Thinking of parting ways with your beloved home in the coming year? That’s great — change can be exciting. But, before receiving top-dollar that you can use for your next purchase, there’s a little work required.

Staging is crucial, but it’s the pre-prepping stage that makes the magic happen. Decluttering and organizing can transform a property. A blank slate helps potential buyers envision themselves in your space.

I get it, your home is brimming with years of memories and a treasure trove of possessions, and the thought of preparing it for sale may seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, I can help you navigate the process with minimal stress and maximum reward.

Money Talks

Why bother with all the purging, decluttering, and organizing? Because it works! I’ve had homes sell for way over asking price with multiple offers, sometimes raking in an extra $100,000 or more! 

So, let’s get invest in the process.

Timing is Everything

Ideally, start prepping your home about 6 to 12 months before you list. It may sound like a lot of work, but fear not! With a little help, it can be easy and therapeutic.

If you have kids coming home from college or a school break, make it a family affair. It may be easier to part with trinkets when others are involved.

If you’re in a time crunch, it’s possible to operate with an efficient 3-month timeline. I can serve as a ‘project manager’ to keep things running smoothly. My extensive network and I will help you every step of the way.

Step 1: Declutter

Before we even think about organizing, let’s declutter. Focus on one room at a time. No need to overwhelm yourself; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Tips on how to declutter with purpose:

What to keep/what to get rid of:

Toss anything you haven’t touched in over a year that’s not worth selling or donating.
Donate anything you haven’t used in over a year but that someone else might find useful.
Box up items you’ve used in the past year but not recently. If you’re downsizing, think about renting a storage unit for non-essential items. It’ll help you make those tough decisions while keeping your cherished possessions safe.
Keep things you use daily or weekly.

What to do with specific items:

Batteries/electronics: Dispose of them safely, following local guidelines.  
Paper: Shred and toss receipts you no longer need and outdated paperwork.
Furniture: Discard if broken beyond repair or not appealing to buyers.
Gently used clothing: Donate what you don’t feel you will wear anymore after spending a day looking through your closet.
Bulky, hazardous, or excess items: Rent a dumpster or call a junk removal service.

Step 2: Organize

Once we’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to organize. Start with the high-traffic areas: living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. These spaces leave a lasting impression on potential buyers, so make them pristine.

Kitchen: Organize those cabinets and pantry to show off a tidy, clutter-free kitchen.
Bathroom: Clear countertops and neatly stack toiletries and cosmetics. Hang bright white towels for a luxe feel.
Living room: Arrange furniture to create a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. Show off the room’s potential functionality and flow.
Closets: Neat closets with uniform hangers convey ample storage space and contribute to a polished look.
Yard: Spruce up the front and back yards, clean up, declutter, and pay attention to details like raking leaves and pool maintenance to create an inviting outdoor space.
Office space: Tidy desks, but be careful not to toss important documents like trusts, wills, insurance policies, tax returns, and power of attorney documents.

Step 3: Clean

Now that everything is organized, it’s time to make your home shine!

Give all surfaces a thorough scrub for that polished and well-maintained appearance.
Enlist professional help if you need.

Now that your home is a blank, clean canvas, you can prepare to stage. For 10 tips on staging, click here.

Fiona’s Resource Guide

As a seasoned real estate pro, I’ve got a treasure trove of knowledge and a network of trusted contacts to make this process a breeze. Check out some of my go-to resources in Westchester and the surrounding area:

The Resource: home management, organizing, moving & relocation, staging support, and more

123 Organize: move management, organizing, and staging

Professional Organizer by Tory: professional organizing services

Black Rock Galleries: upscale auctions

Auction Ninja: a leading platform for online estate sales and auctions

By following my lead and tapping into my network, you’ll not only sail through the Pre-Prep Process but also maximize your financial gains. Whether you’re starting a year ahead or need a quick turnaround, your home will leave the absolute best impression.

🏡 Thinking of selling, please feel free to reach out for a consultation:

📲 914.414.5147
📧 Fiona.Dogan@JuliaBFee.com
🖥 fionadogan.com