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5 Steps on How to Declutter Your House for Sale

Woman declutter house by putting content in boxes with daughter Woman declutter house by putting content in boxes with daughter

If you’re thinking of moving, you’ve probably heard the advice from real estate agents and stagers to cut down on clutter to appeal to potential buyers. It’s easier for someone new to imagine living in your home if they don’t have to look past crammed corners and closets. Unfortunately, it can be overwhelming to think about paring things down.

Here are five steps that can help make the process more manageable, efficient and, perhaps even fun. Plus, simplifying now will make moving that much easier.

1. Start small & choose one area at a time. If you attempt to organize your entire home in a day, you’ll end up fatigued and frustrated. Instead, choose one area to focus on, like your linen closet. Decide whether you want to save, donate or toss your towels, sheets and blankets. You’re building up your minimalizing muscle as you move on to categories with more sentimental value.

2. Phone a friend to help declutter. Having a hard time deciding what should stay and what should go? Invite someone who can bring some objectivity to the situation as you sort through your wardrobe. Be honest about what you wear and what you don’t. Round out the afternoon by delivering your donations to your charity of choice. That will keep you from second-guessing all your hard work.

Travelers wants to help you protect the things that matter to you. We offer a wide breadth of products so you can be covered at home and on the road.

man sitting in chair at home man sitting in chair at home

3. Rent a dumpster. Consider renting a dumpster to help you as you sort through clutter, room by room. They’re also handy for disposing of remodeling materials you may have accumulated over the years – old carpets, extra tile, broken items from around the house. Pitch anything that is broken or no longer usable.

4. Deal with electronics and hazardous materials. Look for special collection days in your area for electronics, including old computers and video game systems. Make sure you wipe data off of old hard drives and phones before disposing of them. Hazardous material collections are a good place for old paint, thermometers and other chemicals.

5. Edit each room from the buyer’s perspective. After the hard work of organizing and decluttering room by room, approach each area from the perspective of a buyer. Pack away knick knacks, photographs and other items that distract from the space itself. If you miss having them around, you can choose to bring them with you when you move. If not, you’ll know you’re ready to say goodbye.

These five steps will have you well on your way to a decluttered house that will be more attractive to prospective buyers. Now you’re ready to start thinking about staging your home.

Selling your home is a good time to review your homeowners coverage. Learn more about Travelers homeowners insurance.

Learn More About Home Insurance

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*Quotes may not be available in all states or for all products. In CA, quotes for all products must be obtained through a local independent agent.

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Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. In TX: Automobile insurance is offered by Travelers Texas MGA, Inc. and underwritten by Consumers County Mutual Insurance Company (CCM). CCM is not a Travelers Company. In CA: Automobile Insurance is underwritten by Travelers Commercial Insurance Company, Certificate of Authority # 6519; Travelers Property Casualty Insurance Company, Certificate of Authority # 6521. Homeowners Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Fire Insurance Company, Certificate of Authority # 3545. Boat and Yacht Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Fire Insurance Company, Certificate of Authority # 3545. All underwriting companies listed above are domiciled in the state of Connecticut and are located at One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. In WA: Automobile Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Fire Insurance Company. Homeowners Insurance is underwritten by Travelers Personal Insurance Company. Personal Article Floater Insurance is underwritten by The Phoenix Insurance Company and The Travelers Indemnity Company of America. Personal Liability Umbrella Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Fire Insurance Company, The Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, The Travelers Indemnity Company of America, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, Travelers Commercial Insurance Company and Travelers Personal Insurance Company. Special Event Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Fire Insurance Company. Boat Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company. Yacht Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Fire Insurance Company, The Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and The Travelers Indemnity Company of America. Underwriting companies in CA and WA listed above are located at One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183.

Pet Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, and Travel Insurance is not underwritten by Travelers or its Affiliates (“Travelers”). Travelers utilizes its affiliate, InsuraMatch, LLC, an independent insurance agency, to refer consumers interested in pet coverage, motorcycle and off-road vehicle coverage, and travel coverage. For more information about the underwriting entities click “Learn More” to be directed to the specific product page.