The property market is fast-paced, and selling a home can be a stressful time. However, there are things you can do to get ahead of the game and help your home stand out to potential buyers.
We’ve enlisted the expertise of professional home organiser Andrea from The Organised Curator to share her top tips on how to prepare and stage your home for a sale. As an expert in creating functional and efficient spaces, Andrea offers valuable insights on how to present your property in the best possible light.
First impressions are everything, and this is especially true online when a prospective buyer views a property. This is usually the first time they will see your listing, so start getting your home ready as soon as you decide on a date for the photoshoot. Keep in mind that this process can be messier and take longer than you think, so it’s essential to prepare ahead.
You’ll need to be “sale-ready” before the first prospective buyers walk through the door, so make sure all decluttering is complete by then. You’ll also thank yourself later for quietly starting the packing process by letting go of items you no longer need or use.
Buyers want to feel a sense of space, so prioritise decluttering to avoid unnecessary items drawing their attention away from the property itself. The same rule applies to surfaces; keep trinkets to a minimum. It’s a fine balance, however, as they still need your help to imagine themselves living there visually.
Too much clutter can be a deterrent, especially in kitchens, which tend to attract a lot of appliances on the benchtops. Prospective buyers now prioritise built-in storage, so make sure these are a standout feature. Put away anything that can be seen as excessive, such as clothes that have made their way from the wardrobe onto a chair in the bedroom. If you’re struggling to keep your clothes inside your wardrobe, buyers will likely deem the space too small. Make sure your wardrobe doors are not bulging and can shut neatly, and that your bedside tables are tidy. A clutter-free home also makes it easier to keep your space organised between viewings.
The thought of moving is stressful enough, so try to mitigate stress where you can. In short, prioritise keeping the home as neutral as you can, but don’t strip it completely of its personality. You can achieve this by removing excess clutter that doesn’t add value to the space. Remember, less clutter equals more space for buyers to envision themselves living in their potential new home.
Here are some simple ways to stage your home for instant results:
- Put away personal photos, especially large frames that can take over shelves or fireplaces. This also includes busy fridge doors, which can look cluttered to those unfamiliar with the homeowners.
- Tidy away toys that have spilt onto the floor and add tall baskets instead to store them. Matching storage is always easier on the eye.
- Declutter and organise hallways to ensure a positive first impression without unnecessary items taking up valuable space.
- Keep kitchen and bathroom surfaces clean and tidy, removing items not used every day.
It’s never too early to organise your home ahead of a sale—you never know how quickly things can move in the property market, so start the ball rolling soon.
The Organised Curator is a professional home organiser based in East London. Andrea helps clients to streamline their living spaces to feel more functional, efficient and enjoyable. She helps to organise any room of the home that needs some TLC, but her main passion is to support clients once they move in. Andrea will unpack all the cardboard boxes and their belongings directly into their new homes with organised systems in place from day one.
For more information about Andrea from The Organised Curator, visit her Instagram or website.