Listing your home for sale is a time-consuming and challenging task. But starting the process on the right foot can make all the difference. Whether you’re buying or selling, there’s the preparation that comes before moving into action. Preliminary prep work includes trying to sell unwanted items at a garage sale or utilizing an app like declutter to sort through items one last time and remove anything you no longer need.
What is Decluttering?
Decluttering is the process of removing unwanted and unnecessary items from your home. The goal of decluttering is to remove items cluttering your space, whether a closet, a drawer, or even an entire room. Depending on the size of your home, decluttering may only take a few hours, or it could take more than a day. The amount of time needed will depend on the type of clutter you have, your storage needs, as well as what you need to do to prepare for selling your house or moving into a new home.
Why Should I Declutter?
If you haven’t been decluttering lately, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of hanging on to things people don’t use or need, even if they donate to charity. Some items seem useless, but you hang on to them anyway in case you need them one day.
1: The Entryway
Your goal is to keep the entryway free of clutter at all times. The first area to declutter is the entryway. It’s where everyone enters. Make sure it makes the best first impression possible. This area should be spotless and clutter-free in case anyone visits. A good entryway will contain a bench, shoe storage, hooks to hang coats and bags, and a table to set your keys when you enter the door.
2: Bedrooms
Sleeping better is hard when you can’t relax in your bedroom. A cluttered bedroom can make a person feel stressed, so declutter your bedroom by removing things you don’t need. It includes anything that doesn’t have a simple purpose in the room or takes up excess space. The purpose of the main bedroom is to provide comfort and peace for its occupants. Decluttering the main bedroom will make it possible to create such an environment.
3: Garage and Attic Spaces
If you need to use a storage area in your home or outside, try selling any items you don’t want. If you can’t resell it, donate it or throw it out. It’s possible to declutter your garage by using a carport sale or holding a garage sale. For the attic, try bringing down some of your belongings and selling them at a yard sale. From there, you can clear out any unnecessary items taking up space in the attic.
4: The Kitchen
Put your appliances aside and use this time to clean them. A clean and well-organized kitchen is essential to selling a house. Many buyers automatically assume that whoever is interested in the home cares about how their food will taste. Be sure you have the essentials, such as a refrigerator and oven. If you’re planning to sell your house, clean up your kitchen by organizing cabinets to remove expired items and others that don’t belong. Consider putting appliance covers on appliances or sink covers on the kitchen sink so it can shine.
It’s vital to declutter before listing your house for sale. When you list your home, a potential buyer will want to see what you keep because they want to know how many items clutter up the space. Deciding to declutter depends on what type of home you have, how much time you have, as well as what you need for it to look and feel like a home.