Your room-by-room guide on how to declutter FAST for a Spring sale
Spring is here, and with it comes the urge to refresh, reset and, for those of us with itchy feet, maybe even sell your home. But before you invite the photographer round, there’s one mission you need to tackle first: decluttering and depersonalising.
Sounds daunting? It doesn’t have to be! A little strategic tidying can work wonders, making your home feel bigger, brighter and far more appealing to potential buyers. Plus, let’s be honest - do you really need that drawer full of takeaway menus from 2012? Thought not. And the less said about the disaster drawer piled so high with unidentified USB leads it no longer opens, the better.
If you’re gearing up for a spring sale, follow our ultimate guide to pre-sale organisation. These simple, practical tips will help turn chaos into calm and get your home market-ready in no time.
Why decluttering matters
Buyers want to see space, not stuff – and it can be pretty hard to picture yourself in a home that has someone else’s identity visibly stamped on it.
A clutter-free home looks larger, cleaner and more inviting, which can make a real impact when it comes to first impressions. A home with clean, clear walls and without piles of old paperwork stacked in corners also signals that your home has been well cared for, giving buyers confidence in their investment.
Plus, starting the decluttering process early makes moving much easier. You’ll pack more efficiently and won’t be emotionally overwhelmed by last-minute sorting and those pesky side-quest sort-outs of mementos from yesteryear.
Room-by-room decluttering tips
Some rooms are ‘low traffic’ and others are ‘high traffic’, and you might be surprised to learn that it is often the low traffic rooms that need the most attention. Here’s how to tackle key spaces:
1. The spare room
Let’s tackle this space first. Spare rooms often become dumping grounds for unused furniture, seasonal decorations and day to day clutter – be it the collection of artwork your little one brings home from school or that pile of post you’ve been meaning to sort through.
Buyers want to see functional space, whether it’s a guest bedroom, home office, or hobby room, so clear out unnecessary items and donate or store them elsewhere.
If your spare room lacks purpose, stage it as a functional space – a simple desk can transform an unloved room into an office, or fresh bedding can highlight its potential as a guest room – options which will have a large impact, without costing the earth.
2. Kitchen clutter begone
Kitchens are one of the most scrutinised areas during viewings, and when it comes to the culinary heart of the home, buyers love a spacious, organised kitchen that feels easy to maintain.
Clear surfaces are the way forward – so remove small appliances and excess utensils from countertops to create a clean look.
Next on the list, tackle those cupboards. Savvy buyers will want a peek inside, so avoid overstuffed shelves and strip back anything past its sell by date and neatly organise pantry items.
Top tip: hide fridge magnets, notes and personal items to create a polished finish. You’d really be amazed at the transformation to a room by taking down higgledy-piggledy photos and sponsor forms from a fridge.
3. Invite light into the living room
Think light, space and comfort. The living room should feel open, airy and relaxing. Too much furniture or personal décor can make it feel cramped and overly personalised.
Keep decorations minimal - a few tasteful pieces can stop a room looking bleak and soulless, but an overload of ornaments can tip the scales too far. If you have bookshelves, reduce the number of books on display to create a sense of space – Pinterest has some great ideas on creating mood through colour-stacking shelves.
Remove any bulky furniture that makes the room feel smaller. If you have an unused garage - this is its moment to shine.
4. Bedrooms of Zen calm
Buyers want to envision a calm, restful environment in the bedrooms, so make beds up with neutral, fresh bedding.
Clear away any excess clothing from wardrobes and consider packing away out-of-season items to create more space.
Again, strive to create a neutral ‘show home’ state to the more personal rooms in your home, removing items like family photos, posters, or unique artwork to make the space feel more universally appealing.
5. Clean and fresh bathrooms
A sparkling clean bathroom is essential – think squeaky clean surfaces and chrome taps you can see your reflection in. Buyers don’t want to see cluttered shelves or overflowing cabinets, so box up any non-essential items and be sure to store personal items like toothbrushes, razors and medications out of sight.
For a coordinated spa-like finish, use matching towels (box fresh and fluffy for bonus points).
Bonus tip – pay a final check on shower cubicles and remove half-used toiletries and soap bars from shower ledges.
6. Grand garage designs
Storage is a huge selling point, but if buyers see a packed garage or an overflowing loft, they may assume your home lacks space.
Organise any loose items into storage boxes to keep these spaces as clutter free as possible and remove anything you don’t need.
If your garage is full of unused items, you could even consider renting a temporary storage unit to free up space. To ensure a strong finish, sweep those floors and ensure everywhere looks well-maintained.
Helping buyers see your home as their future home
While your home is full of memories, buyers need to imagine making their own, and depersonalising your rooms helps to create a blank canvas. It can really help a buyer to visualise themselves in your home by removing family photos and personal collections - right down to your children’s beloved artwork.
Where possible, tone down bold or unique décor as neutral walls and furnishings appeal to a wider audience.
Final flourishes
Once you’ve decluttered and depersonalised it’s time for the finishing touches: a deep clean focusing on kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas. For the piece de resistance, open windows to invite fresh air in and use subtle scents like fresh flowers or lightly scented candles to complete the olfactory appeal. Finally, for viewings, ensure lighting is bright and welcoming - natural light is always a selling point.
Ready to Sell?
A decluttered and depersonalised home will attract more buyers and help you achieve the best possible price. If you’re thinking of selling this spring, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the market.
Get in touch with us today on 0118 912 2370 for expert advice on selling your home—let’s make your move a success!
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