How to Declutter Before Selling: A First-Time Seller's Checklist

30 September 2025

Selling your home is a huge milestone! But before you snap listing photos and host open houses, there’s one crucial step you can't skip—decluttering.

Think about it: buyers want to envision themselves living in your space. Clutter? It clouds their imagination. A tidy, organized home feels bigger, brighter, and more inviting. It also gives the impression that the property has been well cared for—something buyers always appreciate.

But where do you even start? If you’re overwhelmed, don’t worry—I've got you covered. This checklist will help you declutter efficiently, so your home looks its absolute best before hitting the market.

1. Start with a Plan (and Give Yourself Enough Time!)

Decluttering isn’t something you want to rush. Ideally, start a month or two before listing your home. A slow and steady approach prevents stress and gives you time to tackle everything without feeling overwhelmed.

Make a Decluttering Schedule

Rather than doing everything at once, break it down:
✅ Week 1: Go through storage spaces (attic, basement, garage)
✅ Week 2: Declutter bedrooms and bathrooms
✅ Week 3: Tackle the kitchen and living spaces
✅ Week 4: Clean up the exterior and final touch-ups

Approach it room by room, setting daily or weekly goals. That way, you're not scrambling at the last minute.

2. Sort, Purge, and Organize

Every item in your home falls into one of these categories:
- Keep – Only if it’s essential or adds value to staging
- Donate – Anything in good condition that someone else can use
- Sell – Valuable items you no longer need
- Trash – Broken or unusable items

Ask Yourself These Questions:

- Have I used this in the past year?
- Does this item serve a real purpose?
- Would I buy this again?
- Does it add to my home’s staging appeal?

If an item doesn’t pass the test, it’s time to let it go!

3. Decluttering Room by Room

📌 Living Room: Keep It Open and Inviting

The living room is where buyers imagine entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day. A clutter-free space makes it look bigger and more welcoming.

✅ Remove personal items like family photos and excessive decor
✅ Store away knickknacks, books, and unnecessary furniture
✅ Clear out magazines, newspapers, and excessive blankets or pillows
✅ Organize shelves—minimalism is key

📌 Kitchen: Less Is More

Buyers pay close attention to kitchens. A cluttered one feels cramped and unappealing.

✅ Clear counters—only leave a few essential items like a coffee maker
✅ Purge expired food from the pantry and fridge
✅ Organize cabinets—buyers will open them!
✅ Store or donate excess dishes, gadgets, and cookware

📌 Bedrooms: Create a Serene Retreat

Buyers aren’t just buying a home; they’re buying a lifestyle. A relaxed, tidy bedroom helps them picture restful nights.

✅ Remove personal items and excessive decor
✅ Donate or store clothes you don’t wear
✅ Organize closets—buyers love storage space
✅ Keep nightstands clutter-free

📌 Bathrooms: Make It Spa-Like

A clean, clutter-free bathroom feels luxurious and fresh.

✅ Remove personal hygiene products from counters
✅ Toss nearly empty bottles and expired products
✅ Use stylish baskets for neatly organizing toiletries
✅ Keep towels fresh and neatly folded

📌 Closets and Storage: Show Off the Space

Buyers love storage, but cluttered spaces feel smaller. Your goal is to make your closets look spacious.

✅ Pack away seasonal clothes
✅ Use matching storage bins for a neat appearance
✅ Keep only neatly hung or folded clothes

4. Depersonalize the Space

Your home holds memories, but buyers need to see themselves living there. That’s tough if every wall is covered with family photos or personalized decor.

✅ Remove family pictures, personal collections, and unique decorations
✅ Pack away memorabilia and anything overly specific to your taste
✅ Keep walls neutral—swap bold artwork for subtle, universally appealing pieces

Think of it this way: you’re creating a blank canvas for buyers to paint their future on.

5. Handle Paperwork and Miscellaneous Clutter

Drawers stuffed with old mail, countertops covered in papers—these little things add up. Organizing them makes your home feel polished.

✅ Shred or file old documents
✅ Pack away unnecessary paperwork
✅ Keep only a few essentials in a neat organizer

6. Tackle the Garage, Basement, and Attic

These areas often become dumping grounds. Decluttering them now makes moving easier later.

✅ Donate or toss unused tools, sports equipment, and old household items
✅ Organize shelves and storage bins
✅ Sweep, wipe down surfaces, and create an orderly appearance

Buyers need to see these spaces as usable, not as cluttered storage zones.

7. Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

First impressions start outside! A messy yard can turn buyers away before they even step inside.

✅ Store away garden tools, toys, and unnecessary outdoor furniture
✅ Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and freshen up garden beds
✅ Pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, and decks
✅ Add a welcoming touch like a new doormat or potted plants

A clean, well-maintained exterior tells buyers the home is well cared for.

8. Final Walkthrough: Check Everything Once More

Before listing photos or showings, walk through your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Ask yourself: Would I want to buy this house?

Look for anything you’ve missed:
✔ Are surfaces clear and clean?
✔ Do rooms feel spacious and neutral?
✔ Is everything tidy, organized, and inviting?

If the answer is yes, you’re ready to sell!

A Clutter-Free Home Sells Faster

Decluttering may feel daunting, but it’s one of the most impactful steps in preparing your home for sale. A clean, well-organized space feels more inviting, allowing buyers to focus on the home itself rather than distractions.

And remember—you're not just tidying up for potential buyers. You’re also making your move easier! The more you purge now, the less you’ll have to pack later.

So, take it one step at a time, and soon, you’ll be handing over the keys to a happy new owner.

Good luck—and happy selling!