Sellers: Decluttering to get the highest sales price for your house
- sarahacraddock
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Decluttering & Depersonalizing: The Secret Sauce Behind Faster, Higher‑Value Home Sales
Why it matters: When a buyer steps into a house, the brain instantly asks, “Can I see myself living here?” Too much stuff—or too much of your personal story—creates visual noise that blocks that mental image. A clean, neutral canvas lets buyers project their own lives onto the space, which research shows shortens time on market and lifts the final sale price by up to 7 %.
Below is a comprehensive, step‑by‑step guide to mastering decluttering and depersonalizing, plus practical tips, timelines, and a quick‑reference checklist you can print and hang on the fridge.
1. Set the Stage: Plan Your Declutter to get the highest sales price
Step | What to Do | Time Estimate |
Assess each room | Walk through with a notebook; note obvious clutter hotspots (tables, countertops, closets). | 15 min per room |
Define zones | Create three zones: Keep, Store/Donate, Trash/Recycle. | 5 min |
Gather supplies | Boxes or bins labeled “Donate,” “Sell,” “Trash,” sturdy trash bags, cleaning cloths, a timer. | 10 min |
Schedule blocks | Block 30‑minute sprints (Pomodoro style) to avoid burnout. | — |
Pro tip: Turn on upbeat music or a podcast. A timed sprint keeps momentum and prevents perfectionism from stalling you.
2. The Core Decluttering Process
2.1 Surfaces First (Visible Impact)
Counters, coffee tables, nightstands: Remove everything except a single decorative item (e.g., a vase or a small stack of books).
Shelves: Keep only 2–3 items per shelf; the rest goes into the “Store/Donate” box.
2.2 Furniture Footprint
Evaluate size vs. function: If a sofa or dining table feels oversized for the room, consider renting a smaller piece for showings or temporarily storing it.
Remove excess pieces: A single chair or side table can make a room feel cramped; less is more.
2.3 Closet & Storage Spaces
Apply the “One‑Year Rule”: Anything you haven’t worn or used in the past 12 months goes to donate or discard.
Organize by category: Hang clothes by color or type, and use uniform hangers for a streamlined look.
Showcase capacity: Neatly folded stacks and labeled bins demonstrate ample storage—a strong selling point.
2.4 Personal Memorabilia
Photos & artwork: Pack away family portraits, kids’ drawings, and personal awards.
Souvenirs & collections: Store in boxes; they’re fine for you but distract buyers.
2.5 Kitchen & Bathroom Extras
Appliances: Keep only essentials (coffee maker, toaster). Hide the rest in cabinets.
Toiletries: Clear countertops; stash toothbrushes, razors, and medicine in drawers.
3. Depersonalizing: Making the Space Universally Appealing (goal to get a higher sales price)
Element | How to Depersonalize | Why It Works |
Wall art | Replace family photos with neutral prints or abstract art (no bold political or religious symbols). | Allows buyers to imagine their own décor. |
Color palette | If walls are painted in bold hues, repaint with warm neutrals (soft gray, beige, greige). | Neutral tones broaden appeal and make spaces feel larger. |
Personal scents | Remove strong perfumes, incense, or pet odors. Use a mild, fresh scent (citrus or linen) during showings. | Prevents sensory triggers that could turn buyers away. |
Kids & pets | Store toys, pet beds, and feeding stations out of sight. | Shows the home as “adult‑focused,” increasing perceived versatility. |
Cultural items | Temporarily tuck away items that strongly signal a specific cultural identity (e.g., ethnic flags, traditional garments). | Keeps the home inclusive for a wider buyer pool. |
4. Quick‑Fix Hacks for Busy Sellers
The “Two‑Box” Method: As you walk through a room, place anything you’re unsure about into a “Maybe” box. After the sprint, review the box with a friend or real‑estate agent; most items end up in the “Donate” pile.
Digital Declutter: Remove personal devices (phones, tablets) from visible spots; they can be distracting and make the space feel lived‑in.
Temporary Storage Solutions: Rent a small storage unit or use a friend’s garage for bulkier items you don’t want to part with permanently.
5. Timeline: From Empty House to Show‑Ready (primed for the highest sales price)
Day | Tasks |
Day 1 | Walkthrough assessment, gather supplies, label zones. |
Days 2‑3 | Surface declutter (living room, kitchen, bathrooms). |
Days 4‑5 | Closet & storage purge, pack personal memorabilia. |
Day 6 | Deep clean (vacuum, mop, dust, window wash). |
Day 7 | Final depersonalizing touches (art swap, scent check). |
Day 8 | Professional photoshoot (if possible) or high‑quality smartphone photos. |
Day 9+ | List the home and begin showings. |
Pro tip: If you’re on a tight schedule, prioritize high‑traffic areas (entryway, living room, kitchen) first—they have the biggest impact on buyer perception.
6. The ROI of Decluttering & Depersonalizing
Faster sales: Homes that are staged (which includes decluttering) sell on average 19 % faster than non‑staged listings.
Higher offers: Studies from the National Association of Realtors show staged homes fetch up to 7 % more than comparable non‑staged properties.
Reduced negotiation pressure: A clean, neutral home leaves fewer “flaws” for buyers to leverage in price negotiations.
7. Checklist (Hang This on Your Fridge)
☐ Walkthrough notes completed
☐ Boxes labeled: Keep / Donate / Trash
☐ Surfaces cleared (counters, tables, shelves)
☐ Excess furniture removed or stored
☐ Closets purged (One‑Year Rule applied)
☐ Personal photos/art packed away
☐ Walls repainted neutral (if needed)
☐ Kitchen appliances hidden, only essentials displayed
☐ Bathrooms cleared of toiletries
☐ Pets & kids items stored out of sight
☐ Strong scents eliminated, mild fresh scent added
☐ Deep clean performed (floors, windows, fixtures)
☐ Professional photos scheduled
☐ Listing live – start showing!
8. Final Thoughts
Decluttering and depersonalizing aren’t about stripping your home of character; they’re about creating a blank slate that lets buyers instantly picture their own lives unfolding within those walls. By tackling the process methodically—room by room, zone by zone—and keeping the focus on universal appeal, you set the stage for a smoother sale, a higher final price, and fewer post‑offer negotiations.
Take a deep breath, grab a box, and start turning that personal space into a universally inviting home. Happy decluttering!
Sarah Craddock, Broker Associate
Blackwater Realty
C: 251-289-7958
O: 228-344-2087
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