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Decluttering
and cleaning to sell property
One of the most common things to put buyers off
a house is clutter and poor cleanliness. If your home has too many possessions
it will look smaller and if the rooms are poorly presented the estate agent may not
want to display the photos to viewers.
Because buyers often make a
decision to view based on what they see in photos you might miss out on
potential viewers straight away if you have cluttered space.
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This
cluttered bedroom didn't take long to clean, declutter and style.
House Wow assisted the owner to make
decisions
and plan a whole house declutter and style. |
The
bedroom was transformed on a £600 budget. The floors were already stained
boards but were previously covered with possessions. |
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Declutter and
clean
Cleanliness is a major factor for any would be buyer. Every area, particularly kitchens, bathrooms,
bedrooms and windows must be sparkling. If you're very busy why not arrange
domestic cleaning services to get the cleaning done well? |
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The Sweet smell of success
Quite simply smells of Dog/cat/hamster/cigarettes or food have a negative effect on viewers.
Make sure your home has the best effect on your viewers and encourages every
potential offer to buy.
Ideally it's best to have dogs and cats out of the
house for viewings in case the potential buyers have an allergy or are put off by
the pets.
Deep cleaning carpets and upholstery can
help to remove smells and improve general appeal.
Ensure rooms are aired by opening windows and use a
gentle spray to deodorise any smells.
Clutter - the facts
 Clutter can cost you money - it is the biggest reason for a house not selling or selling at a reduced
price.
Clutter makes individual rooms and the whole house appear smaller
Clutter distract buyers from noticing the best features of the house
Clutter gives the buyers the impression that the house is ill maintained or neglected
Clutter gives buyers the impression that there is no space for their belongings.
If you imagine that the buyer can see beyond the clutter then think again - they cannot - they leave with a poor impression of the whole house.
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TV's
in bedrooms spoil the calm, tranquil atmosphere - if you can
live without it it will help the sale. |
Top
Ten Decluttering tips
1
Action plan
When planning your decluttering you probably
have possessions and furniture that you won't need at the next house. Its
better to start the job of deciding what to sell or move on early to create more
space and improve the marketing photos.
2
Priorities
The priority hit list should be items currently on show and particularly children’s toys which are no longer used, personal pictures or hobby items which take up large areas of space and may not have
buyer appeal. Cupboards and loft space cleared now will make room for other items to be stored out of sight.
 3
Three box declutter system
Charity shop box, box for the refuse and box to pack away for the new house.
4 Self
Storage
Self storage rates can be reasonable and there are a number of companies who
provide self storage facilities. If you want to
improve the spacious appeal of your home when selling consider self storage
until you move or during decorating upgrades.
5
Ornaments and accessories
Thin out and use only the best on display.
6
Cupboard Clutter
Clear wardrobes of old clothes that you don't want. Serious viewers will look in cupboards and if possessions are jammed in they will feel they too
won't have enough space.
7 Space saving
Consider space saving devices such as vacuum-seal bags that reduce bulk in stored duvets, pillows and clothes. Keep the furniture and its design scheme as simply arranged and practical as possible. Move over large coffee tables out of central spaces.
8 Organise documents
Don't keep piles of paperwork on display. Set up a folder system that can be stored
neatly away.
9 Avoiding cluttering surfaces
Deal with junk mail, abandoned shoes and emptied out pocket contents as quickly as possible. If the family has a habit of leaving lots of bits and pieces on coffee tables and surfaces, try to eliminate the surface
or clear them once a day. Move things to a basket in the hall ready to move when
you go upstairs.
10
Prepare for viewings
Before each viewing take a look at each room
and try to keep surfaces and floors free of clutter.
Next
Steps.... have you started to plan for the move? click
here
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