The Ultimate Home Decluttering Guide for Realtors

Selling a home is an art—and like any good artist, you need a clean canvas. As a Realtor, helping clients declutter their homes can be a gamechanger. Not only does it maximize the home’s appeal, but it also sets the stage for faster, higher value offers. The best part? The strategies you use to help your clients can work wonders in your own home, too. Ready to offer your clients some valuable advice and maybe spruce up your own home? Let’s break it down:

Create a Decluttering Plan

Before diving headfirst into piles of “stuff,” it’s all about the plan. Start by identifying clutter hotspots. Think closets bursting at the seams, kitchen counters buried under small appliances, and garages that double as mystery storage units. Next, create a timeline. A room-per-week approach works well, but a milestone-based strategy can also keep things moving at a good pace.

Always Use a Checklist

Once the timeline is set, create a checklist for each space. Seeing progress on paper is oh-so-satisfying, and it keeps everyone focused. Whether you’re walking clients through the process or tackling it on your own turf, a checklist is the foundation for decluttering success.

‘Keep, Donate, Store, Trash’

You know this, your clients know this, now is the time to set it in motion. Focus on essentials —the things that need to stay in the home for showings. Think functional, minimal, and neutral. Encourage your clients to let go of gently used items that no longer serve a purpose. Larger items like oversized furniture or personal decor can go into temporary storage. Be ruthless with damaged or expired items. If it’s broken, outdated, or beyond saving, it’s time to let it go.

Clear Key Areas for Maximum Impact

Some areas of a home scream for attention more than others. Focusing on these key spaces can make all the difference.

• Kitchen - Remove small appliances, magnets, food packaging, and anything non-essential from counters.
• Living and Dining Rooms - Box up excess decor and heavy furniture. Leave just enough neutral accents to add charm without distracting buyers.
• Bedrooms - Cut down on furniture and ensure closets and dressers look roomy. Personal items like photos? Keep them out of sight. You want prospective buyers to envision their own families there.
• Bathrooms - Keep countertops clear and tuck away bulky items like hair dryers or spare towels.
• Garage/Outdoor Spaces - Neatly organize tools, sports equipment, and gardening supplies. If you can’t organize it, consider removing it altogether.

Consider A Storage Unit

When it comes to decluttering, there’s no shame in admitting the need for extra space. Renting a temporary storage unit to shuttle items off-site can be a lifesaver. This step is especially helpful for removing personal items, seasonal decor, and furniture that feels too “specific.”

Schedule a Deep Clean

Decluttering is only half the battle. Once the excess is gone, it’s time to get the place sparkling. Schedule a deep clean for those often-overlooked areas such as baseboards, windows, vents, and appliances. Floors should shine, and bathrooms should feel hotel-level fresh.

Conduct a Final Walkthrough

Before the photographer arrives, conduct a final walkthrough to ensure every space is picture-perfect. (If you are decluttering your own home, look it over with a professional eye). Add a few neutral, inviting touches like fresh flowers, simple artwork, or crisp towels. Then, step back and confirm that every room feels orderly and appealing.

Johnson Development Guides You Toward Success

Find this helpful? Wait until you attend a Johnson Development event for Realtors! We offer events throughout the year to keep you updated on what’s new, what’s trending and how you can sell faster, easier, and better. Sign up today.