How to Declutter Your Home Before Listing

If you’re getting ready to sell, one of the most important steps is decluttering your home. A clean, organized space not only looks more inviting but also helps buyers envision themselves living there. Clutter can make rooms feel smaller and distract buyers from the home’s best features.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking small, strategic steps, you can simplify the process and get your home show-ready without unnecessary stress. Plus, a well-organized home often sells faster and for a better price. In this guide, we’ll walk through easy ways to declutter before listing, so your home makes the best possible impression on buyers.

Step-by-Step Decluttering Guide

Decluttering your home before listing doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By breaking it down into manageable steps, you can make the process easier and more effective.

1. Start with a Plan

Before you dive into decluttering, create a game plan.

• Set a timeline based on when you plan to list your home.
• Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Use the “keep, donate, discard” method to sort through items quickly.
• Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway first—these are the spaces that leave the strongest impression on buyers.

A little planning will keep you on track and ensure you’re making steady progress toward getting your home show-ready.

2. Clear Out Excess Furniture

Too much furniture can make rooms feel smaller and cluttered. Removing unnecessary pieces will create a more open, spacious feel that buyers love.

• If a piece of furniture makes a room feel crowded, consider storing it elsewhere.
• Arrange furniture to create open walkways and highlight the room’s functionality.
• Keep staging in mind—minimal yet well-placed furniture helps buyers see the home’s potential.

3. Tidy Up Storage Spaces

Buyers will look inside closets, cabinets, and even the garage, so don’t just shove everything out of sight! Organized storage areas help showcase the home’s space efficiently.

• Declutter and neatly arrange closets to make them look more spacious.
• Reduce the number of items in kitchen cabinets and bathroom storage.
• Use baskets or bins to organize items neatly while keeping things accessible.

A well-organized storage space tells buyers that the home has ample room for their belongings.

4. Depersonalize the Space

When buyers walk through your home, they should be able to picture themselves living there. Personal items can make it harder for them to do that.

• Remove family photos, kids’ artwork, and personal collections.
• Store away bold or unique décor that may not appeal to a wide audience.
• Keep neutral décor elements that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Depersonalizing doesn’t mean making your home feel empty—it’s about creating a clean slate that allows buyers to envision their own belongings in the space.

5. Minimize Kitchen and Bathroom Clutter

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important spaces for buyers, so keeping them clutter-free is key.

• Clear off kitchen countertops, leaving only a few stylish essentials (such as a bowl of fresh fruit or a small plant).
• Organize pantry shelves and toss out expired items.
• Store away toiletries in the bathroom and leave only neatly arranged essentials.

A tidy kitchen and bathroom can make a big impact, helping buyers see these spaces as clean and move-in ready.

6. Tackle Small Items and Décor

Too many decorative items, books, or accessories can make a home feel busy rather than inviting.

• Limit the number of items on shelves and tables to just a few well-placed pieces.
• Pack away books, knickknacks, and excess wall art to create a more streamlined look.
• Keep surfaces as clean and simple as possible to enhance the home’s natural beauty.

Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to deep clean your home so it looks fresh and inviting for buyers. In the next section, we’ll go over some final touches before listing your home.

Final Touches Before Listing

Once you’ve decluttered, a few final steps will ensure your home is truly show-ready for potential buyers.

1. Deep Clean Your Home

Decluttering is only half the battle—buyers expect a spotless home when they walk through the door. After organizing, take time to deep clean your home by:

• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Wiping down surfaces, cabinets, and baseboards
• Cleaning windows and mirrors for a bright, polished look
• Eliminating odors from pets, cooking, or smoke

If needed, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to give your home that extra sparkle.

2. Store Packed-Up Items Neatly

If you’ve boxed up personal belongings or extra furniture, be mindful of where you store them. A cluttered garage or basement can make buyers think the home lacks storage space. If possible, rent a storage unit to keep things out of sight until moving day.

3. Stage the Home for Maximum Appeal

Now that your home is decluttered and cleaned, it’s time to get your home show-ready by staging it.

• Use neutral décor and minimal furniture to create an open, welcoming atmosphere.
• Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a touch of warmth.
• Ensure natural light fills the space by opening blinds and curtains.

A well-staged home feels inviting and helps buyers connect emotionally with the space.

4. Talk to Your Listing Agent for Advice

Your real estate agent can provide valuable insights on additional steps to take before listing. When you talk to your listing agent, ask:

• If any areas need further decluttering or staging
• Whether certain repairs or touch-ups would help maximize your home’s value
• How your home compares to others on the market

An experienced agent can help you fine-tune the final details and position your home for a successful sale.

Conclusion

Decluttering before listing is one of the most effective ways to make your home more appealing to buyers. By removing excess items, organizing storage spaces, and keeping décor minimal, you create a clean and inviting atmosphere that allows buyers to see your home’s full potential.

If you’re getting ready to sell, start decluttering early and follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth, stress-free process. Need expert guidance? Talk to your listing agent to get personalized advice and make the most of your home sale!