Why It Pays to Declutter Your Home Before Selling

Plus, Tips for Getting Started

We’ve all felt that mental boost when we finish decluttering a room or cleaning out a closet. In fact, studies have shown that an organized home increases happiness, and you can’t put a price on happiness. Except when you can … like when you’re selling your house.

According to Consumer Reports, removing clutter from your home can increase its value by 3% to 5%.

Decluttering your whole house may be a big task, so break your goal into smaller steps. And before you get started, take a minute to acknowledge that even with a solid plan, this might be emotionally challenging. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from supportive family or friends, or consider hiring a professional organizer.

When you’re ready to go, here are some of the hotspots to hit.

Entryway

• Toss old catalogs and mail.

• Pack out-of-season coats, outerwear, and sports equipment.

• Store pet accessories out of sight.

• Add hooks and bins for items like coats and backpacks.

• Set up a place to stash shoes out of sight. This could be a storage bench or ottoman, or just a covered basket or bin.

Living Room

• Pack up personal items like photos, mementos, and most decorative items.

• Set up a basket or bin for toys.

• Donate or sell unwanted DVDs, games, and books.

• Ask your real estate agent what furniture, rugs, and home décor best show off your home. If possible, pack everything else and store offsite.

Kitchen

• Clean out the fridge and pantry. Toss expired food and spices.

• Donate unopened, unneeded canned and boxed food to a foodbank.

• Clear any items posted on the fridge’s exterior (like mail or kids’ drawings).

• Empty one cupboard at a time, then:

  • Toss broken items or unmatched containers and lids.

  • Donate items you don’t use.

  • Pack everything you don’t need before the move.

  • Stack the remaining items neatly where they belong.

• Use newly freed cabinet space to store items currently on the counters.

Bathrooms

• Empty each cabinet and:

  • Toss expired beauty products.

  • Take expired or unneeded medicine to a pharmacy for disposal.

  • Donate unopened, unwanted toiletries to a homeless shelter.

  • Pack what won’t be needed before the move.

  • Put back the remaining items. Use clear storage boxes to maximize space.

• Pare down items in the shower to only what’s used daily.

Bedrooms

• Empty each closet and dresser. (You don’t have to do all at the same time!)

  • Toss or recycle anything that’s damaged.

  • Donate anything that’s not wanted or doesn’t fit.

  • Put back what will be needed before the move.

  • Pack the rest.

• As in the living room, pack photos and other personal decorative items.

• Pack bedding not currently needed.

• Sort through toys and other kids’ items. Discard or donate unwanted items.

Garage

• Assume buyers will want to park in the garage, even if you don’t.

• Use the toss/donate/pack formula to remove everything you can.

• Use wall hooks, pegboards, and shelves to get remaining items off the ground. This maximizes space and also makes it easy to sweep before showings!