How to Avoid 3 of the Worst Clutter Traps When Selling Your Home

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Vannessa Rhoades, Three Bears Home Staging

If selling a home is on your to-do list, eliminating clutter may be one of the most important first steps you can take! Let’s talk about why reducing clutter is so important to a home sale and whether it’s worth it to invest your time in clearing it out. We’ll also share three of the worst clutter traps we typically see as home stagers and some tips on how to avoid them.

Should You Declutter Before Selling Your Home?

Once you decide to put your house on the market, you might wonder whether decluttering is truly necessary. The short answer: absolutely. A cluttered home can turn off potential buyers and make it harder for them to imagine themselves living in the space. Think of decluttering as a crucial step in preparing your home for sale, just like fixing any structural issues or giving it a fresh coat of paint. By decluttering, you create an environment that feels spacious, inviting, and ready for its next chapter.

Can I Sell My House with Clutter in It?

While it’s technically possible to sell a house with clutter in it, it’s certainly not advisable. Clutter can obscure your home’s best features, making it harder for buyers to appreciate its true value. Additionally, clutter can give the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained or cared for, which can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. To maximize your chances of selling quickly and for a good price, it’s best to declutter your home before putting it on the market.

Do Cluttered Homes Sell for Less?

In many cases, yes, cluttered homes do sell for less than their clutter-free counterparts. When a home is cluttered, buyers may struggle to see its full potential and may be less inclined to make competitive offers. Furthermore, clutter can make rooms appear smaller and less appealing, which can ultimately lower the perceived value of the property. By taking the time to declutter your home before selling, you can potentially increase its appeal to buyers and command a higher sale price.

Declutter Your Home Before Selling: How to Clear Your House

Now that you understand the importance of decluttering before selling your home, you may be wondering where to begin. Start by tackling one area at a time, such as closets, countertops, and bookshelves. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Consider renting a storage unit for items you want to keep but don’t need during the selling process. By taking a systematic approach to decluttering, you can create a more attractive and marketable home that stands out to potential buyers. Here are three spaces we consistently see as problem areas for many home sellers:

1. Closets

Closets are a fantastic place to store all our extra stuff for day-to-day living, but clutter in the closet can hurt you when selling a home. Buyers touring your house will open closet doors. Sadly, about 90% of them will be unable to envision spacious storage potential. Closets that are crammed full of “stuff “won’t help that vision.

• Pack away seasonal clothing, organize hanging items by size or color, and get things off the floor. This is especially important in primary bedroom closets.
• Take the time to clean your pantry. Wipe down shelves. Straighten labels. Toss out anything that is expired or that you won’t use.

See Related: 4 Smart Easy Ways to Make Your Pantry Look Bigger for Potential Home Buyers

See Related: How to Make Cabinets, Drawers, & Closets Look Bigger When Selling a Home

2. Tabletops and Counters

Tabletops and counters should not be completely stripped; you don’t want them to look too sterile. Keep decor strategic and minimal.

• Store all kitchen appliances under the cabinets (yes, even the coffee pot!).
• Dish soap and sponges should go in a plastic bin under the sink.
• Remove all personal hygiene products and appliances from bathroom counters.
• Add a simple potted plant and a few books to a nightstand, a bowl of lemons to the kitchen counter, or a dish of pretty soaps near the bath sink for a homey, but uncluttered feel.

3. Bookshelves

Bookshelves are notorious clutter traps when selling a home and can be especially tricky. When they’re overflowing or crammed too tightly (as many of them are), they give the impression that there’s a lack of space.

• Pack up most of your books, leaving some stacked vertically and some horizontally with space between groupings for a more pleasing visual effect.
• A few knick-knacks are okay but don’t display an entire collection of knickknacks.

See Related: How to Style and Stage Bookshelves

The Bottom Line on Decluttering Your House Before Selling

Start packing now, before you put your home on the market, and don’t spend money moving the items you can trash, donate, or sell! Not sure where to get started? Take a look below at some of the ways Three Bears Home Staging can help!

How We Can Help

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