We're going to step back a bit and talk about some things that should occur early in the process of selling your home, or preparing to sell your home.

If you have been in your home for any length of time, and especially if you have a hard time throwing out things, you likely have a bit of personal stuff...some of which you want, but possibly some you don't. One of the biggest enemies to selling your home is CLUTTER. That does not necessarily mean JUNK. But so often people have lots of stuff around that is part of their daily living - collections, papers, magazines, kids toys, personal photos, and so on. And this makes it hard for prospective buyers to look at your home from an impersonal perspective and consider it for themselves. The stuff needs to go somewhere.

Having lots of stuff littering your counter tops in the kitchen and baths, and on tables, also contributes to a feeling of less space. And since kitchens are so important to buyers, you want this area to be the center of attention for the right reasons, not the wrong ones.

Another good reason to rid yourself of all the personal trappings of living is that your agent, or a professional photographer, will be taking pictures for the MLS, ads and marketing. Clutter in the photos will NOT impress buyers and may make your photos look even worse, since photos tend to make rooms look smaller anyhow.

Here are a few thoughts on how to deal with your stuff:

1. Pack it up and put it away - in your garage (unless it, too, is cluttered). You are moving anyway, so why not get started on your packing early?
2. Rent a storage unit for boxes, books, extra furniture, etc.
3. Rent a PODS (portable on-demand storage) - load it up and keep in your drive (but this adds to a cluttered look in front) or have it taken away for storage
4. Call 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to take away all the stuff that you don't want any more but which can't go out in the trash. They will come in, give you an estimate, and take just about anything. It's a great service.
5. Have a garage sale - this can work, and maybe make you some money. But consider how much time it takes for the return. And unless you sell everything you STILL have all the stuff
6. Donate to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, a local church or community center - clothing, small appliances, and household goods are especially prized
7. Call the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization - they will pick up donations (yes, they accept things other than money!).
FIRST TIME SELLER SERIES
Article 14 First Time Home Sellers – Take it or Leave It?
Article 13 First Time Home Sellers - Take Care of Those Repairs
Article 12 First Time Home Sellers – Keep an Eye on Those Dates
Article 11 First Time Home Sellers – Look out for Sabotage
Article 10 First Time Home Sellers – Repairs Request
Article 9 First Time Home Sellers – Due Diligence
Article 8 First Time Home Sellers – Responding to Offers
Article 7 First Time Home Sellers – It’s Offer Time
Article 6 First Time Home Sellers – Make Yourself Scarce
Article 5 First Time Home Sellers - Showings
Article 4 First Time Home Sellers – The Fun Begins
Article 3 First Time Home Sellers – Don’t Forget These Questions
Article 2 First Time Home Sellers – The Agent Interview
Article 1 First Time Home Sellers – Getting Started