furniture or unnecessary items — like books, magazines, CD collections, and hobby supplies — all add weight and visual distraction to a room. The more spacious your home appears, the more appeal to potential buyers it has. Minimize as much as you can without compromising your lifestyle. You want the home shopper to SEE what your home has to offer, not to guess.
MAKE A PLAN
• List each room of the house, noting the amount of clutter in each room, including closets. • Declutter rooms one at a time by starting with the rooms needing the least amount of work and moving through to the rooms needing the most work. • Clear out each room, keeping only essential items. • Donate or discard clothes, décor, toys, and other items you no longer use. • Box up possessions that you want to keep but don’t currently use, and put them in storage. • Remind yourself to keep surfaces clean and clear.
ROOM-BY-ROOM LIST:
• Kitchen — Clear the counters, leaving only three or four essential items. Keep towels, dishrags, and potholders out of sight. Soaps and cleaners should be stored under the sink. Rarely used small appliances can be packed and put in storage. Pack away teacups, serving dishes, and platters if you normally showcase them. If you want to draw attention to decorative shelving, put a few pieces out for show. Seasonal dishes and accessories should also be stored. Remove any pest control traps or poison from the pantry and closets. Appliances are not extra shelving or 55
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