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House Organising
When preparing a home for sale, decluttering and organising can greatly enhance its appeal to potential buyers. A clean, well-organised space helps buyers envision themselves in the home.
Step 1: Plan and Prioritise
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- Assess the Entire Home: Walk through each room and take note of cluttered areas. Prioritise spaces that make the biggest impression on buyers—kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and bathrooms.
- Set a Timeline: Based on your moving date or the listing schedule, set realistic goals for each area. You might need a weekend to tackle the living room, while the garage might take longer.
- Gather Supplies: Obtain boxes, storage bins, garbage bags, labels, and cleaning supplies.
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Step 2: De-clutter Room by Room
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1. Start with the Entryway:
This is the first thing buyers see. Remove shoes, coats, mail, and other clutter. Leave it clean and open.
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2. Kitchen:
- Clear counter tops by storing small appliances and utensils.
- Remove items from the fridge door and clear out expired food.
- Organise cabinets by discarding old food and removing excess dishes or gadgets.
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3. Living Room:
- Remove excess furniture to make the room feel more spacious.
- Store personal items like family photos, knick-knacks, and magazines.
- De-clutter entertainment areas and neatly organise cords.
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4. Bedrooms:
- De-clutter closets by donating or storing off-season clothing.
- Remove personal items, like photos and toys, to neutralise the space.
- Keep dressers and nightstands clear.
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5. Bathrooms:
- Clear counter tops and store personal care products.
- Use matching towels for a clean look.
- Make sure cabinets and drawers are organised.
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6. Home Office:
- Organise paperwork and store away unnecessary items.
- Tidy up desks and remove any personal or sensitive materials.
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7. Closets and Storage Areas:
- Buyers will look inside closets, so reduce the contents by 50% if possible. This makes the space feel bigger.
- Use baskets or bins to group similar items together.
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Step 3: Sort and Organise
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- Sort Items: As you de-clutter, separate items into categories:
- Keep: Items you use regularly and want in the home.
- Donate/Sell: Gently used items you no longer need.
- Trash: Broken or unusable items.
- Store: Personal items, seasonal decorations, or furniture that will be moved to the new home.
- Invest in Storage Solutions: Use baskets, bins, or drawer dividers to organise what's left. Ensure everything has a dedicated place.
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Step 4: Deep Clean (this is outsourced or you can do yourself)
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- After De-cluttering: Clean each area thoroughly.
- Vacuum and Dust: Floors, furniture, and shelves.
- Windows: Clean windows and blinds to let in natural light.
- Bathrooms and Kitchens: Pay extra attention to tile, grout, and stainless steel.
- Neutralise Odours: Use air purifiers or candles to ensure the home smells fresh.
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Step 5: Depersonalise the Space
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- Remove Personal Items: Take down family photos, awards, personalised decorations, or anything that might make buyers feel like they're intruding on someone else's space.
- Neutral Decor: Add simple, neutral touches that appeal to a wide audience (e.g., fresh flowers, minimalist art).
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Step 6: Create a Staging Space
- Highlight Key Areas: Arrange furniture to maximise flow and highlight the best features of the room.
- Maximise Natural Light: Open curtains and position furniture to take advantage of natural light sources.
- Add Simple Accents: Use pillows, plants, or books to add inviting touches without overwhelming the space.
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Step 7: Final Walk-through
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- Final Review: Before listing the house, walk through the space as if you were a buyer. Make sure everything feels clean, organised, and spacious.
- Last-minute Touch-ups: Remove any last-minute clutter or items that detract from the space.
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Step 8: Maintain the Space
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- Daily Maintenance: While the home is on the market, maintain the de-cluttered and clean environment by doing quick daily tidying and keeping personal items out of sight.​​​
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By following these steps, you'll create a welcoming and organised home that appeals to potential buyers and increases the likelihood of a successful sale by upwards of 35%