Highlighting your home’s finest features is essential for getting top dollar when ready to sell. The only way to highlight those features is by decluttering your home.
Why Should I Declutter?
“Clutter is overwhelming for potential buyers,” says Deon Oden, Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #7789) at Coulee Bank. House hunters may get the impression that the home isn’t well-maintained or feel storage space is inadequate. If buyers get a negative impression of the home, it can also negatively impact the price of your home.
Take the time to go room by room and clear the clutter. Once you start the organization process, you can either find a place to store items or remove unnecessary items from your home. Many donation centers can take your unwanted items thus making your move that much easier. By removing clutter, the buyer’s first impression will be positive.
Clear the Clutter
Oden says, “First impressions matter, so start in the front entryway.” Remove multiple coats, gloves, hats, and shoes. Store them in a closet in an organized fashion. If you need to buy storage bins to house off-season items, go buy them.
Foyer or Entryway
If you have a small desk or table for mail, go through all the mail and toss it or file it away. Oden believes it’s beneficial to throw away items that aren’t serving you. If you have old greeting cards, notes, or old bills, get rid of them. Pro tip: if you have a glass storm door, take glass cleaner and some paper towels to alleviate dusty, streaked glass doors.
Kitchen
After the entryway is free of clutter and clean, move to the kitchen. Other than the bathroom, this is one of the most important rooms in the house. This room needs to be spotless. Start by removing magnets hanging on the fridge as well as any family photos. Potential buyers are trying to visualize being in the home.
Next, remove any old or expired food. Go through the cabinets and drawers. Oden recommends allowing about 15 minutes per drawer and cabinet so you can wipe dust or old food spills and drips. Make sure to take out the trash, so there aren’t old sour food smells. Pro tip: Take this time to eliminate any unwanted pots, pans, and other dishes.
Bathroom
The bathroom is also one of the most important rooms to clean. Go through all the drawers and bathroom closets and remove unwanted make-up, toiletries, and expired medication. Remove all shampoo bottles and soap from the shower and clean the shower. Make sure to scrub the vanity and the toilet. Pro tip: clean the mirror and light fixture; light fixtures get dusty.
Living Room
This is a well-used area that collects a lot of unwanted toys, magazines, shoes, and various items. It’s time to clear off coffee tables and side tables and get rid of outdated magazines collecting dust. “For added appeal, strategically place throw pillows and blankets to make the room look stylish,” says Oden. Pro tip: Have your children help with toy removal. Show them how to put toys into a toy box or storage crate and encourage them to keep their room tidy.
Bedrooms
Clear off the nightstands and dressers. No more books, magazines, and lotion bottles in sight. Fold and put away clean clothes, then fill the laundry basket with dirty clothes and put it in the laundry room. Organize the closet and think about what to keep, donate, or throw away.
To declutter your home, use minimalism as your goal. When a potential buyer arrives in your home, you want to make a great first impression, so you can get top dollar for your property.