Don't Let Clutter Ruin A Sale: Here's How You Can Clean Up Fast

Living in a home while it's on the market can be inconvenient, to say the least. Clutter around the house can not only make your listing appear smaller and less attractive, but it can also make it more difficult for buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Consequently, decluttering is an essential part of any home staging process.

Sellers living in the home that's on the market must be prepared for shoppers to drop by at a moment's notice. Keeping your home clutter-free 24/7 may seem like an impossible feat, especially if you have children. However, with some planning and practice, anyone can learn to declutter quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips to help:

• Sort Items Into Categories
  It's always helpful to categorize your items into piles or groups when decluttering. Start by creating a pile for things you'll keep or relocate, a pile for items you will donate, and a pile for items you will pitch. This will make it easier to declutter as you move from room to room.
  
  
• Up Your Storage Game
  Managing clutter is just as important as getting rid of it, so you may need to take your storage game to another level. If your closets are at maximum capacity, then it's time to get creative. Do you have space under the bed or under the stairs? How about in the corner of the basement?
  
  Vertical storage in the closets, bedrooms, basement, and garage can help too. Use stackable drawers and shelves where you can. In the kitchen, you can really maximize cupboard or pantry space by storing food items in baskets. Also, get in the habit of keeping your toiletries in a caddy that can be easily stashed away in the closet or under the sink prior to a showing.
  
  
• Part With Old Clothes and Shoes
  Storage space is an important selling point, and you can actually make your closets look larger by keeping them at a little less than half capacity. When getting rid of clutter, make sure clothes and shoes are on the top of your list. Perhaps you have clothes or shoes that are old, no longer fit, or no longer in style. Now is the time to throw them away or pack them up and take them to your local thrift store.
  
  
• Get The Whole Family Involved
  Cleaning up before a showing is a lot easier when the whole family contributes, which allows you to declutter in a fraction of the time. Create a plan ahead of time and distribute tasks or rooms to various family members. Get the kids involved, and use it as an opportunity to help them build good habits around chores.
  
  
• Consider A Storage Unit
  Temporarily renting a storage unit while listing your home can make the decluttering process significantly easier. A storage unit gives you a second space to relocate. This is particularly useful if you're having a hard time parting with items or if you have furniture you'd prefer not to have on display when staging your home.

It's not fun living in a staged home, but by keeping things as clean and presentable as possible, you'll find a buyer in no time. Then, you'll be well on your way to a brand new home of your own.

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