Dos for Decluttering Before You List Your Home for Sale

When you're getting ready to sell your home, there's one powerful step that costs very little—but can make a huge difference: decluttering.

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about creating a space where buyers can imagine their lives, not yours. A clean, spacious home looks larger, more inviting, and well cared for—which often leads to quicker offers and higher selling prices.

Here are some simple and effective decluttering tips to help your home shine before it hits the market:

1. Start With a Plan (and Time to Spare)

Decluttering takes time, especially if you’ve lived in your home for a while. Don’t wait until the week before your listing photos—start early and tackle it one area at a time.

Pro Tip: Start with the most visible spaces first: living room, kitchen, and entryway.

2. Clear Off Surfaces

Buyers love clean, open surfaces. Clear off countertops, desks, nightstands, and coffee tables. Leave only a few decorative or functional items, like a lamp or a small plant.

Especially important areas:

• Kitchen counters (remove extra appliances)

• Bathroom counters (store away toiletries)

• Dressers and desks (keep it minimal)

  
  

3. Pack Like You’re Moving—Because You Are!

Use this opportunity to pre-pack items you won’t need before the move. This includes:

• Out-of-season clothes

• Books and knick-knacks

• Extra dishes or kitchen gadgets

• Toys, games, and hobby supplies

  
  

Bonus: Label the boxes and keep them neatly stored in a garage or storage unit.

4. Declutter Closets and Cabinets

Yes, buyers will open them! Overstuffed closets make it look like your home lacks storage.

Tips:

• Remove at least 50% of your clothing in each closet

• Organize shoes, bags, and accessories

• Neatly arrange kitchen cabinets and bathroom storage

  
  

A few empty shelves go a long way in showing off space.

5. Minimize Personal Items

Buyers want to picture themselves in your home—not feel like they’re visiting someone else's. Remove:

• Family photos

• Personal collections or memorabilia

• Highly specific or bold décor

  
  

Neutral and simple is key.

6. Don’t Forget the Garage, Basement, or Attic

It’s tempting to throw all the clutter in the garage, but buyers see that space as valuable too.

Do a sweep of:

• Garage

• Attic

• Storage closets

• Basement

  
  

Try to keep boxes and bins neatly stacked and out of the way.

7. Make it a Team Effort

Get the whole household involved and make it a goal to fill a few boxes or bags each week. You can donate items, sell them, or toss what’s no longer usable.

8. Still Too Much Stuff? Rent a Storage Unit

If you’ve decluttered but still have too many belongings for your space to feel open, renting a short-term storage unit can be a smart move. This keeps things clean for showings while giving you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering isn’t always glamorous—but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to get your home ready to sell. A clean, spacious, and organized home helps buyers focus on the property—not the stuff in it.

Need help prepping your home to hit the market? Whether it’s a quick consultation or full-service staging, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.