Preparing to sell your Home – Time to Declutter?

Decluttering is often one the most dreaded things to do for home owners and just figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. The question of “where will everything go?” frequently results in us been immediately put off and not starting.  This time consuming task oftens means your home will be turned upside down before it starts to look better – So why do it?

1. Decluttering is the cheapest way to improve the look of your home.

2. Decluttering gives potential buyers a good first impression. We only get one chance to make a good first impression and if buyers are met with disorganised packed rooms, full of various items this can instantly put them off and possibly prevent them from making an offer.

3. Decluttering makes a room feel bigger, added space is always a positive aspect for buyers. Oversized furniture can leave a room feeling very cramped and make it difficult to move around. It can be very worthwhile to replace or store oversized furniture to create an easy pathway allowing buyers to manoeuvre through a room.

4. Decluttering allows buyers to see where they would put their own furniture and helps them, envisage themselves living there. Large amounts of personal items can distract buyers and prevent them from focusing on the features your property offers.

5. Decluttering creates a space which is easier to tidy, clean and prepare for viewings. Selling a home while continuing to live your day to day life can be difficult however having your home organised and decluttered takes away excess stress, when it is time for viewings.

6. Decluttering lets you move house with greater ease. Use your decluttering time to box away items that you don’t regularly use, however plan on taking with you. This will make your move a lot simpler.

7. Decluttering puts you in a good mental headspace for moving. Moving home can be very stressful, decision making, lack of time and the financial cost are all factors we cannot avoid.  Having your home clutter free provides a space for you to think clearly and calmly. When the time comes to vacate your home, having already cleared away items you don’t need, want or use anymore will make to process less overwhelming .

Tips for Decluttering

One Room at a Time – Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to take on the whole house at once. Master each room one at time.

Sort and Spilt – Sort items into three lots – Keep – Donate – Dispose.

Anything you keep should have a place to be stored or displayed. Box up items you plan to bring with you but will not be using until you move, including toys, games, books, ornaments, pictures and smaller kitchen appliances.

Any items you no longer want or use that are still in good condition should be donated to your local charity.

Items which are broke or no longer useable should be recycled or disposed of.

Skips – can be a great way to dispose of larger items and can often save time on trips to the local dump.

Clothes & Shoes – Donate or recycle clothes and shoes you no longer wear. You would be amazed at the amount of space you will create. Nobodies washing should be on show during viewings.

Bikes & Buggies – Store in the garage during viewings.

Kitchen Counters – Keep as clear as possible with only absolute necessary items on them. You want to show buyers the extensive workspace they have for preparing food.

Window Sills – Should only have three items or less with blinds open and curtains pulled back fully to allow the maximum amount of light into your room.

Bathrooms – Bathroom items should be stored in a bathroom cabinet. Wash baskets should be moved to shed or garage during viewings and towels should be neatly hung on a towel rail.

Attics – Most buyers won’t look in your attic during a viewing however their surveyor will. Although the attic is a good place to store items you plan on taking with you, it is a good idea to remove items you don’t intend to keep during the decluttering process.

Happy Moving!