Moving house is a great time for a fresh start but it can also be overwhelming. You start to realize how much you own when you physically have to move every item and make decisions about what will be coming with you on your new adventure.
If you are not sure where to start have a read of my top 10 things to declutter before selling:
Clothes
Potential buyers will look in your closets and wardrobes. If they see a wardrobe stuffed to the brim, it may put them off by thinking that the space is too small. Remove anything that no longer fits, you haven’t worn recently or has seen better days. Any excess hangers can be recycled.
Expired items
The most common offenders? Spices, food in the pantry, medications, cosmetics, cleaning products and paint. Expired items take up space and I’m guessing you are not going to want to move them into your new home. Take the time and dispose/recycle them now.
Kitchen Gadgets, Tupperware and Mugs Keeping your worktops clear will make your kitchen look more spacious. To do this you may need to relocate small appliances. Tupperware is always a good place to start when looking to make more space in your kitchen. Make sure everything has a matching lid and is in good condition. Kitchen gadgets that are seldom used or excess coffee mugs could also be reassessed. Just like the wardrobe, buyers will be looking into your cupboards. If they are crammed with items, the potential buyer may think there is not enough storage space.
Bed linen, pillows and towels
The bed is one piece of furniture that viewers will remember. You’ll want to make a good impression with fresh, clean sheets. Many home stagers would recommend white sheets as they instantly create an inviting, relaxing feel. They are classic and can be taken with you to your new home. Did you know it is recommended to change your pillows every 1-2 years? Big plush pillows will add cosiness to the room. Adding white towels is also a way to add style and cleanliness.
Anything in storage Sheds, attics, and garages tend to be where items go when you don’t know what to do with them. Why are these items in storage? Are they worth moving? Will you unpack and use them in your new home? There’s no point in moving a box you haven’t looked in in years just to have it sitting in your new home taking up space. Take the time to make those decisions now.
Books
Give your shelves a bit of breathing space. They will look less cluttered and give the impression of a well ordered, tidy, spacious home. Books are a great place to start as they take up a lot of space. Be ruthless, if you have read it, what is the likelihood you will read it again? Have you ever read the same book twice? With regards to reference books, most information can be found online. So, unless they spark joy it might be time for some of them to move on. Bonus tip: Make sure you pack your books in smaller boxes to make them easier to lift when moving.
Décor
You want prospective buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home. If you have very personalized décor like family photos, trophy collections or keepsakes you should pack them away early. Reevaluate any remaining décor. Does it match the aesthetic you would like in your new home? Are there too many throw pillows, blankets, candles, or ornaments?
Electronic gadgets
Get rid of anything outdated or that has not been used recently. Examples include old mobile phones, laptops, DVD & CD players (along with the CDs and DVDs), miscellaneous cords, small kitchen appliances (think of the 12-piece blender that hasn’t been used in three years)
Sports equipment
When was the last time you used that tennis racket, those golf clubs, etc.? If you were to take up the sport again, would you want to use the same equipment? Does that treadmill get used? Does it have somewhere to go in your new home? Is it worth paying to move it?
Paperwork
Papers can make a space look cluttered. Now might be a good time to invest in paper storage if you don’t have some already. There are lots of great options. Really Useful Boxes make a file box that is
great for long term file storage for papers you may not need access to as often. Bigso Box of Sweden make a file box that looks lovely on a shelf.
If you would like to stand out from the competition but are feeling overwhelmed consider hiring a
professional organizer to help you make those hard decisions in a timely fashion. Contact me to arrange a free consultation.