How to Declutter Before Listing Your Home: What Stays and What Goes
I’ve recently been working with sellers who’ve lived in their home for twenty-five years. You can imagine how much they have accumulated over the years! Decorations and dishes, old photos and paperwork, furnishes, lawn ornaments, books, clothing, antiques, and more. Closets, cupboards, and drawers are full. The basement and garage are full. The shed is full. So, getting ready to list their home feels overwhelming!
I first walked through their home to get a good scope of all that needed to be done and find out what they were willing to invest into their home to get it market ready. I explained that price always reflects condition, and they wanted to get their home into tip-top shape. We then put together a list of “must-dos” plus optional items. I suggested vendors for some of the cosmetic work, and also recommended a professional home organizer. They are now well on their way to getting their home market ready.
One of the most important, and most difficult, steps you need to take before listing your home is decluttering! Most people have accumulated so much stuff over the years, they don’t even know where to begin. However, a thorough decluttering must occur! A clutter-free home looks so much bigger, better, and more spacious. It looks cleaner. It helps buyers imagine themselves living there with their things. In fact, homes that are decluttered and staged often sell faster and for a higher price than ones that aren’t.
So, how do you know what to keep, what to store, and what to get rid of? Chances are you’ve lived in your home for many years. You’ve accumulated a lot of stuff! It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, but here’s a simple, practical guide to decluttering your home before selling.
Why Decluttering Matters When Selling Your Home
First impressions can make or break a sale. The moment buyers walk in, they’re deciding whether your house feels like their future home. If all they see is “stuff”, they are going to have a hard time seeing the positive features of your home. Too much clutter can:
- Make rooms feel smaller.
- Distract buyers from your home’s best features.
- Create the impression that the home isn’t well maintained.
On the other hand, a decluttered and staged home feels brighter, bigger, and move-in ready—which is exactly what buyers want. They start imagining where they will place their furniture, who will get which room, and the holidays and parties they will host.
The Four-Box Decluttering Method
When you have a lot of items in storage, overfilled closets, and knickknacks in every room, it can feel overwhelming to get started. So, when you are preparing your home to sell, use the four-box method to declutter:
- Box 1: Keep – These are things you need for daily use and items that can be used for showings (such as lamps and wall hangings). Organize these things, and put personal items into cupboards or closets.
- Box 2: Store – These are items that you want to keep, but don’t need day to day. Pack up and store these items in boxes in preparation for moving, and store them in a central location like a basement or garage.
- Box 3: Donate – Take anything you no longer use or doesn’t add to your home’s appeal, but could be used by others, to a donation center. This could be clothing and coats, furnishings, dishes, blankets, decorations, and more.
- Box 4: Discard – Any items that are old and worn out, throw out. Box and bag them up, and take them to the trash. You may find you have large items that need to be taken to a waste management center. Plan to gather all of these items and discard them before photos and showings.
This four-box method makes the process manageable and ensures you only keep out what you need and what will help your home sell.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Guide
Kitchen
- Clear countertops—keep only one or two attractive, functional items on display (like a coffee maker or fruit bowl).
- Remove fridge magnets, kids’ art, and paper clutter. The refrigerator should be completely clean.
- Store extra appliances, utensils, and mismatched dishware inside cupboards.
- Put dish soap, hand soap, scrubbing brushes, and dish drainer into cupboards and out of sight.
Living Room
- Keep furniture minimal so the space looks larger.
- Store away personal photos, collections, and excess throw pillows/blankets.
- Limit surfaces to one or two neutral, stylish pieces.
- Open or remove heavy drapery that darkens the room.
Bedrooms
- Pack away personal items, excess clothing and shoes, and jewelry.
- Organize closets (buyers will look inside to see how much storage).
- Keep nightstands and dressers clutter-free.
- Use neutral bedding and décor to create a calm, inviting space.
Bathrooms
- Hide personal toiletries like toothbrushes, medications, and razors.
- Keep only essentials visible: handsoap, fresh towels, and maybe a plant or candle.
- Remove all shower items for photos and showings.
- Keep countertops clean and open.
Closets & Storage
- Remove any items you don’t need to show off storage space.
- Use matching bins or baskets for a neat look.
- Store seasonal gear elsewhere if possible.
What Should Stay
When staging your home, keep items that highlight the space rather than distract from it. I tell sellers to think about a vacation home they’ve stayed in. There are beautiful decorations, but no personal items.
- Neutral décor (lamps, simple artwork, greenery).
- Essential furniture that shows function (dining table, sofa, beds).
- A few tasteful accents that make the home feel welcoming.
- Rugs (in good condition), miniblinds, and shower curtains.
What Should Go
To make your home appeal to buyers, pack away or remove:
- Personal items (family photos, kids’ artwork, religious or political décor).
- Bulky or extra furniture that makes rooms feel small.
- Worn or outdated pieces like old rugs, curtains, or mismatched décor.
Pro Home Staging Tips for Sellers
- Start early. Declutter in short sessions instead of all at once.
- Rent storage if needed. A temporary storage unit can be worth it.
- Ask your real estate agent. They know what buyers notice most.
- Think ahead. Decluttering now makes moving day much easier.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering before selling your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase its appeal. By focusing on what stays and what goes, you’ll make your house feel more spacious, inviting, and ready for buyers to fall in love.
If you’re preparing to list your home, I’d be happy to provide personalized home decluttering and staging tips! Please contact me for your complimentary session!
