What preparations should I make before putting my house on the market?

No one goes into selling their home on a whim. There are clearly preparations that must take place and plans to be made. Knowing where to start can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. You want to maximise your property’s value and secure a smooth sale, that much is clear. What can you actually do to aid this outcome, though? Here, we’ll guide you through the key steps to take before putting your house on the market, from decluttering to choosing estate agents. As storage experts, we’ve seen many different approaches to home moves, so our tips are designed to make you more prepared, organised, and confident. 

When is the best time to declutter? 

Decluttering is an essential step, but you may be unsure when to do it. Prior to valuation, prior to viewings, or as part of packing up and moving? In fact, the earlier that you can have a thorough declutter the better. There are benefits to decluttering for every stage of a home sale process. 

  • Higher valuation: A clean, organised property creates a positive impression and can influence estate agents to assign a higher market value. 
  • Repairs made easier: With the clutter removed, you’ll have better access to problem areas that may require repairs or improvements.
  • Streamlined selling process: A decluttered and well-presented home is more likely to grab buyers’ attention and result in faster offers. 

At this early stage of decluttering, focus on a room at a time and deal with all of the items that are visible as a priority. 

How to prepare a house for the market 

Once your home is decluttered, it’s time to tackle the broader tasks involved in putting it on the market. This list of key steps will ensure you’re on the right track. 

1: Improve your home’s appearance 

Small improvements can make a big difference in creating a great first impression. Make sure that you complete any aesthetic repairs. This might mean leaky taps, cracks in walls, or squeaky doors that could make the property appear neglected. Give your home a deep clean, including things like removing window smears and carpet cleaning. Concentrate on curb appeal to optimise first impressions. For example, tidy the garden, paint the front door, and ensure the exterior looks inviting. 

2: Stage your home 

With repairs undertaken and clutter removed, you can get on with staging your home. This means arranging furniture and decor to showcase the functionality and potential of each space. Keep it neutral, since buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property. 

3: Invite estate agents for valuation 

Have at least three estate agents value your property to get a balanced view of its worth. Choose agents based on their local knowledge, reputation, and marketing strategies. 

4: Appoint an estate agent 

Once you’ve chosen your agent, sign the necessary agreements and work closely with them to craft a compelling property listing. 

5: Schedule viewings 

Decide whether to have individual viewings or hold an open house. Both approaches have their merits, depending on your schedule and selling goals. Your estate agent will understand the local market and be able to advise on which approach is appropriate.

6: Plan your onward move 

While your property is being marketed, start planning your next home. This could involve researching areas, budgeting, and viewing properties to stay ahead of the process. It’s always a delicate balance with many unknowns. 

Storing for sales benefits 

Decluttering your home need not mean a blanket discarding of your belongings. Many items can be moved into storage for the duration of the sales process. You might choose to store personal items such as family photos, heirlooms, gadgets you don’t use regularly, excess furniture, or seasonal decor. Make sure you leave versatile furniture and minimal, tasteful decor to showcase functionality and style. 

Moving excess items into a storage unit is the ideal way to manage the contents of your home while you sell your property. This is especially so if you’re moving to a larger space which can accommodate more of your belongings than your current home. If you’re downsizing, you might look at longer term storage. Your storage unit will not only keep your home tidy but also simplifies your eventual move. 

Improvements and repairs 

Not all repairs or upgrades are worth the investment, so how do you decide what to focus on? Remember that first impressions are crucial, so key aesthetics like walls and floors will be noticed. Especially since your decluttering will have made them more visible. 

  • High ROI changes: Repainting walls in neutral colours, modernising light fixtures, and replacing worn carpets are cost-effective and create a fresh look. 
  • Avoid over-personalisation: Buyers have varied tastes, so don’t be tempted into bold design choices that may not appeal to everyone. 
  • Major repairs: If your property has fundamental issues, like damp or structural problems, address them to avoid deterring potential buyers. Alternatively, you will need to alter your asking price to accommodate these repairs taking place in the future.  

A good rule of thumb is to focus on fixes that enhance functionality and visual appeal without breaking the bank. 

Using storage solutions 

Using a storage unit during the sale process offers practical and stress-reducing benefits. This is not only for the viewing princess, but for the experience of sales and moving too.

  • Cleared space: By storing excess furniture and belongings, your home appears more open and inviting to potential buyers. It’ll also be easier to keep clean in between viewings. 
  • Easy transition: With some items already packed away, your actual move becomes quicker and more organised when the time comes. 
  • Safe and secure: Storage facilities provide a safe space to keep valuables or sentimental items during open houses and viewings. 

By combining decluttering, careful planning, and professional storage, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale with less stress. These simple steps can have a very real impact on the value of your home and the speed with which you’ll receive offers. Get your storage unit quote today to begin the process of a seamless home move with Blue Box!

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