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When you are selling your home, you want it to look as clean and attractive as possible. A home that is well-staged is going to sell for a higher price than one that is cluttered and overflowing with the owner's belongings. So, follow these tips to declutter your home for photos and open houses, to ensure that you are putting your best face forward!

Ask a Real Estate Agent

To get started on this seemingly monumental task, take some time to discuss your options with a real estate agent. In addition to helping put your home on the market, a real estate agent will have the knowledge and experience to see your home through the eyes of the buyer. They will ensure that you stage your home perfectly for a successful sale.

Nix the Clutter

When showing a new home, the first rule of thumb is to make sure that the house is clean and clear of clutter. When you are living your life from day to day, it is easy to overlook things that you use on a regular basis, and it’s these things that you need to keep out of sight. If something on the counter or tabletop is functional rather than decorative, place it in a cupboard or drawer before an open house or photo session. The idea is to offer a clean visual that allows potential homeowners to visualize the home with their own belongings in it. 

Everything Has a Place

One excellent way to maintain your home clutter-free is to ensure that everything on the floors and flat surfaces has a specific place that’s out of sight. Organize your cabinets and drawers so that each item belongs in a particular place. This means washing your dishes as they are used and doing your laundry in frequent small batches so that it doesn't pile up.

If you have children or pets, sealed storage containers or cubbies are an excellent way to organize their belongings. Then, when you are prepping for a next-day showing, you don't have to scramble to find a place to put everything. After a day or two, it will become a habit to have everything where it belongs, saving everyone time and stress.

Wide Open Spaces

Remember, your open house should appear as clear and spacious as possible to allow the potential homebuyer to imagine how they will fit in. This means less furniture is more. Consider renting a temporary storage unit for unnecessary tables, chairs, and other furniture. Think of your house as a blank canvas waiting for the imagination of the new homeowner. 

Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More

Your house will sell largely based on appearance, so cleanliness is key. In addition to containing the clutter of daily life, be sure to keep your house looking spick and span. The cleaner your house looks, the more attractive it is to your potential homebuyers.

Once you've done the job of clearing the surfaces, have a cleaning service thoroughly clean your counters, cupboards, floors, baseboards, and windows. After the cleaning, it will be easier for you to maintain your home's cleanliness for the next open house or photo op. 

Wash your windows thoroughly, both inside and outside. Can't reach the higher levels? Hire a professional window washer to do the work for you. Clean windows are a must to make your home sparkle! You want your home to have as much natural light as possible, and it is amazing how clean windows make the space feel more open!

The Devil's in the Details

Finally, be sure to complete minor repairs, such as repairing loose doorknobs, replacing old or mismatched cabinet handles or smoothing and repainting chipped surfaces. Small details can have a big impact on the way your home is viewed by a potential homeowner. Fix the little problems now to ensure that your home is in the best possible condition for your showings.

Keep your house clean and clutter-free, and see what a difference it makes. With your sparkling clean home good repair, your house is guaranteed to be at the top of the market!