Preparing your home for sale while continuing to live in it can feel challenging. But decluttering is one of the most effective ways to make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Not only does it make rooms look larger and more inviting, but it also allows buyers to better imagine their own lives in the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you declutter and maintain a clutter-free home, while still living comfortably.

Step 1: Make a Clear Plan

Decluttering an entire home is much easier with a plan in place. Start by assessing each room, making note of spaces that feel overcrowded or too personalized. From there, create a priority list, focusing first on main areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms—these spaces will get the most attention from buyers during showings.

Set a Realistic Timeline: Give yourself deadlines to complete each space so you can stay on track without feeling rushed.
Gather Supplies: Have boxes for items to donate, trash, or store. Labeling them will keep things organized.

Step 2: Remove Personal Items

When a potential buyer walks through your home, they should be able to imagine themselves living there. Personal items like family photos, unique decor, and personal collections can make this harder for them to envision.

Depersonalize: Pack up family photos, personal collections, and anything highly specific to your taste. This creates a neutral environment.
Keep Pet Items Out of Sight: While many buyers are pet lovers, pet toys, beds, and bowls can be a distraction. Tuck them away during showings.

Step 3: Simplify Furniture and Decor

Having too much furniture can make a room feel cramped, even if it’s spacious. A simplified arrangement not only opens up the room but also lets buyers focus on the space itself.

Pare Down Furnishings: Remove any non-essential furniture pieces to create a more open, inviting look.
Opt for Neutral Decor: Tone down any bold or personal decor, replacing it with simple, neutral pieces that appeal to a wider audience.

Step 4: Organize Storage Spaces

Storage is a top priority for many buyers. Overstuffed closets and cabinets can make it seem like there’s not enough room in the home, so showing organized and spacious storage is essential.

Streamline Closets and Cabinets: Neatly arrange items and keep closets no more than half full. This will help them look spacious and organized.
Limit Items on Surfaces: Keep countertops and shelves clear of clutter, displaying only a few tasteful, neutral items to keep the space feeling clean and airy.

Step 5: Focus on High-Clutter Zones

Certain areas—like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms—tend to gather more clutter than others. Prioritizing these spaces helps make the home feel more organized.

Entryways: Remove shoes, coats, bags, and anything else that might make the space look busy or cramped.
Kitchen Counters: Limit items on the countertops, leaving just a few essentials like a coffee maker or fresh fruit.
Bathrooms: Clear off the counters, leaving only necessities like soap and a few clean towels. Stash extra toiletries in cabinets or storage baskets.

Step 6: Pack Away Non-Essential Items

Moving soon is a great reason to get a head start on packing. This will not only free up space but also make the moving process easier when the time comes.

Seasonal Items: Pack up seasonal clothing, decorations, and outdoor gear. This will free up space in closets and storage areas.
Books and Media: Clearing out bookshelves and packing away movies, games, and music collections can make rooms feel more open.
Knick-Knacks and Collections: Storing away decorative items, like figurines or souvenirs, gives rooms a clean and simple look.

Step 7: Establish a Daily Routine

Once you’ve put in the effort to declutter, a little daily maintenance will keep your home looking its best.

End-of-Day Tidy-Up: Spend 5–10 minutes each evening tidying up, putting away any items that may have been left out during the day.
Use Baskets and Bins: Keep a few decorative baskets around to store things like remote controls, magazines, and kids’ toys. This makes it easy to tidy up before a showing.

Step 8: Consider Extra Storage Options

If you find there still isn’t enough space, consider renting a storage unit temporarily. This can give you a place to keep items you’re not ready to part with but don’t need on hand.

Storage Unit: Store large items like furniture, extra decor, or seasonal items that aren’t needed during the selling period.
Garage or Basement Storage: If a unit isn’t an option, neatly organize things in the garage or basement, taking care not to overfill these areas.

Step 9: Clean as You Go

A decluttered home looks its best when it’s also clean. Dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces can make rooms feel fresher and more welcoming.

Wipe Down Surfaces: Dust shelves, tables, and other surfaces regularly to keep things looking fresh.
Vacuum and Mop: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas. Clean floors will make the home feel well-maintained.

Step 10: Get an Outside Opinion

After decluttering, it can be helpful to get a second opinion from a friend, family member, or your real estate agent. They may spot things you’ve missed or offer fresh suggestions.

Invite a Friend Over: A friend’s perspective can be valuable for pointing out areas that still feel cluttered.
Consult Your Agent: Real estate agents know what buyers are looking for and can offer tailored advice to improve your setup.

Living in a Staged Home

Living in a staged home is a balancing act, but with careful planning, it’s manageable. These decluttering tips will help make your home more appealing to buyers while keeping it livable for you. By creating a clutter-free, inviting environment, you’ll allow potential buyers to focus on the best features of your home.

Ready to take the next step? For more insights on preparing your home for sale or if you have questions about selling, connect with me at CharlieBrownSF.com. Whether you’re actively listing your property or just considering options, I’m here to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Tips for Decluttering Your Home Before Selling—Without Moving Out