Decluttering ready to put your home on the market
If you’re like most people, you’ll find decluttering your home a challenge. So it’s not surprising that this dreaded job can take a while to make it to the top of our to-do list. But when you are looking to sell your home, it’s time to declutter. We’ve put together this quick guide to help you get started.
So how do you go about decluttering your home ready for sale?
Decluttering your home to sell requires you to be methodical and precise. You need to know how to declutter your home in stages rather than trying it all at once. Such a large job can seem like too much but breaking it up into manageable chunks will make it much easier for you.
Step 1 – Start with a plan
The first step is deciding how many rooms or sections of the home you will work on before you take a break, then don’t move on to another section until everything has been dealt with. It’s easiest if you divide the house up by how easy they are to deal with; either one big room each day or two smaller areas so that there is less space to clear.
Step 2 – Don’t procrastinate
Decide how much time you can devote each day or week and commit to it. Like any project or goal, small steps will get you there. Even if you can only start with 5-10 minutes a day it’s worth getting started.
Step 3 – Assign a place for everything
Ever heard the saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place?” Every item that you decide to keep should have its own place to go, even if you are just placing it in the garage for now. This allows you to work out how much space you have so you can work out how much you need to cull.
When decluttering your home, also keep in mind how much time it takes to find something. If you don’t feel like it’ll be worth the trouble, then get rid of it.
Step 4 – Focus on Organising the kitchen
For many, the kitchen really is the heart of the home which is why it’s so important that it looks great when you start to show buyers through.
Often it’s one of the messiest rooms in the house but decluttering your kitchen can be far easier than your think. Start with decluttering the food and drinks. Be ruthless: Do you really need those packets of flavouring, tinned goods or bottles of oil?
Make the most of kitchen storage spaces by adding things like spice racks to cabinet doors, collapsible bins and expanding rails in presses for more space usage. Clear as much counter space as possible. Trial and place items such as a kettle or toaster out of sight if possible.
Most importantly, if you haven’t used an item in over a year or you can’t find a home for it, then get rid of it.
Step 5 – Maximise Space in Living Areas
Bulky or oversized furniture can make even large living areas look small so consider putting any extra pieces into storage or replacing larger items. We work with a number of companies that lease furniture to stage a home for sale.
Next, look around at the smaller items in your living area. Remove any magazines, books or personal items to create an open space. Also check artwork and decorations are reasonably neutral so they can appeal to any buyer’s taste.
Curious to know what your home is worth?
Give our team a call for a complimentary market appraisal.
Step 6 – Create a dream bedroom
While it’s tempting to shove everything into the wardrobe remember, buyers will open the cupboard to check how much storage is available. That’s why it’s important to have everything organised and purge any clothes you don’t wear. You’d be surprised how many pieces of clothing you have stashed away in drawers, cupboards and wardrobes that haven’t seen the light of day in months, even years. Start with clothes that are either too big or too small. Donate clothes that fit someone bigger or smaller than yourself to give them a better chance of getting used. Items in the back of the closet are there for a reason; if you haven’t worn it in over 6 months, get rid of it. If it’s not something you wear regularly then perhaps it is time to donate them to charity shops or good-will stores. It’ll make room for new clothes in your wardrobe that you will actually wear and love.
Remove any excess furniture such as a bulky dresser, keeping only a bed and one bedside table per person.
Step 7 – Tackle the Toys
Anyone with children will know that organising and purging your home of toys can be a contentious issue.
If you have kids who are old enough to not mind sorting their toys on their own, then enlist their help and let them sort the toys themselves. Give them three boxes – one for toys they play with all the time, one for toys they play with some of the time and another for toys they never play with. Let them know that there are children in the world that don’t have many toys and encourage them to donate the ones they don’t use. That way they can give away items that don’t interest them anymore and they’ll feel good about helping out as well.
Step 8 – Dispose of Unnecessary Papers
Many people resist putting their files into a digital filing system because they love the sound of ink on paper or having their own copies with them at all times (who doesn’t love an excuse to read through old letters?).
Spend time going through the pages, documents, letters and printouts that are hanging around your home office. Shred any documents that you no longer need – including bank statements that are more than 6 months old as they are obsolete for proof of address – and file the remaining documents into a drawer where they can be easily accessed. Try to avoid printing things as much as possible. You’ll be helping the environment while keeping your office space clean.
Step 9 – Don’t forget your outdoor living areas
Australians love to live outside so make sure your outdoor areas are clutter-free. It’s great when buyers can imagine themselves enjoying a space, for instance having their friends over for a BBQ or relaxing in a garden chair reading a book.
Whether you have a garden, a balcony or a pool, make sure the outdoor areas are clear of any unnecessary things that don’t add value to your home. Pay particular attention to anything that might be blocking your view from the inside of the house.
Step 10 – Keep your head in the game
Decluttering can be hard work, that’s why it’s important to maintain focus and keep your end goal in mind. You’ll have to go through every room, cupboard and drawer so don’t lose motivation halfway through.
It may take a little bit of time but decluttering will be worth it in the long run. Your efforts will help buyers visualise how the home could look once they move in. Plus it will feel great to have a clutter-free space that is ready for sale.
Clutter is one of the biggest reasons homes don’t sell or sell for less than they may potentially achieve. If you’re looking to sell your home, it’s time to declutter and get organised! We’ve put together this quick guide with tips on how to start organising your house in preparation for an open house or inspection. Whether you need help deciding what goes where, checking off unfinished projects from your list, or just want some encouragement when feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand – we’re here for you! Call us today at Starr Partners Windsor and let’s work together to make this process as easy as possible.