How to Declutter Before You Move: Keep, Donate, Sell
declutter, moving, getting your home ready, selling tips, donate, Arlington VA, White Glove Home Sale Method
How Do I Sort Through My Stuff Before I Move?
Sort by room into four piles: keep, donate, sell, and toss. Start with the places you use least, and move what you want to keep but do not need out of sight before you list.
How do I declutter before I sell my home?
Sort by room into four piles: keep, donate, sell, and toss. Start with the places you use least, and move what you want to keep but do not need out of sight before you list.
Moving is the one time you have to look at everything you own. It is a lot, so here is a simple way to start.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
Where do I start?
Start with places you do not use every day: the basement, the attic, the garage, the hall closet. They fill up fastest and nobody will miss them. Do one shelf or one closet at a time. Short sessions work better than a full weekend.
What are the four piles?
Keep. Things you use, need, or love. Only things you want in the next home.
Donate. Items in good shape that someone else can use.
Sell. Things with real value that you do not mind selling. Set a date. If they do not sell by then, donate them.
Toss. Broken, stained, or expired things.
What about the things I want to keep but do not need?
Pack them now. Boxes stacked in a closet make the closet look small, so plan where they will wait, such as a rented storage unit or a friend's garage. A home with less in it feels larger to buyers.
What about big items?
Extra furniture, old exercise equipment, and bulky items are the hardest. This is where help makes a big difference.
How does the White Glove Home Sale Method help?
Every seller gets the White Glove Home Sale Method at no additional cost, whatever the price or type of home. It includes removal of unwanted items and furniture, and taking donations to the charity of your choice. We also handle deep cleaning, painting, repairs, and staging. You tell us what stays and what goes, and we make it happen.
A tip for a faster start
Take a photo of each room before you start. It helps you see the room the way a buyer will.
FAQ
How much should I get rid of?
There is no number. Aim for clear surfaces and open floors.
What if I am not ready to let go of something?
Pack it and store it. You do not need to decide today.
Can you help if I live far away?
Yes. Call us, and we will plan it with you.
Call or text The Mike Webb Team at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.
