pantry and closets. Appliances are not extra shelving or storage. Buyers will not want to find the microwave used as a bread box or the oven as cookware storage. • Bathrooms — Make the bathroom look as though it’s rarely used. Remove everything from the cabinets and drawers. Keep what you need and discard the rest. Store prescription medications out of sight and out of reach. Find a safe place for jewelry, keepsakes, and cosmetics/ perfumes. Store hair products and styling tools in the cabinets. • Bedrooms —When it comes to clothing, people generally wear 20% of the clothes they own 80% of the time. The focus is showcasing closet space. Only hang clothes that you wear most often, and store the rest. • Dining Areas — Clear clutter off any flat surfaces, including the dining table, leaving only subtle decor, such as a vase of flowers. • Living Areas (living rooms, family rooms, and great rooms) — Gather books, magazines, remotes, toys, gaming gadgets, and throws. Again, clear all flat surfaces, packing away nonessential items and storing magazines and electronics in decorative bins. Fold and drape throws on chairs or stow in closets. • Office Space — Organization is the focus for office space. Overflowing shelves do not reflect useful space. Keep all personal papers stored out of sight. • Linen Closets — Organize and clean out. Store seasonal blankets, clothes, and outerwear off site. Keep linens to a minimum. • Pets — Pet items also need to be out of the way when a buyer comes by. See the section on Pet Peeves on how to
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