Decluttering Tips Before Listing Your Home

Make Your Home Look Its Best — and Sell Faster for More

Selling your home can be emotional and overwhelming — especially when it comes to preparing it for market. One of the most effective (and affordable) ways to boost buyer appeal is through decluttering. A clean, organized space not only looks larger and more inviting — it also helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make decluttering manageable and stress-free before you list your Burnaby or Greater Vancouver home.

🧹 1. Start with a Plan (Room by Room)

Trying to tackle everything at once can quickly feel overwhelming. Instead:

• Make a checklist of all rooms and storage areas.

• Prioritize spaces buyers notice first: living room, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms.

• Don’t forget hidden spaces: closets, cupboards, garage, laundry room.

Having a plan helps you stay focused — and gives you a sense of progress as you check off each area.

🗑️ 2. Remove Unnecessary Items

Instead of pushing clutter into another room, decide whether items should be:

• Kept

• Donated

• Recycled

• Discarded

Be honest — buyers aren’t just purchasing a house, they’re looking for space. Clearing out extra furniture, old décor, and stacks of paper instantly makes rooms feel bigger and more appealing.

👗 3. Organize Closets & Cabinets

Buyers often check storage areas to see if there’s “enough space.”

Here’s how to make closets look more generous:

• Remove excess clothing — store seasonal items offsite.

• Arrange hangers uniformly.

• Keep shelves tidy with minimal items visible.

The same applies to cabinets and pantries — clear containers and tidy shelves evoke a sense of spaciousness and efficiency.

🛋️ 4. Scale Down Furniture

Sometimes rooms actually feel smaller because they’re crowded.

• Consider removing one or two pieces of large furniture.

• Replace bulky décor with simpler accents.

• Create open walkways so traffic flows naturally.

A room that feels open and functional sells far better than a cramped space.

📦 5. Use Neutral, Attractive Storage Solutions

If you need to keep some items out but organized, add:

• Matching storage bins

• Stylish baskets

• Clear containers for visible storage

Neutral solutions look intentional — not like you’re hiding clutter.

🧼 6. Deep Clean as You Declutter

Decluttering isn’t just about removing items — it’s also an opportunity to clean deeply:

• Dust baseboards and vents

• Wipe fingerprints off doors and walls

• Clean windows for maximum light

• Scrub bathroom tiles and kitchen appliances

Clean spaces show better in photos and feel more inviting in person.

📸 7. Think Like a Buyer (and the Camera)

Homes are often first seen online. To maximize appeal:

• Remove personal photos, magnets, and memorabilia

• Tidy countertops in kitchens and bathrooms

• Keep décor simple and stylish

Neutral, uncluttered spaces allow buyers to envision their life in the home — not yours.

🗃️ 8. Consider Offsite Storage

If you still have too much to store, short-term rental storage is worth the investment. Packing away:

• Excess furniture

• Boxes

• Seasonal items

can make a huge difference in how spacious your home feels.

🧠 9. Don’t Forget the Exterior

Curb appeal starts outside:

• Trim bushes and clean walkways

• Store outdoor tools and toys

• Keep patios clear of clutter

First impressions matter — and the outside of your home sets the tone for every showing.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Decluttering before listing your home doesn’t just improve how the space looks — it helps buyers feel something when they walk in: spaciousness, care, and possibility. That emotional connection is what turns a visit into an offer.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, I’d be happy to help you develop a personalized plan so your home shines on the market.

📞 Contact me anytime — I’m here to make your selling journey smooth and successful.

— Victoria Fung, REALTOR® serving Burnaby & Greater Vancouver