7 reasons to declutter before you sell

Our homes are where we are free to express ourselves, live how we please and, perhaps, let a slovenly nature take over. That’s perfectly fine when the occupant has no plans to move but it’s a different matter when it comes to selling.

While you may think a ‘take me as you find me’ approach is fine, here are seven reasons to declutter before you sell.

1. Clutter can reduce your home’s value

Rated People’s last home improvement trends report identified the top 10 issues that devalue a home and clutter made the cut. In fact, it reduces a property’s value in the same way as mould, cracks in walls and single glazing do. Those selling a messy home can expect offers £9,290 below the asking price.

2. Photos will capture every empty bottle and stray sock

A potential buyer’s first interaction with your home is likely to be the photographs used in an online listing. As the saying goes, the camera never lies and the images taken will show your property, warts and all. Purchasers may overlook your home based on the level of clutter.

3. Clutter can make a home feel smaller than it actually is

Despite floor plans and measurements, buyers will make a judgement about your home based on a visual inspection. If they can’t see the floor or walls properly – and if clutter juts out deep into a room – your home will feel cramped and smaller than it actually is.

4. Personal effects can be distracting

Selling is a time to put aside personal preferences and that may mean storing items that hold fond memories or form part of a collection. Loosely grouped together as ‘knick knacks’, less is more when it comes to family photographs, decorative plates, figurines, porcelain dolls, teddy bears, postcards and fossils, for instance.

5. Messy could mean a state of disrepair

Even if your home is cared for, the sight of clutter can give the impression of a lackadaisical approach to upkeep. Additionally, bear in mind any clutter may obscure the line of vision for buyers, leaving them unable to see the property’s true state of repair.

6. ‘Bursting at the seams’ suggests a lack of storage

Piles of anything on show is not a good look, whether it’s shoes, clothes, books, CDs or magazines. As well as looking chaotic, it sends the signal that there’s not enough storage. For families, that could mean a ‘hard pass’ on your home. Take the tidiness up a notch by ensuring cupboard doors and drawers shut properly, and that there’s nothing spilling out.

7. Clutter can hide beautiful or interesting details

Many buyers fall in love with original features and unique aspects but clutter can obscure them, especially furniture that’s been hoarded. For example, you may have a period fireplace but have covered it up by placing a sofa you can’t bear to throw out in front of it. Don’t be afraid of getting rid of bulky items that hide your home’s best features.

If you are at an early stage in the selling process and would like advice on how to get your home ready for the open market, get in touch. We’d be happy to appraise your property, guide you on presentation and provide an up-to-date valuation in its current state, and what it may fetch if decluttered.

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