Posted by Maryann Quenet on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 12:52pm.
Is your Toronto home bursting at the seams? Are you dreaming of a smooth, stress-free sale but dreading the thought of endless decluttering? You're not alone! Many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "stuff" accumulated over the years. But here's a secret: smart decluttering before you list your home isn't just about tidying up; it's a powerful strategy that can make your home more appealing to buyers, help it sell faster, and even fetch a better price.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what should be put into storage before listing your home, turning what seems like a daunting task into a strategic step toward a successful sale. We'll explore why decluttering matters, what items to focus on, and how a little preparation can lead to a big payoff when it comes to selling your Toronto property. If you're ready to transform your home into a buyer's dream and navigate the selling process with ease, keep reading! And when you're ready to put these strategies into action and sell your home for top dollar, remember that The Johnson Team is here to help.
Think of your home as a blank canvas when potential buyers walk through the door. You want them to imagine their life there, not be distracted by your belongings. Decluttering is your superpower because it creates that inviting, spacious canvas.
Buyers often decide if they like a home within the first few minutes. Clutter can make even a spacious home feel small, messy, and uninviting. A clean, uncluttered home, however, feels open, airy, and well-maintained. It sends a message that the home has been cared for, which builds trust with buyers.
It's a simple trick of the eye: less stuff equals more space. When your rooms are free of excess furniture and personal items, they instantly appear larger and more open. This is especially important in Toronto's competitive housing market, where every square foot counts.
When buyers see too much of your personal life on display – family photos, collections, unique decor – it makes it harder for them to picture themselves living there. Decluttering and depersonalizing helps buyers connect emotionally with the space and see it as their future home.
In a bustling city like Toronto, you want your home to shine. A decluttered and well-staged home stands out from the competition. It shows buyers that you're serious about selling and that your home is move-in ready.
Now that you understand why decluttering is so important, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what to store. Think of this as your essential checklist for transforming your home into a buyer magnet.
Your entryway is the first impression buyers get. Make it count!
Coats and Shoes: Limit the number of coats in the hall closet to just a few, and keep only one or two pairs of shoes by the door. Store seasonal items, extra jackets, and all other shoes in storage.
Mail and Keys: Clear off any console tables or shelves. Use a small decorative bowl for keys or a simple mail sorter, but ensure it's neat and not overflowing. Consider storing these items away entirely during showings.
Decor: Keep decorative items minimal. One piece of art or a simple vase with flowers is often enough. Remove any personal photos or excessive knick-knacks.
The living room should feel inviting and spacious.
Excess Furniture: If your living room feels crowded, consider storing one or two pieces of furniture, like an extra armchair or a large bookshelf. The goal is to create clear pathways and make the room feel larger.
Personal Collections: Whether it's a collection of unique figurines, travel souvenirs, or stacks of magazines, pack them away. These items are highly personal and can distract buyers.
Books and DVDs: While a few tastefully arranged books can add warmth, large, overflowing bookshelves can make a room feel cramped. Pack up most of your book and DVD collections.
Family Photos: It's tough, but true: personal photos make it harder for buyers to envision their own family in the space. Store all family photos.
Children's Toys: Keep toys to a bare minimum and ensure they are neatly put away in a toy box or basket. For showings, ideally, all toys should be out of sight.
A clean, organized kitchen sells homes! Buyers want to see counter space and imagine cooking their own meals.
Countertop Appliances: Store away all but the absolute essentials. Think toaster and coffee maker, but even these can be stored for showings. Remove blenders, food processors, bread makers, and anything else that takes up valuable counter space.
Dish Racks and Drying Mats: These instantly make a kitchen look busy. Put them away before every showing.
Excess Cookware and Dishes: Clear out half of your cupboards. Buyers will open them! Pack away seldom-used pots, pans, serving dishes, and specialty bakeware.
Pantry Items: Organize your pantry and remove any expired food or items you don't use regularly. A well-organized, half-empty pantry looks more appealing than a packed one.
Magnets and Papers on the Fridge: Remove all magnets, photos, and papers from the refrigerator door.
Dining Table Clutter: Clear the dining table completely, or set it simply with a vase of flowers or a single centerpiece. Store away placemats, chargers, and any daily use items.
Bedrooms should feel like peaceful retreats.
Clothing: This is a big one! Clothes can quickly overwhelm closets and dressers. Pack away off-season clothing, clothes you don't wear often, and any excess items. Aim for closets that are no more than two-thirds full.
Personal Items: Just like in the living room, store away family photos, personal mementos, and anything that makes the room feel too "yours."
Nightstand Clutter: Keep nightstands clear with minimal items – perhaps a lamp and a book. Store away lotions, medications, and excessive decor.
Under the Bed Storage: If you use under-bed storage, make sure it's neat and not overflowing. Better yet, if possible, remove it entirely to give the impression of more open space.
Children's Bedrooms: Encourage children to pack away most of their toys and personal items. Keep the room looking tidy and inviting.
Buyers want to see clean, functional bathrooms.
Personal Toiletries: Store away all personal toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair products, lotions, and medications.
Extra Towels and Linens: Keep only a few fresh, clean towels on display. Store away any excess.
Shower Caddies: Remove shower caddies and all products from the shower during showings.
Medicine Cabinets: Buyers will open medicine cabinets! Remove all prescription medications and personal items. Organize what remains neatly.
Decorative Items: Keep decor minimal and neutral – a nice soap dispenser, a small plant, or a scented candle.
For many Toronto residents, a home office is a key feature. Showcase its functionality, not its clutter.
Paperwork and Files: Store away all loose papers, personal files, and excess office supplies.
Cables and Wires: Tidy up all computer cables and wires. Use cable ties to keep them out of sight.
Personal Mementos: Remove photos, certificates, and any personal decor.
Excess Equipment: If you have multiple printers, scanners, or other office equipment, store anything that isn't absolutely essential.
A well-maintained laundry room is a bonus.
Detergents and Supplies: Store away excessive laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and cleaning supplies. Keep only one or two neatly organized items.
Laundry Baskets: Remove any visible laundry baskets, especially those with dirty clothes.
Even if these areas are for storage, an organized approach still matters.
Organize and Stack: Stack boxes neatly, label them clearly, and create pathways so buyers can walk through the space.
Remove Hazardous Materials: Store away any dangerous chemicals, paints, or flammable materials safely and out of sight.
Declutter Tools and Equipment: Neatly organize tools, gardening equipment, and sporting goods. If you have large items you won't need, consider storing them off-site.
Once you've identified what needs to go, you need a plan for where it will go.
For most homeowners, especially those with larger homes or significant amounts of clutter, a storage unit is the best option. It gets everything out of your home completely, creating maximum space and minimizing distractions for buyers. Look for clean, secure, and climate-controlled units in your area.
If you have a very supportive friend or family member with extra space, this can be a cost-effective alternative. Just make sure you don't overstay your welcome!
While the goal is to make your home appear spacious, if you simply don't have enough room and a storage unit isn't an option, you might need to get creative. However, do not simply pile everything in one room and call it "storage." This defeats the purpose.
Decluttering and storing your belongings might seem like a huge undertaking, but the benefits are enormous.
Faster Sale: Homes that are clean, bright, and spacious sell faster.
Higher Sale Price: Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that feels well-maintained and move-in ready.
Less Stress During Showings: With less stuff in your home, it's easier to keep it clean and ready for last-minute showings.
Easier Moving Process: You've already done a significant portion of your packing, making the actual move much smoother.
Selling your home is a significant undertaking, but by embracing smart decluttering and strategic storage, you're not just clearing out clutter; you're setting the stage for a highly successful sale. A home that feels spacious, inviting, and meticulously cared for will capture the hearts of potential buyers and ensure you get the best possible return on your investment in the vibrant Toronto real estate market. This effort now will pay dividends in the form of a quicker sale and a more profitable outcome.
Are you ready to transform your Toronto home into a buyer's dream and navigate the selling process with confidence? Don't go it alone! The Johnson Team, a renowned name in Toronto real estate, is known for their unparalleled market knowledge and creative marketing strategies. Jeff and Liz Johnson and their team of experts prioritize individualized service and focus on clients' needs, ensuring your expectations are not just met, but surpassed. Whether you're thinking about selling your home or are ready to start the process, The Johnson Team has extensive experience marketing properties and showing them to their best advantage. Contact The Johnson Team today to get connected with a Seller's Agent and start your successful home selling journey!