If you are considering putting your house on the market in the near future now is the perfect time to start thinking about cleaning up and clearing out to make way for your fresh start. We are stuck inside more than ever these days with the cold and snowy weather so why not take advantage of all that time? You might feel overwhelmed when thinking about all of the tasks that need to be done but I encourage you to make a list of your priorities, start small and see where your momentum takes you! Below is a list that should be relevant for any home seller that you can use as a jumping off point.
Declutter
One of the most impactful things you can do when selling your home is to clear out all of the clutter and “stuff” that might be crowding your spaces and covering up the beautiful selling points of your home. Papers, clothes, books, shoes…where to start? Pick one category and go through all of it in your house, making a pile to keep, a pile to toss (recycle or shred) and a pile to donate. Stuffing things away in a closet wont work as potential buyers will want to look in your closets to see what the space is like. The emptier they are, the bigger they will seem. When it comes to clothes, anything you haven’t worn in a season or that doesn’t fit anymore should be donated (or recycled/ thrown away if no longer wearable.) If you don’t use it/ wear it/ love it.. let it go!! If you have clothing you feel sentimental about (baby clothes, etc.), purchase a large plastic bin (label it!) and store all of your special items in one spot. If you have a great deal of items to keep and not enough storage space you might consider renting a small storage unit to temporarily keep those things safe and out of the way.
2. Organize
Once you have removed all of the extra clutter, start putting things back in a more organized way. Kitchen drawers, cabinets, closets, bookshelves…try to look at all your spaces with a fresh eye (as a potential buyer!) and see how to make the most of each space so that your belongings are organized and also aesthetically pleasing. If you have a large bookcase one fun idea is to organize your books by spine color. Organizing by color also works great for the clothes hanging in your closet.
3. Clean
You know cleaning was going to be on this list somewhere! Hopefully the most heavily used areas of your home are cleaned regularly but take a look at the places you might overlook on a daily basis. Baseboards, ceiling fans and blinds almost always need a good wipe. Use a damp cleaning rag, not a dry duster, otherwise you are just brushing the dirt into the air. Doorways, walls, kitchen cabinet doors are often grimy and benefit from a scrub. If you have scuff marks, crayon, or fingerprints that don’t want to easily come off a surface, try using a magic eraser…they really are magic and work almost every time! Be careful as they can sometime remove paint so test in an inconspicuous spot first. As winter starts winding down your windows will definitely want a good cleaning. Also think about the soft surfaces in your home that often get overlooked; many curtains can be easily machine washed and hung to dry (check the tag first as some will be dry clean only). Throw pillows and blankets should be washed every few months if possible. Rugs and couches can be steam cleaned, either professionally or with your own steam cleaner.
4. Paint
A fantastic indoor project that makes a huge difference is fresh paint! If you have any rooms with very dark or unusual paint choices now is the time to lighten up. Choose a neutral palette that will be appealing to most people. Whites, creams, light grays. Pale blues and greens are great for the bathroom or bedroom. Even if you already have neutral hues in your home consider giving your most highly trafficked rooms a fresh coat. Before you paint, take the time to repair and patch any holes or cracks in your walls. Don’t forget about the trim and molding. Doorways and baseboards get more abuse than the paint on your walls so if you don’t have the time or energy to tackle repainting an entire room consider just going over the trim. Fresh white trim will make everything else feel cleaner.
5. Décor
A rule of thumb when selling your home is to put away all of your personal mementos so that potential buyers can really see themselves living in your spaces. This means all photos, awards, religious items and very personal art. Keep on display your beautiful and neutral décor and art. Plants work well for this (as long as they are not too large and or/ blocking precious natural light.) Try to keep your surfaces as clean and clear as possible. A single vase or a small grouping of decorative objects on your dresser instead of the surface being covered with knickknacks. Also consider investing in some fresh linens for your bathroom and bedroom. Of course you will take these with you when you move but having snowy white towels hanging in your bathroom and a crisp new duvet on your bed are very visually appealing. The goal is to make your home feel spacious, bright, clean, airy and inviting.
If you are looking for ideas of what to do with all of the clutter you have cleared out:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI- Will take clothing, books, toys, household goods, and furniture. They will even come and pick up your donations if you call and schedule an appointment.
Salvation Army- Will take clothing, books, toys, household goods and furniture. They will also come pick up your donations.
Animal Shelters (Providence Animal Rescue League)- Will take old towels and blankets.
Once Upon a Child- Consignment for children’s cloths, toys, books, baby gear, furniture. Will give you cash or trade. Due to COVID, call to make an appointment first.
Best Buy- Will take your old Electronics and some Appliances.
Thinking about selling your home? Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505