For some people, spring brings to mind melting snow, warmer weather and flowers. For others, it means spring cleaning. When preparing to sell a house, this may mean decluttering.
Somehow over time, closets accumulate clothes and shoes, garages collect more stuff and kitchen cupboards become more crowded. When selling a home, clutter can be a distraction, so it’s always recommended to do a good cleanup.
Potential buyers want to see how spacious and bright the house is and how their own furnishings will fit. Your goal should be to mimic a new home to make your property more marketable. A decluttered home can also be a safer place to live.
Some people hire professional organizers while others take the DIY route or get help from friends and family.
What to do with the stuff you discard can become a challenge. Old, out-of-date or clothes that don’t fir can be donated to many different charities, such as:
- Disabled American Veterans: Accepts clothing, shoes, housewares, small appliances, sporting goods, bags/purses and more.
- Hope House: Accepts art supplies, games, kitchen items, household supplies, computers, bedding, linens and more.
- Prop Shop: Accepts pots and pans, books, seasonal items, jewelry, shoes, clothing, winter supplies and more.
- Goodwill: Accepts clothing, accessories, household goods and electronics.
- Vietnam Veterans of America: Accepts clothing, furniture, electronics, baby items, kitchenware and other items.
- Hope Chest: Accepts women’s clothing and accessories as well as upscale furnishings and home décor.
- Houses of worship: Some faith communities accept and distribute donations. Check with local organizations before bringing items.
Excess furnishings can also be donated, junked, given to charities or even gifted to college-bound family members. Broken electronic equipment may have to be recycled at an approved site like the Carver County Environmental Center.
Sites like Facebook Marketplace or holding a yard sale are ways to declutter and make some extra cash. Whatever you choose, always be safe. Be cautious when dealing with strangers. If practical, meet in a public parking lot instead of at home and go only during daylight with a companion.
Hire reputable professionals who specialize in this line of work. And you can always ask your friends and family or your REALTOR®️ for recommendations.
Once decluttering is done, stand back and enjoy cleaner spaces.
