Preparing to Move? Key Items to Declutter for Maximum Return on Investment
Getting ready to sell your home involves more than just putting it on the market. A strategic decluttering and staging process can significantly enhance your home's appeal, speed up the sale, and boost its selling price. Here’s a guide on what to declutter to ensure a big return on investment (ROI) when staging your home.
Personal items and family photos
Why?
Personal items can distract buyers and make it harder for them to envision themselves living in the space.
How?
Replace family photos with neutral, decorative artwork. Pack away collections such as trophies and memorabilia, and religious items.
ROI
A neutral environment helps buyers imagine the space as their own, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Furniture
Why?
Over-furnished rooms can appear smaller and more cluttered
How?
Keep only essential and well-proportioned furniture in each room. Consider storing over-sized furniture that makes rooms look cramped.
ROI
Spacious and well-arranged rooms look larger and more inviting, positively impacting the perceived value of your home.
Closets and storage spaces
Why?
Full closets and storage areas can give the impression of insufficient storage space.
How?
Remove off-season clothes and excess items, leaving closets about half-full. Tidy up storage spaces using bins and shelves to create an orderly appearance.
ROI
Ample and organized storage is a big selling point, making your home more attractive to buyers.
Kitchen items
Why?
A clutter-free kitchen looks cleaner and more functional.
How?
Store small appliances and non-essential items out of sight. Organize and minimize items in cabinets and pantries to showcase ample storage; keeping only about half-full if possible.
ROI
A neat and spacious kitchen is a major attraction for buyers, enhancing the overall appeal of your home.
Bathrooms
Why?
Bathrooms should feel clean and serene.
How?
Keep only a few essential toiletries on display. Replace old towels and mats with new, neutral ones for a fresh look.
ROI
Clean and decluttered bathrooms create a sense of luxury and cleanliness, appealing to potential buyers.
Living areas
Why?
Living rooms and family rooms should feel inviting and functional.
How?
Use only a few tasteful decorations to avoid a cluttered look. Arrange books and decor items neatly.
ROI
An organized and attractive living space helps buyers imagine themselves relaxing and entertaining in your home.
Kids’ rooms and play areas
Why?
Children’s toys and clutter can be distracting and make spaces feel smaller.
How?
Keep only a few toys out and store the rest. Ensure play areas are tidy and minimalistic.
ROI
Clean, well-organized kids’ spaces can appeal to families looking for a home.
Want a Bigger ROI? Don’t forget these simple tips!
Aim for a neutral color palette through each space that can appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Invest in a deep clean to make sure that the home is thoroughly clean to significantly enhance its appeal.
Make sure that your home is well-lit with natural light wherever possible, as well as with strategically placed lamps.
Lastly, don’t forget the outside! Enhancing the curb appeal of your home with a tidy yard and a welcoming entrance can make a big difference to buyers.
Putting in the time and effort to properly stage your home before showing it to potential buyers may seem like a lot of work in the midst of an already intense process, but following these steps can simplify the process and truly make the time and effort worthwhile.