How do I sale a home that is full of clutter

Have you thought about getting a company to remove all the junk with a few dumpsters? If a buyer cannot see the full potential of the home, your offers are going to be significantly less than market. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You need to declutter before you list. Pack up personal items, clear counters and surfaces, and rent a storage unit if you have to. Buyers can't see past clutter and it makes rooms look smaller. If it's overwhelming, hire someone to help or ask family. Even just clearing out half the stuff makes a huge difference. Get rid of things you don't need, donate what you can, and box up the rest. If you absolutely can't or won't declutter, you'll have to sell as-is to investors or flippers. You'll get way less money, but it's an option. Just know that listing a cluttered house means fewer buyers and lower offers. Clean it out, even a little, and you'll do way better.

Hi Rebecca You may want to buy some moving boxes and just start packing away things room by room until you think you have enough clutter removed. Once you are done consider finding a local real estate professional in your area that can help declutter even further and put the finishing touches on your home before you sell.

You’re definitely not alone—this is one of the most common concerns sellers have, and the good news is there are several ways to successfully sell a home even if it feels cluttered right now. The key is understanding that buyers don’t just see the home—they react to how the space feels. Too much clutter can make rooms feel smaller and distract from the home’s features, but it’s something that can absolutely be improved with the right approach. Here are a few options sellers typically consider: 1. Light decluttering (most common approach) You don’t have to make the home perfect—just focus on: • Clearing walkways and main living areas • Removing excess items from countertops • Creating a more open feel in key rooms Even small changes can make a big difference in how the home shows. 2. Pre-pack as part of the move Think of decluttering as getting a head start on packing: • Box up items you don’t use daily • Store or organize them neatly • This makes the home feel more spacious while preparing for your move 3. Sell as-is (still an option) If decluttering feels overwhelming, some sellers choose to: • Price accordingly • Market to investors or buyers willing to take on projects Homes can still sell this way—it just depends on pricing and strategy. 4. Professional help (if needed) Some sellers use: • Cleaning or organizing services • Light staging guidance Even a short consultation can help prioritize what matters most. What matters most: You don’t have to do everything at once. The goal is simply to help buyers see the space and potential of the home. A good agent will help you prioritize what will make the biggest impact without adding unnecessary stress.

It’s a great idea to pare down items before taking photos and inviting buyers to tour your home. Since you’re preparing to move, consider getting boxes and packing up extra belongings and storing them in the garage. Buyers are much more forgiving of a garage with stored items than they are of a cluttered living space - it helps them better see the home’s potential. If your goal is to sell quickly, I definitely encourage you to declutter as much as possible.

Hi Rebecca. It came seem daunting initially when looking at your home knowing you have a significant amount of work to prepare your home. Have you ever heard the quote- "How do you eat an elephant?- One bite at a time"? That's how you begin decluttering. Start with one room and give yourself a deadline. Asking close family and friends for some help can be another avenue. I do highly recommend reaching out to a Realtor sooner than later because sometimes it's not as bad as you may think. An experienced Realtor will be direct and professional with you about prioritization of tasks. Also, if you decide your move is of an urgent nature, you may be able to skip the decluttering and properly price position your home to account for the decluttering needs. I'd love to be of service in offering a professional opinion for you after viewing your home and listening to your goals.

You don’t need perfection—you need strategy. Declutter the main areas (kitchen, living room, entry) Pack up 30–50% of items to create space Deep clean + neutralize odors Use simple staging to make rooms feel bigger Price it right for condition Buyers buy space and potential, not your stuff. CTA: If your home feels overwhelming, I’ll show you exactly what to keep, pack, or remove—no guesswork. Call or text me at (954) 895-4991 for a quick walkthrough strategy.