Preparing a longtime family home for sale can be a big undertaking—both practically and emotionally. After years or even decades in the same home, it’s easy to become “clutter blind” to the things we’ve accumulated. And when it comes time to prepare for a move, figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming.
My advice is simple: don’t wait. Start now, one small project at a time.
You don’t have to declutter the entire house in a weekend. In fact, I think approaching it gradually gives you more time to make thoughtful decisions about the things you want to keep, pass along, donate or let go.
If a future move is somewhere on your horizon, here are five areas that can make a meaningful difference.
1. Pitch the Paper
Paper is one of the biggest clutter offenders, and it’s a great place to begin because it’s often easier to deal with than sentimental belongings.
Go room by room and gather the paper you’ve accumulated—old mail, bills, documents, magazines, greeting cards, invitations and newspapers. Then sort everything into three piles:
Keep. Shred. Recycle.
File the important documents, shred anything containing personal information and recycle the rest.
It may seem like a small project, but clearing out paper can give you a quick sense of accomplishment—and that momentum can help you tackle the next area.
2. Remove the Extra Furniture
As we live in a home for many years, furniture has a way of accumulating, too. A piece comes from another room, a family member gives you something, or you simply replace something without getting rid of the old piece.
But when you're preparing to sell, less can actually make a room feel like more.
Overcrowded rooms can feel smaller and less inviting to potential buyers. Take a look at each room and consider removing furniture that isn't essential, is excessively worn or doesn't fit comfortably in the space.
You don't necessarily need to get rid of everything. Use your best pieces and give each room some breathing room.
That can make your home feel more spacious and allow buyers to better appreciate the way the rooms function.
3. Depersonalize the Décor
This one can be particularly difficult because the things that personalize our homes are often the things we love most.
Family photographs. Collections. Children's artwork. Postcards. Memorabilia.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with loving these things. But when you're preparing your home for the market, it's helpful to remember that you're creating a space where potential buyers need to imagine their lives.
Consider packing away some of your personal collections and photographs and replacing them with simpler décor that allows your home's best features to stand out.
And don't worry—you aren't throwing away the memories. You're simply giving them a temporary home while you're preparing for your next chapter.
4. Clear the Kitchen
The kitchen is another area where a little decluttering can make a big difference.
Start with the countertops. Put away appliances and other items you don't use every day, leaving just a few essentials.
Then open the cabinets and drawers. Are they packed so tightly that it's difficult to find anything? That's a good sign that it's time to edit.
Don't forget the pantry and refrigerator. A clean, organized kitchen not only looks more spacious, it can also give buyers the impression that the home has been well cared for.
You don't need a picture-perfect kitchen. You simply want potential buyers to see the space—not everything you've accumulated in it.
5. Streamline the Closets
Closets are one of those places where clutter can hide until you're getting ready to move.
But buyers will open closets, and an overcrowded closet can make even a generously sized space appear as though it doesn't have enough storage.
Start with your bedroom closets. Keep the clothing you actually wear and enjoy. Store, donate or otherwise deal with the rest.
The same idea applies to linen closets. You probably don't need stacks and stacks of towels and sheets. A good rule of thumb is to keep no more than two sets of fresh sheets and pillowcases per bed, along with your best towels and washcloths.
And don't forget the hall closet. Ideally, it shouldn't look like everything you've ever owned has been stuffed inside. Leave enough room for guests' coats and outerwear.
Downsizing Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
If you're thinking about downsizing, remember that you don't have to do everything at once.
Start with one drawer.
Then one closet.
Then one room.
Paper is often an easy first step because it doesn't carry the same emotional weight as family photographs, heirlooms and memorabilia. Once you see the progress you've made, you may find it easier to keep going.
And that's really the goal: small wins today can make a future move much less overwhelming.
As a REALTOR® and SRES®, I know that a move—especially after many years in the same home—is about much more than putting a house on the market. It's about making decisions about your belongings, your lifestyle and what you want the next chapter to look like.
You don't have to wait until you're ready to sell to begin preparing.
If downsizing is somewhere in your future, start with something small today. You may be surprised by how much progress you can make over time.
REALTOR® and RESOURCE are synonymous. It’s your real estate journey… I am the guide.
Your REALTOR® for life,
Terrylynn Fisher
