The Psychology of Clutter

There’s an interesting psychological characteristic of clutter. We tend to notice it more in other people’s homes than in our own. In fact, we may not even realize a room in our house feels cluttered and uncomfortable to visitors. This is because we become accustomed to our own clutter, and it becomes part of our everyday environment.

However, when it comes to selling a property, clutter is one of the most significant obstacles to a successful sale. A cluttered space can make it difficult for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the property. It can also create the impression that the property is smaller than it actually is, which can turn buyers off. 

Check out the amazing transformation of this hallway after a decluttering session.

Although the task may seem daunting at first, decluttering is relatively easy to do.

The simplest technique is to box things. You’re going to move anyway, so boxing makes sense. You can store the boxes of items you’re keeping in your garage. If you have a lot of boxes, renting short-term storage or storing at a friend or family member’s home is an option.

When decluttering, you’re bound to come across items you no longer need or want. You can create separate boxes for items to trash, donate, or sell (online or in a garage sale). Deal with these right away, so they’re not included in your stored boxes.

Ultimately, an uncluttered home shows much better to potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of a faster sale at a higher price. So, take the time to declutter your home before putting it on the market, and you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make.

If you’re considering selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for a complimentary valuation. With my expertise, we can work together to create a space that showcases the best features of your home and appeals to potential buyers.

Susan Moffat, REALTOR®  

519.377.5154

susan.moffat@c21.ca

Century 21 In-Studio Realty Brokerage