobe and possessions. It’s important to pare down so that closets, cabinets, and drawers are only ¾ full or less.

When your home is filled with clutter and chaos, not only do potential buyers get the impression that you’re a poor housekeeper, it can lead them to suspect other problems – like deferred maintenance. And, one thing buyers don’t want is a money pit. Decluttering your home, along with applying a fresh coat of paint and maintaining the lawn, helps it to show to its best advantage.

So, grab a tablet of paper and walk through every room. As you go through each room, make a note of areas that need to be decluttered and remove those items and pieces of furniture that aren’t essential to your day-to-day living. If necessary, rent a space to store excess items while your home is on the market.

When it comes down to eliminating clutter in your home, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, ask a trusted friend or hire a professional organizer to assist with the project. These individuals don’t have emotional attachment to your space and possessions and can offer objectivity to the process.