As a professional home stager, I have seen some cluttered homes that can be deemed \u201creal hot messes\u201d \u2013 to use my southern emphasis. Many of these cluttered homes have been on the market for months, and by walking into the front door, I\u2019ve tiptoed around items and personal belongings. The buyers have likely walked the same maze of belongings when touring the house. I\u2019ve also viewed properties where sellers collect lovely things that they display on shelves and dressers, in china cabinets, and throughout the house in various places. While perhaps neatly placed, these items draw curious glances and distract from the property itself. I have also spoken with sellers who refuse to believe that their personal items are cluttered and thus have paid the price with time on the market and\/or lower sales prices.<\/p>\n
Growing up, my mother had a mug that read, \u201cGreat Minds Have Messy Desks.\u201d The sentiment was accurate, given that my mother\u2019s desk was often very cluttered. She could find anything she needed, but the desk was definitely a mess. Her desk functioned perfectly fine for her because our house wasn\u2019t for sale. However, if your home is on the market, a messy desk or a messy bathroom, for example, could have poor implications when prospective buyers tour the home.<\/p>\n
To some the idea of decluttering is daunting, especially if you are not an organized person, cherish your collectibles, or have a \u201creal hot mess,\u201d in your home. From my home staging experience, I have learned some tips and strategies for making the process a little easier and less intimidating.<\/p>\n
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- COUNTER CLUTTER<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Start with horizontal surfaces, like tabletops and countertops \u2013 these surfaces should be free and clear of almost everything. A buyer\u2019s eye should not be stopped from observing a home from floor to ceiling with items that interrupt the horizonal flow of the space.<\/p>\n
In the kitchen, exceptions may be daily use items (like a coffee pot or bowl of fruit). Everything else should be put away in the cabinets or drawers. Likewise, in the bathroom, no buyer wants to see your toothbrush, used bar of soap, collections of lotions, or other hygiene items. Tuck these items away out of view.<\/p>\n
Finally, in living spaces, dining rooms, and bedrooms, clear shelving of items smaller than a man\u2019s fist. Anything else should be carefully analyzed for color and curiosity. If it is odd or brightly colored, it should probably be tucked away.<\/p>\n
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- <\/b>FLOOR CLUTTER<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Aside from furniture and large planters, nothing should take up valuable floor space. The more floor space uninterrupted, the bigger the room will feel. (This may even include removing rugs.) Small statutes, umbrella stands, tray tables, baskets, etc. should be packed away. These items conflict with the scale of most rooms and while functional for day-to-day use, are unnecessary for the staging of the home.<\/p>\n
Kids\u2019 bedrooms should be free from toys on the floor and as much as possible, any other items that take up floor space. While many buyers give grace to children\u2019s rooms, it is in the best interest of the seller to remove as much clutter as possible for a room to feel large and tidy, creating a positive impression for buyers.<\/p>\n
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- WALL CLUTTER<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Keep art to a minimum. Remove any art pieces that are off-scale (most often art that is too small). Art with strong subject matter should also be taken down. While it may be tempting to think that a cool gallery wall could be a great way to showcase art, gallery walls require very careful measurements and installation. In my opinion, one thoughtfully placed art piece per room is generally enough and should be placed on the first visible wall when entering the room.<\/p>\n
- WALL CLUTTER<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- <\/b>FLOOR CLUTTER<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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