When preparing a home for the market, what you remove is just as important as what you add. Real estate professionals emphasize that creating a neutral, spacious, and inviting environment is key to attracting buyers and securing a quick sale. A few simple changes can significantly impact how potential buyers perceive a property.
From personal mementos to bulky furniture, certain items can distract buyers or prevent them from envisioning the house as their own. We spoke with industry experts who shared the top things homeowners should pack away before the first showing.
Key Takeaways
- Depersonalizing your home by removing family photos and specific decor helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
- Removing bulky furniture and clutter makes rooms appear larger and more open.
- Hiding items like pet supplies, security signs, and space heaters can prevent subconscious negative assumptions from buyers.
- Securing valuables is a critical step to protect your belongings during open houses and private showings.
Create a Blank Canvas for Buyers
The primary goal when staging a home is to help potential buyers see it as their future residence, not as your current one. This requires a process of depersonalization.
1. Family Photos and Personal Items
It's a classic piece of advice for a reason. While family photos make a house a home for you, they can be a significant distraction for others. Stacie Staub, CEO and broker at West + Main, notes that removing these personal items helps neutralize the space.
When buyers see personal pictures, they are reminded that they are in someone else's space, which can create a psychological barrier. The goal is to present a clean slate. This also applies to children's artwork on the refrigerator, personal calendars, and fridge magnets, which can contribute to a cluttered look.
2. Controversial or Niche Decor
Your unique style might not appeal to everyone. Decor that is political, religious, or even related to a specific sports team can unintentionally alienate a potential buyer. Andress Eichstadt, CEO at Staging Studio, warns that decor can be a deal-breaker.
"We've had buyers reject a home simply because it was decorated in the theme of their rival team," Eichstadt says. "People who feel put off or offended aren’t inclined to make generous offers."
Items like taxidermy, religious symbols, or bold, taste-specific artwork should be stored away. The objective is to appeal to the widest possible audience by keeping the decor minimal and neutral.
Showcase the Home's Full Potential
Buyers are paying for square footage, and it's essential to let them see it. Overcrowded rooms can make a property feel smaller than it actually is, which can be a major turn-off.
3. Bulky and Excess Furniture
One of the most common mistakes sellers make is leaving too much furniture in a room. While you need enough to define the space's purpose, oversized or extra pieces can make it feel cramped.
Alan Taylor, a top real estate agent in Los Angeles, emphasizes the emotional impact of furniture. "Nothing will kill a buyer’s feelings about a space than old bulky furniture or too much of it," he says. He suggests removing extra chairs, oversized sofas, or large cabinets to create a more open and spacious feel. Renting a small storage unit is often a worthwhile investment during the selling process.
Did You Know?
According to home staging experts, a properly staged home can sell for up to 17% more on average than a non-staged home. Decluttering and furniture arrangement are two of the most impactful staging activities.
4. General Clutter
Clutter goes beyond just furniture. It includes stacks of mail on the counter, overflowing bookshelves, and crowded nightstands. A clean, organized home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained.
"By clearing off countertops, nightstands, and shelves, clean, minimal surfaces will show better," Taylor advises. This creates a sense of calm and order, allowing buyers to focus on the home's features, like countertop material or storage space, rather than your personal belongings.
Eliminate Potential Red Flags
Some everyday items can inadvertently send the wrong message to buyers, raising questions or concerns that might not even be valid. It's best to remove anything that could be misinterpreted.
5. Pet Supplies
You may adore your pets, but not all buyers are animal lovers. The sight of litter boxes, food bowls, pet beds, or toys can raise concerns about cleanliness, potential odors, or property damage for some people. Allergies are also a major consideration for many buyers.
"Stashing their gear and giving things a once-over for fur or scent helps the home feel fresh and universally inviting,” Staub explains. It’s best to have pets stay with a friend or family member during showing periods if possible.
6. Standing Fans and Space Heaters
An item as simple as a portable fan or heater can create doubt in a buyer's mind. According to Andress Eichstadt, these items may suggest that the home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is inadequate.
Even if your HVAC works perfectly, the presence of these appliances can plant a seed of doubt. Buyers might wonder if a bedroom gets too hot in the summer or if the furnace struggles in the winter. Storing these items out of sight removes any potential for negative assumptions.
7. Home Security Signs and Visible Cameras
While a security system is a valuable feature, prominently displaying it can backfire. Visible cameras or multiple security company decals on windows can make buyers question the safety of the neighborhood.
"Removing or concealing these creates a more welcoming and peaceful first impression," says Staub. It allows buyers to focus on the home itself, rather than worrying about why such security measures might be necessary.
Protect Your Personal Assets
Finally, preparing your home for sale involves protecting yourself and your valuable possessions.
8. Valuables and Prescription Medications
This is a non-negotiable step. With strangers walking through your home, it is imperative to remove and secure all valuables. This includes jewelry, cash, important financial documents, and sentimental items that are irreplaceable.
A Note on Safety
Real estate agents do their best to supervise showings, but it's impossible to watch everyone at all times. Homeowners should take proactive steps to secure their belongings in a locked safe, a storage unit, or at a trusted friend's house. This also includes prescription medications, which are a common target for theft during open houses.
By taking the time to remove these specific items, you create a more appealing, marketable property. This strategic approach to decluttering helps buyers connect emotionally with the space, leading to stronger offers and a faster sale.
