Real Estate Alliance

Should I declutter my home before I sell?

There is a reason why a whole new fashion & business has sprung up utilizing the concept of de-cluttering and from a selling agent’s point of view it’s a relief! Trying to sell a house can be hard enough but a property that won’t allow the agent & prospective buyer in the same room at the same time brings a tear to the eye.

Just as waistbands get too tight, so do rooms which simply won’t fit that beautiful Italian dresser you’ve set your heart on. And ask yourself do you really need another scatter cushion to go with the 15 already crammed onto the sofa?

For whatever reason we have a habit of hoarding. From furniture to clothes to old love letters. Let them go. The storage experts have a theory about all of this and it’s called the 80/20 rule. They say most of us only use 20% of what we own on a regular basis, while the remaining 80% is stuff we may have used in the past, or feel we might use in the future, but which is really just hanging around getting in the way.  The reality is most of us have stuff we just don’t need.

Clutter is a disordered heap or mass of objects, a state of disorder. Sounds familiar? De-cluttering can be a task in itself; the key is not to become overwhelmed. Buying or selling a house is the perfect time to de-clutter so use this time to throw out any unwanted items and clear your life for your new chapter.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I really need it?
• Why am I keeping it?
• Does it fit me?
• Am I just keeping it for sentimental reasons?

There are many benefits to de-cluttering your life and letting go of old stuff. Not only will you make space but you will also get rid of stale energy and emotions. When moving it is important to de-clutter before your removal company comes in. It can reduce your removal costs as you will not be transporting unwanted items.

Now in putting your house on the market I cannot emphasise enough the importance of doing a clear out. Especially if you have been avoiding it for years. Now is the time. Take one room at a time. Empty it, Yes, as in take everything out of the cluttered room and then put back in the bare minimum. It may sound drastic but creating space will allow the prospective buyer to imagine where his or her matching wedding lamps will sit perfectly or at least envisage their own furniture in the room.

Clutter is something we are all guilty of but the importance of clearing (and indeed cleaning which is always advisable) your property before it hits the market place ensures you of a better chance of finding a buyer.

This theory will spill out from your new “spacious” house to the exterior of the premises. Don’t overdo the garden with gadgets, toys and ornaments. Keep it tasty and elegant. Shrubbery should also be de-cluttered as in tidied up and trimmed back. Flowers create a warmth and should be looked upon as a welcoming committee to the viewers.

You are only going to sell this property once. Give yourself the best shot at it. You don’t have to bake the homemade scones or put on freshly brewed coffee (although it may help) but at the least ensure your rooms are creating space and possibilities in the mind of the viewer. Make the house as attractive as possible, Embrace its potential and remember inside every over-cluttered house there is a more open & inviting one waiting to get out.

Olivia Donohoe, BSc IAVI
Peter Donohoe & Son Real Estate Alliance, Main St., Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan.