I recently visited a new client. Like with any new client, I was guided through their home, room by room, taking in the home’s features, square footage and storage space.

I must confess, the home was stunning.

It sat on a tree lined street in a fabulous neighbourhood and had more rooms and storage space than most would require.

Ok, so what’s the problem………….

CLUTTER

The client had every square inch of the home filled to capacity, and then some.

This large beautiful home with all of it’s storage space seemed much smaller then it’s actual square footage.

After my tour of the home ended (btw I open all cupboards, drawers and closets) I sat with both the agent and the homeowner to discuss my initial findings that I would later elaborate on in my consultation report.

It’s important as a Professional Stager, to be respectful of someone’s home and lifestyle but also to give honest feedback.

They needed to understand what the home with all of it’s clutter, would look like to potential buyers.

With this in mind, we discussed the work and organization that needed to be completed before the home could be staged and put on the market.

In this case, the homeowners needed to do a significant amount of packing, storing, purging and donating.

Potential buyers will look in cabinets, drawers and closets. If they are filled to capacity, they might think there is a lack of storage space in the home.

Most people can not see beyond what is in front of them, so those overstuffed closets and crammed drawers are a red flag.

So, my advise when considering listing your property for sale……

Walk through your home and look in every drawer, cabinet and closet and see it through the eyes of someone looking to purchase it.

Your home at the best of times should not be filled more then 80%. And when selling your home, that number should drop to 65-70%.

You want to highlight the square footage and storage space of your home not the lack of.

When in doubt, call a professional to come in and help with organizing prior to listing your home.

They know what potential buyers are looking for and they have the solution and knowledge to assist you during this time.

From the team at Creative Staging and Organizing