One of the first questions we get asked when someone has decided to sell their home is “What can I do to get started?”  Our answer is almost start with organizing and decluttering because it takes the longest! Preparing to sell your home is a monumental task, but getting started on the daunting process of decluttering can make you feel like you are on your way quickly.

With a strategic approach you can make this task even more manageable and maybe even enjoyable as you clear away clutter and instantly make your home feel bigger. Decluttering your home is a crucial first step in home staging. At NESTED, we’re staging pros who have honed successful methods through trial and error to transform any home.

In this blog, we will dive into some ideas to declutter your home efficiently and effectively, while incorporating some unique tips that go beyond the conventional advice. Don’t underestimate the power of pre-planning. We always rely on a solid plan and strategy when we sell you house, and de-cluttering your home is no different.  Planning will make the whole process seem easier, here are a couple ways to get started. 

Always create a timeline to keep you track:

Instead of diving into decluttering haphazardly, create a timeline that breaks down the task into manageable chunks. Begin at least three months before you plan to list your home. Designate specific weeks for different areas of your home, ensuring that each space gets the attention it needs without overwhelming you.

For instance, dedicate the first week to the living room, the second to the kitchen, and so on. By spacing out the work, you reduce stress and maintain a sense of control over the process.

Try this: Set a timer for short bursts of decluttering, like 15-20 minutes. Focus on a specific area and work quickly. This method makes the task less overwhelming and helps maintain focus. 

Looking for even more tips for selling your house in Toronto’s fast-paced market? The resources below are a great place to start:

• How to Handle Buyer Feedback the Right Way 
• Selling Your Home In The Age Of Online Marketing
• How Long Does It Take To Sell A House In Toronto?

Prioritize areas based on impact:

Not every nook and cranny of your home needs to be perfectly decluttered when your house is on the market, so best to start with the areas that potential buyers are most likely to scrutinize. Kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms are focal points. Decluttering these spaces first will give you a sense of accomplishment and create an immediate impression on buyers.

Consider the “80/20 rule”—focus on the 20% of your home that will have 80% of the impact on buyers. This could include visible spaces like countertops, bookshelves, and main living areas. Leave garages and storage spaces to last. 

Declutter with the seasons in mind: 

Thinking about what season you will be selling in can help you prioritize items to pack up or get rid of. Use the changing seasons to your advantage. Each season offers unique opportunities to declutter different parts of your home:  

Spring – Focus on garages, basements, and outdoor spaces. Spring cleaning is a cultural norm, making it an ideal time to tackle these areas. Take advantage of the mild weather to clear out and organize your garage, sell unused garden tools, and tidy up your basement. 

Summer – Declutter and organize closets. This is the perfect time to store away winter clothes and sports equipment. As you swap out seasonal wardrobes, consider donating items you haven’t worn in the past year. 

Fall – Concentrate on home offices and study areas. With school starting, it’s a great time to clear out old paperwork and create a tidy, productive space. Use this time to digitize important documents and reduce paper clutter. 

Winter – Tidy up attics and storage spaces. As you bring out holiday decorations, take the opportunity to sort through stored items. Use the colder months to focus on indoor spaces, ensuring they are clean and clutter-free. 

Focus on innovative decluttering strategies:

Sometimes getting a system setup can help motive you and speed up the process! Try these:

The 90-Day Box Technique – Pack items you’re unsure about into a box and label it with today’s date. If you don’t use any of the items in the next 90 days, it’s a sign they can be donated or discarded. This method helps you make more objective decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. It also helps you realize which items you truly need versus those that are simply taking up space.

You can also try a Colour-Coded System – Use a colour-coded system to streamline the decluttering process. Assign colours to different categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. This visual aid can make the sorting process quicker and more efficient. For example, use red stickers for items to be discarded, green for items to keep, blue for items to donate, and yellow for items to sell.

This method simplifies decision-making and ensures that nothing is overlooked. Another trick is the “One-In, One-Out” Rule – Implement a simple but effective rule – for every new item that enters your home, one must leave! This keeps clutter from accumulating and encourages mindfulness around new purchases. 

Look into storage solutions:

If you find it difficult to part with certain items, but need to make space and declutter for the sake of selling, consider renting a storage unit. This temporary, but very common solution allows you to keep sentimental or seasonal items without cluttering your living space. However, ensure that this doesn’t become a permanent crutch and you should aim to reassess the need for stored items periodically.

Creating a clutter free zone in your home can be incredibly helpful. Designate a specific area in your home as a clutter-free zone, such as a guest room or an unused corner. Use this space to temporarily store items you’re unsure about during the decluttering process. This helps keep your main living areas clean while you make decisions at your own pace. Over time, expand this zone until your entire home reflects a clutter-free environment. 

There are so many great reasons to make Toronto’s West End your home! You’ll discover just a few in the posts below:

• Everything You Need to Know About Living in Toronto’s West End!
• Top 5 Reasons to Nest in The West 
• 3 Reasons Why We Love Condo Living in the West End!

Involve the whole family:

Make decluttering a family affair! Assign tasks to each family member, and turn it into a bonding activity. Even the kids can get involved, they can learn valuable organizational skills, and shared responsibilities making the process faster and more enjoyable. Encourage each family member to take ownership of their spaces, whether it’s their bedroom, playroom, or study area. This not only speeds up the process but also teaches everyone the importance of maintaining a tidy environment. 

Decluttering your home before selling doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal! By incorporating strategic planning, leveraging seasonality, and using innovative techniques, you can transform your space efficiently. By approaching the task with mindfulness and involving the whole family, you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Embrace the opportunity to refresh your living space and create an inviting environment for potential buyers. With these unique strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a successful home sale and a clutter-free future!  

Are you ready to begin creating your home selling strategy? Give us a call at 416-909-1602 or email  hello@getnested.ca for more advice and tips.

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