Putting your home on the market is a good opportunity to create more space and give each room a fresh, uncluttered appearance. However, preparing a property for sale can create an awkward problem. You may want to remove furniture and belongings to make the house look its best, but you do not necessarily want to sell, donate or throw away things that you still need.
Self storage can provide a useful middle ground. By temporarily moving some possessions out of your home, you can make the property easier to present to potential buyers while keeping hold of the things you may want in your next home.
Why does decluttering matter when selling a home?
Potential buyers need to be able to see the property rather than simply seeing everything that is currently inside it.
Too much furniture can make rooms appear smaller, while crowded shelves, surfaces and cupboards can make a home feel as though it has less storage than it really does. Removing some of these items can make the available space much easier to appreciate.
This is particularly important when you are preparing photographs for your property listing. Good photographs are often the first impression potential buyers have of your home, so creating a sense of space can make a difference.
What do you do with everything you remove?
Decluttering is relatively straightforward if you have lots of things that you are happy to throw away or donate. It becomes more difficult when the belongings are perfectly useful but simply do not need to be in the house while it is being sold.
For example, you might have:
* A spare bed or other furniture
* Boxes of books and personal belongings
* Seasonal clothes
* Christmas decorations
* Children's toys
* Sports and hobby equipment
* Garden furniture
* Items currently stored in the loft or garage
Rather than finding temporary homes for all of these things around the property, self storage gives you a dedicated place to keep them.
Give buyers a better view of each room
A room does not need to be empty to look attractive, but it does need to be possible to see how the space can be used.
If a spare bedroom has become a general storage room, clearing some of its contents can make a significant difference. Similarly, reducing the amount of furniture in a living room can make the floor area and layout much easier to appreciate.
You may find that storing just a few larger items is enough to change the overall feel of a room.
Make your storage spaces work harder
Potential buyers will often want to look inside cupboards, garages, lofts and other storage areas. If every available space is packed with belongings, it can be difficult to demonstrate how much storage the property actually provides.
Moving some possessions into self storage can give you an opportunity to organise these areas before viewings.
A clearer garage, for example, may allow buyers to see that there is room for a car, workshop, bikes or other equipment. An organised loft can give a better impression of the storage available within the property.
Keep your home looking tidy between viewings
One of the less obvious benefits of decluttering is that it can make everyday life easier while your home is being marketed.
When there are fewer belongings around the house, there is less to tidy away before someone comes to view the property. This can be particularly helpful if you have children, pets, hobbies or a busy schedule.
You are still living in your home, so it is unrealistic to expect everything to remain perfectly tidy. Removing some of the things you use less often can simply make the process more manageable.
Keep belongings rather than making rushed decisions
Selling a property can involve a lot of decisions, and you do not necessarily need to make all of them at the same time.
You may not yet know how much furniture will fit into your next home. You may be planning to redecorate or renovate after moving. You may also have belongings that you want to keep but do not currently have room for.
Self storage gives you time.
Instead of making a permanent decision simply because your house is going on the market, you can put those belongings somewhere secure and decide what to do with them later.
What happens after your home sells?
Once you have completed the sale and moved, you can return to your stored belongings with a clearer idea of what you actually need.
Some items may move into your new home. Others may be sold, donated or disposed of once you have more time to sort through them.
This can make self storage particularly useful as a temporary part of the house-selling process rather than a permanent commitment.
Choosing self storage when selling your home
Every property is different, so the amount of storage required will depend on how much you want to remove.
You may only need enough space for a few pieces of furniture and some boxes, or you may want to clear a significant amount of the contents from your home.
At STAR selfstore, you can choose from different storage options depending on what you need to store. Having a dedicated storage unit means your belongings are kept together rather than being moved from room to room while you prepare for viewings.
For homeowners selling their property, that extra space can make the whole process of preparing for sale considerably easier.
FAQ
Is it worth decluttering before selling a house?
Decluttering can help potential buyers see the size, layout and potential of your property more easily. It can also make rooms, cupboards and other storage areas appear more spacious.
Where can I put furniture when selling my house?
Self storage provides a convenient option for furniture that you want to keep but do not need in your home while it is being marketed.
Should I empty my garage before selling my home?
You do not necessarily need to empty it, but removing excess belongings can make the available space easier for potential buyers to see and understand.
Can I use self storage temporarily while my house is for sale?
Yes. Self storage can be used for as long as you need it, making it suitable for the period when your property is being prepared, marketed and sold.
Does decluttering mean getting rid of my belongings?
No. Decluttering can simply mean removing things from your living space. Self storage allows you to keep belongings while creating a less crowded home for viewings.
