🧹 How to Declutter Before Selling Your Home: 7 Easy Steps to Boost Your Sale Price

When you're getting ready to sell your home, one of the most important things you can do is declutter. A clean, spacious, and well-organized home not only shows better in photos and showings—it can also help you sell faster and for a higher price.

At 865 Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of Knoxville-area homeowners through the moving process, and decluttering is always the first step. Here’s how to do it right:

🏠 1. Start With the "Big Impact" Areas

Focus on the areas buyers notice first:

• Entryway

• Living room

• Kitchen

• Primary bedroom

• Bathroom counters

Clear surfaces, organize shelves, and remove unnecessary furniture to make each space feel bigger and brighter.

📦 2. Use the 3-Box Rule

Go room by room and label 3 boxes:

• Keep (essential or decorative)

• Donate/Sell (gently used, but not needed)

• Trash (broken, expired, worn out)

This simple method keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you make quick decisions.

🧺 3. Reduce Closet Clutter by 50%

Buyers WILL look in closets. You want them to think: “Wow, there’s a lot of space!”

• Remove half your clothes and store off-site.

• Use matching hangers for a clean look.

• Organize shoes, bags, and folded items neatly.

🍽 4. Clear Off Countertops

In kitchens and bathrooms, less is more.

• Put away small appliances, extra soap bottles, or spice racks.

• Leave only a few clean, stylish items (e.g. a vase or bowl of fruit).

This helps buyers focus on your home’s features—not your belongings.

🛋 5. Remove Personal Items

Depersonalizing helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

• Pack away family photos, kids’ drawings, and personal memorabilia.

• Simplify wall art and decor.

• Remove anything controversial (political, religious, etc.).

📦 6. Use Temporary Storage

If you're not ready to part with certain items, consider renting a storage unit or using our short-term storage services at 865 Movers. It keeps your space tidy and your valuables safe until after your home is sold.

💰 7. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Decluttering gives you a head start on moving—and can even make you money!

• Host a yard sale

• List items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist

• Donate to Goodwill or local shelters in Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, or Loudon

🎯 Final Tip: Declutter Before Listing Photos

Your online listing is your first impression. Make sure your home looks spacious, clean, and inviting before the photographer shows up.

Need Help Decluttering Before Your Move?

At 865 Movers, we offer more than just moving—we’re here to make the entire process easier. Whether you need help packing, moving large furniture, or temporary storage, our professional Knoxville movers are ready to help.

📞 Call us today at 865-383-7856 or request a free quote and start your move the right way—with a clutter-free home that sells fast!