Getting ready to sell your home? Before putting a 'For Sale' sign on the lawn, imagine the impression your home will make on potential buyers. They will be viewing many homes before making a decision and yours must be the one that makes the best impression.
Real Estate Agents and professional organizers will vouch for the importance of getting rid of clutter as one of the best things you can do for the appearance of your home. Clearing away clutter will maximize the space in your home and allow potential buyers to envision their furniture in each of the rooms. If it's tough to see your home objectively, ask a friend for advice on what items to remove and how to rearrange your furniture so that each room is as spacious and inviting as possible.
Start de-cluttering in the kitchen and bathroom
The best place to start de-cluttering is in the kitchen; it's also the toughest room to look at completely objectively. The items on your kitchen cabinets are the things you use daily but people viewing your home want to know that there's enough room for their things; that means neatly organizing not only countertops but drawers and shelves as well.
Preparing for your move is the perfect opportunity to downsize and get rid of items you haven't used in awhile. Start by labeling storage containers or boxes with 'sell', 'donate', and 'keep'. Next, make a list of things you'll need at your new place; the things you're keeping for the new place but don't need until after the move, can be boxed to make room in the cupboards for the things that have been cluttering the countertops. Sanitize the kitchen from top to bottom with attention to the area under the sink, making sure there are no leaks in the plumbing or water stains. Then apply a fresh coat of paint to give the kitchen a clean new look and feel.
Keep the countertops free of small appliances and clutter until the move by storing items you use daily in the space you've recently acquired as you filled the 'sell' and 'donate' boxes. This will also make the tidying-up process quick and easy when your real estate agent calls to schedule a viewing.
The bathroom is right up there with the kitchen in rooms that make a big first impression. Clean it so it shines; and like the kitchen, a fresh coat of paint will not be wasted in the bathroom. Put out a set of luxurious towels reserved for when people are viewing your home, and clear out drawers plus medicine chests as much as possible keeping personal toiletries in a shaving kit and cosmetic bag.
Relocating to a seniors' community
In deciding what you'll eventually do with your furniture, note the pieces that you'll be taking with you and the items you'll be selling or donating. If you are relocating to a seniors' community you may have met with an advisor and have an idea of the furnishings provided at your new place. Many apartments in retirement homes have room for your preferred furnishings and personal décor.
Consider renting a storage unit for large pieces of furniture; this will free up space in the home you're selling and will give you a place to store the things you'll be taking to your new home. It will also allow you to take the time you may need to decide which pieces you want to sell or donate.
Your goal is to convert a browsing customer into a buyer and the first few minutes they will spend in your home are the minutes that count the most. Making a good first impression means allowing them to visualize their family living in the home that you are selling and you'll know that your investment in energy and time to make it inviting, was well worth it when your home is sold.
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