How Decluttering and Organizing Can Increase Your Home’s Value

A well-organized home isn’t just easier to live in—it’s also more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to boost your home’s value, decluttering and organizing are simple yet powerful steps that can make a big impact.

Let’s explore how these efforts can transform your space and even increase its market potential.

The Impact of a Clutter-Free Home on Buyers

When buyers walk into a home, first impressions matter. A clutter-free, organized space allows them to focus on the home’s features, not the stuff in it. Here’s why it’s crucial:

• Visualization is Key: Buyers want to picture themselves living in the space. If your home feels crowded, it can be harder for them to see its potential.
• Perceived Value: A well-maintained, organized home often feels more spacious and valuable. It signals to buyers that the home has been well cared for, which can lead to better offers.
  Studies have shown that staged, clutter-free homes sell faster and for more money compared to those that aren’t as visually prepared.

Decluttering Tips That Make Your Home Market-Ready

If you’re thinking about selling—or just want a more streamlined space—here are some quick wins for decluttering and organizing key areas:

• Kitchens: Clear countertops and neatly arrange pantry items. This showcases both storage capacity and functional workspaces.
• Bathrooms: Remove excess toiletries and personal items. Use simple containers or trays to organize essentials.
  *Bonus tip: for photos, showings and open houses, hide your towels.
• Closets: Overstuffed closets make it seem like your home lacks storage. Pare down to essentials and use matching hangers to create a cohesive look.

  By focusing on these high-impact areas, you’ll instantly make your home feel more open and inviting.

Organizing for Everyday Life vs. Selling

There’s a fine line between organizing for daily life and preparing your home for sale. For daily life, focus on functionality—where things are easy to find and use. When selling, prioritize visual appeal and simplicity.

Here are some examples:

• Daily Life: Invest in storage solutions that suit your routine, like labeled bins or drawer organizers so that all of the clutter can be put away into its proper home. This will help with being able to find stuff more efficiently too.
  I think my family owns 9 pairs of scissors (6 adult size and 3 kids size). We have a drawer where they are supposed to be… but somehow it is always such a magical moment when there are actually scissors in there; more often than not they are missing and we’ll find them all over the house.
  Having a home for things like scissors, tape, and important mail can really help to save our sanity.
• Selling: Pare back personal touches and aim for a clean, neutral palette. Less is more when it comes to showcasing your home’s potential.
  Have you ever noticed how a staged house only has maybe 1 vase on the dining table? When I look my dining table it has papers, and coloring supplies, and a couple of games, and some scissors, napkins, and more… buyers want to see the ideal and imagine how clean and simple their life can be in a new home; not the messy reality of daily life.

Local Market Insight: What Sandy, UT Buyers Are Looking For

As one of the older suburbs of Salt Lake City, Sandy homes can often feel outdated, have smaller rooms or boxy floor plans. Buyers looking in Sandy often appreciate the quality of the older home and some larger lot sizes, but they are still looking for homes that feel bright, spacious, and move-in ready.

Features like organized mudrooms, tidy garages, and efficient kitchen storage can be big selling points.

By decluttering and organizing, you not only enhance your home’s appeal but also align it with what local buyers value most. These efforts can help you stand out in a competitive market.

Next Steps for Sellers and Homeowners

Whether you’re gearing up to sell or just want to refresh your space, decluttering is a great place to start. In future posts, I’ll dive deeper into prepping your home for the spring market and cost-effective updates that can boost your home’s curb appeal.

Have questions about selling or organizing your home? I’m here to help! Let’s work together to make your home stand out, whether you’re listing it or just making it your sanctuary.