Removing Clutter For An Open House

“I’M HAVING AN OPEN HOUSE AND A FRIEND TOLD ME I SHOULD REMOVE PERSONAL OBJECTS—SUCH AS PICTURES, KNICK-KNACKS, ETC—AND PUT THEM IN STORAGE. HE EVEN SUGGESTED TEMPORARILY REMOVING ANYTHING THAT’S SMALL ENOUGH TO PICK UP. IS THIS A GOOD IDEA?”

Although packing up anything that you can lift may be a little extreme (such as your microwave or house plants or lamps), your friend does make a good point in terms of “de-personalizing” your house and removing clutter. When prospective buyers tour your house, they often envision how their belongings will fit. Not only do they try to imagine where their furniture goes, but they also mentally place smaller, more personal items like pictures. By putting your personal items temporarily in storage, you can help those prospective buyers better “connect” with your house. Also, by removing clutter, you open up the house and give the appearance of more space. A room chock full of wall hangings and bric-a-brac will always look smaller than it is. Cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms are prime candidates for clutter removal as well. Prospective buyers will often nose through your cabinets and may be put off if your cabinets are packed. They may end up thinking, how in the world will my stuff ever fit in this small space? So, as a general rule, keep clutter to a minimum. It may just be the difference in selling your house quickly or not selling it at all.   ∆