It is amazing how you can always find a spot for something, step around it or accept it. But, the moment you want to sell your house, you have to view clutter in a different light.
Your home may be in good condition and well built, yet clutter will create the perception of chaos, confusion and disorder. When buyers see clutter, they assume that the home has been neglected, with more to fix than meets the eye. This perception may undermine your home's market value.
Remember that a purchase decision is an emotional and intellectual response based on what you see.
Decluttering is virtually cost-free and goes hand in hand with moving. Prepare yourself by throwing away, boxing to keep and either having a garage sale or giving to charity. Your move will be easier and you will create an open, spacious, simplified look that buyers will love.
Here are some areas to look at:
Front Garden • Trim or remove overgrown, woody shrubs that cover windows and block light. • Coil hoses and place any tools inside the garage. • Declutter flower beds. • Remove empty plant pots and dead plants.
Entrance The buyer's first impression is critical and shapes their attitude throughout the showing. • Invest in a brand new welcome mat. • Fresh paint or varnish will make a big difference to your front door. • Create a single focal point with an attractive table or painting and remove non-essential items.
Living Areas • Rooms should be sparsely furnished to appear larger and lighter. • Furniture should not block windows, doorways or traffic patterns through rooms. • Do not allow wires to cross traffic patterns. • Choose one or two elements as the main points of interest - wooden floors, a view, a table etc. • Bookshelves add a warm touch to a room but do not overload them. Place books so that the backs are even. Lay some books horizontally, and leave open spaces for art objects.
Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of the home and plays an important part in attracting the heart of a buyer. • New cabinet handles can help tie the room together in terms of colour and finish. • Remove purely functional items such as baking pans, utensils, vitamins, plastic bags, etc. • Photos and notes on the refrigerator represent clutter, so remove. • Clear the counters completely, then add back a few decorative pieces that add a warm, elegant and organised look. Some suggestions include flowers, fruit, antiques, small designer appliances, etc.
Bathrooms Keep in mind that you will give up some privacy during the marketing period so declutter to give a touch of elegance and romance. • Remove unnecessary items from counters. • Put items that you use daily - toothbrushes, soaps, razors - in a container inside in your cabinet.
Bedrooms Bedrooms should appear restful and serene. • Clear bedside tables and add back just a few books or nice lamps. • Old curtains do more harm than good. Take them down and clean the windows for a fresh look. • Children's bedrooms usually need to be simplified. Take down posters and box up toys.
Cupboards • Organise your pantry with everything facing forward. Remove excess food and containers. • The laundry often functions as a spillover room with junk in the cupboards. Keep only the necessary items.