How to Declutter Your Home Before Selling: Tips for Using Storage Units
New Year, New House? If you’re thinking of selling your home, you’ll know it can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Before you even begin the huge task of packing, you have to go through the motions of putting your house on the market and showing strangers around in the hope they’ll find your home appealing enough to put in an offer.
Did you know, one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers is by decluttering it? A clean and organised home not only makes it appear more spacious, but it makes potential buyers more likely and able to envision themselves living there.
Where do you put all those extra belongings while your home is on the market though, you ask? Enter the indoor storage unit—a secret weapon for homeowners looking to declutter quickly and effectively.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips for decluttering your home and how storage units can help make the process seamless.
Why Decluttering Matters When Selling Your Home
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating a space that feels open and inviting. But what are the benefits of this? Well:
Improves Visual Appeal: Clutter can make a home feel smaller and less organised, putting off potential buyers and not creating the right homely feeling.
Highlights Key Features: By removing distractions, buyers can focus on the home’s best assets, such as architectural details or spacious rooms.
Speeds Up the Sale: Homes that look move-in ready often sell faster and at higher prices.
The Guide to Decluttering
Follow our helpful steps to decluttering your home and you’ll be sure to find it a breeze and get the most out of using an indoor storage unit.
Step 1: Assess Your Belongings
Before renting a storage unit, take stock of your items. Divide them into four categories:
Keep: Items you use regularly or have sentimental value.
Store: Seasonal or infrequently used items that can be packed away temporarily.
Donate or Sell: Things you no longer need but could benefit others.
Discard: Broken, outdated, or unusable items.
Creating these categories will help you decide what goes into the storage unit and what stays in the house.
Step 2: Rent the Right Storage Unit
Choosing the right storage unit is critical. Here’s what to consider:
Size: Estimate how much space you’ll need based on the items you’re storing. Many facilities offer size guides to help you decide.
Climate Control: opt for a climate-controlled unit to protect furniture, electronics, and other sensitive items from temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Location: Choose a facility close to your home for easy access during the selling process.
Step 3: Declutter Room by Room
Tackling one room at a time makes the process more manageable. Here are some tips for each room.
Living Room
Remove excess furniture to create an open and spacious feel.
Store personal items like family photos, trophies, and collections.
Pack away seasonal decor and non-essential electronics.
Kitchen
Clear countertops of appliances and gadgets you rarely use.
Organise cupboards and remove duplicates (e.g., extra sets of dishes).
Pack away seasonal or specialty cooking tools.
Bedrooms
Minimise furniture to the essentials: bed, bedside table, and dresser.
Store off-season clothing and excess bedding.
Remove personal items such as jewellery boxes and accessories.
Garage and Storage Areas
Store tools, sports equipment, and bulky items like bicycles.
Clear out anything that makes these areas look crowded or disorganised.
Step 4: Pack and Store Strategically
Once you’ve decided what to store, follow these tips to ensure your items remain safe and organised:
Label Everything: Clearly mark boxes with their contents and the room they belong to.
Use Quality Packing Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and furniture covers to prevent damage.
Stack Efficiently: Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Leave walkways for easy access.
Disassemble Furniture: If possible, take apart large items like bed frames and dining tables to save space.
Step 5: Stage Your Home for Maximum Impact
With your home decluttered and extra items safely stored, it’s time to focus on staging:
Showcase Space: Arrange furniture to highlight the size and functionality of each room.
Neutralize Decor: Remove overly personalized items and opt for neutral, universally appealing decor.
Enhance Lighting: Open curtains, clean windows, and add lamps to brighten dark corners.
Bonus Tips for Decluttering Success
Start Early: Decluttering always takes longer than expected, so begin as soon as you decide to sell.
Stay Organised: Use a checklist to track your progress room by room.
Get Help: Enlist friends, family, or a professional organizer if the task feels overwhelming.
Why Storage Units Are a Smart Choice
Storage units offer a convenient solution for keeping your home clutter-free during the selling process. They provide flexibility, meaning you can store items for as long as needed without crowding your new space, and security given that most facilities have advanced security measures like CCTV and access control. All of this gives you peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe allowing you to focus on selling your home.
Decluttering your home before selling doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right plan and the help of a storage unit, you can create a space that wows potential buyers and maximizes your home’s value. Ready to start? Contact us today to learn more about our indoor storage solutions tailored for home sellers!
