We've just completed a large Los Angeles decluttering project and was asked to stage the house with the furniture and decor the clients already owned so that the home could be listed for sale. With the plan in mind and some muscle, we started reworking furniture, art, accessories and decor so that potential clients could envision themselves living in the house.
What did we do to make the home more welcoming?
- Reviewed and decluttered the home with the client's decisions
- Had charitable donations and trash hauled away
- Re-arranged furniture to create conversation and reading areas
- Cleared clutter out of clothes and household closets and color-coded contents
- Booked a professional cleaning crew to thoroughly clean the house, top to bottom
- Used lighting to lighten up dark areas
- Folded everything in sight neatly, tidied up and arranged bookshelves
- Cleaned important windows to let the light in
- Trimmed back overgrown trees, planted colorful flowers
- Adorned some rooms with fresh flowers and succulents
- Scheduled a handyman to do some minor painting and repairs
While the process was underway, we kept thinking about the value we were bringing to the property for sale. And when we were finished, the home looked lovely, clean and spacious... and ready to be photographed and listed.
Staging and decluttering, return on investment
According to a study this month conducted and released by the Consumer Reports National Research Center and the National Association of Realtors, taking the extra step to stage a home can make a difference in how a potential buyer values it and the price a seller might get for it.
“At a minimum, homeowners should conduct a thorough cleaning, haul out clutter, make sure the home is well-lit and fix any major aesthetic issues."
The #1 fix uncovered by real estate professionals
According to the survey, the #1 fix is decluttering:
"Clear away any clutter and depersonalize the space as much as possible.
Potential return: 3% to 5%"
Interesting statistics, right? Not every client asks us to stage their home as part of our organizing, relocation, move management and unpacking services, but decluttering your home prior to putting it on the market seems to make sense. What do you think?
top image credit. interior pictures from organizingla.com
Your Turn to Comment
What did you do to your house when you put the property up for sale? Were the improvements major, or minor? What did you budget? If you're a Los Angeles realtor, how do you advise your clients into making the decluttering investment? Let us know here in the comment section or you can tweet us @johntrosko on Twitter. You can also check me out on Instagram (@johntrosko).
Like this Topic?
Want to learn smart and practical organizing tips for your home, office and life? Save time by signing up for free topic updates and receive them as soon as they're published. Plus, as a gift receive our exclusive Martha Stewart Living Radio recorded radio interview and transcript, chock full of strategies, tips and resources direct from John.
