How to Declutter You Home Before Listing It

Decluttering before listing your home is less about creating a magazine-perfect look and more about making it easy for buyers to see the value of the property. A clean, streamlined space helps rooms feel larger, lighter, and more inviting. The key is knowing which items help the home present well and which ones distract from its best features.

Start with anything that visually clutters a space. This includes stacks of mail, excess blankets, piles of shoes, knick-knacks, and collections. These items make rooms feel busy and can unintentionally shrink the perceived size of the space. Pack away off-season clothing, rarely used kitchen appliances, surplus linens, and any décor you wouldn’t take to your next home. Think of this phase as pre-packing rather than purging.

Larger pieces should be evaluated for how they affect flow. Oversized furniture, duplicate seating, or bulky storage units can make rooms feel tight. Removing one or two pieces often opens up the space dramatically. If you’re unsure what to keep, keep only what supports the room’s function. For example, a bedroom needs a bed, nightstands, and a dresser, not an extra armchair or desk that squeezes the layout.

Personal items should mostly go. Family photos, awards, collections, children’s artwork, and strongly themed décor can pull attention away from the home itself. The goal is to create a neutral backdrop so buyers imagine their lives in the space without feeling like they’re intruding into someone else’s. This also includes items like calendars, magnets on the fridge, and bathroom countertop products.

What should stay? Anything that helps define how the room is used. Simple bedding, clean area rugs, well-placed lighting, and minimal wall art help rooms feel complete without overwhelming them. Functional items such as lamps, a few plants, or a mirror can make the home feel warm and balanced. In kitchens and bathrooms, keep counters as clear as possible with only one or two essentials, such as a soap dispenser or a neatly arranged tray.

Bottom Line:
A focused declutter highlights your home’s strengths and clears the way for buyers to see its full potential. Keeping essentials and removing distractions gives every room a cleaner, more spacious look.

If you want guidance on what to keep or remove before listing, visit NextHomeEric.com. I’ll help you prepare your home with practical steps that make a real impact on first impressions and final offers.