Top 10 Ways to Declutter Your Home Before Selling

Decluttering is one of the most powerful things you can do when preparing your home for sale. It instantly makes spaces look larger, cleaner, and more inviting—key ingredients for attracting buyers. Here's how to get started:

1. Start with a “Keep, Donate, Store” System

Sort every room into three categories:

• Keep: Items you use daily.

• Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you don’t need.

• Store: Personal or seasonal items to pack away until after the move.This simple system prevents overwhelm and keeps you on track.

  
  

2. Remove Personal Items

Pack away family photos, trophies, collections, and sentimental pieces. The goal is to create a neutral space that allows buyers to picture themselves living in your home—not to feel like they’re visiting someone else’s.

3. Declutter Surfaces

Clear kitchen benches, coffee tables, bathroom vanities, and bedside tables. Limit display items to 1–3 carefully chosen pieces per surface (like a plant, candle, or stylish tray). Less is more.

4. Edit Your Wardrobe

Buyers often peek inside wardrobes to check storage space. Overstuffed wardrobes feel small and cramped. Remove off-season clothes and thin out what’s left so hangers have breathing room.

5. Tidy the Pantry and Fridge

An organised kitchen signals a well-cared-for home. Toss expired items, wipe shelves, and neatly arrange what’s left. Matching containers or baskets can create a tidy, uniform look in pantries.

6. Minimise Décor

Remove excess artwork, cushions, throws, and trinkets. Aim for a clean, balanced look that highlights the architecture and space—not the décor. If you’re unsure what to keep, your stylist can help guide you.

7. Streamline Bookshelves

Bookshelves can quickly look cluttered. Remove about one-third of the books and use decorative elements like vases or small plants to break up the rows. Colour-code spines or group by size for a more styled appearance.

8. Clear the Entryway

First impressions matter. Remove piles of shoes, keys, bags, and mail from your entry area. Instead, style it with a clean console table, a mirror, and a welcoming plant or lamp.

9. Organise Kids’ and Pets’ Items

Limit toys and pet gear to one small, tidy basket each. Pack away larger items, and keep everyday necessities (like pet bowls or kids’ artwork) out of sight during inspections.

10. Don’t Forget the Garage and Shed

Buyers are increasingly valuing storage. Tidy these areas by packing unused items, hanging tools neatly, and clearing floors as much as possible. It doesn’t have to be showroom-perfect, just clean and orderly.

Bonus Tip: Consider short-term storage for excess furniture or boxes. Removing just a few large items can dramatically improve flow and space.

Need Help Getting Market-Ready?At Duo Studio, we offer styling services that go beyond fluffing cushions. We help you declutter with purpose, highlight the best features of your home, and present it in a way that appeals to today's buyers.

Let us help you create a space that sells.