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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. ∆ |
