There are two reasons to pack it all away when you put your home on the market. The first is that your display may be so interesting, that buyers pay more attention to it than your home. I did a consultation at a home that had a border of plates depicting different animals displayed along the top of the living room and dining room walls. I could just imagine the buyer’s focus directed at this collection instead of the features of the home. The second reason is for the safety of your possessions. The only way to guarantee that your belongings don’t get broken or stolen, is to pack them away out of sight.
What is a good rule to follow? Less is more! Do you have photos or artwork hung on every wall? This is a good place to start editing. Blank wall space allows the eye to rest, and makes it easier to take in the surroundings. It will also make a space appear larger. Remove anything hung on a wall, when that wall is less than two feet wide. Place artwork on the larger walls only. For tables, shelves, or other surfaces, stick with the “Rule of 3.” Remove all but three items from each table. For example—a coffee table might have a plant, a decorative bowl, and a large book. This rule works for the kitchen counters, or a fireplace mantle, too.
Remember, buyers will open closets and cabinets, and if everything is filled or overflowing, it will appear that your home does not have enough storage. Remove one third of everything in each closet, kitchen and bathroom cabinet or drawer, and pack them up. Is your garage or basement bulging at the seams? Buyers pay attention to these two areas, also. This would be a good time to clean out what you don’t want to move with you. You’ll be surprised at how much room you will have, and buyers will be impressed with the amount of space.
Getting your home ready to sell takes time and hard work, but when your home sells, you will be glad to have some of the packing already done.
