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The numbers don't lie: clean, well-presented (decluttered and lightly staged) homes consistently outperform cluttered ones. Totally empty homes, however, can feel cold and make it hard for buyers to gauge scale. Whether you're preparing a family home for sale or helping elderly parents downsize, these statistics prove that a fresh, organized look—paired with a few tasteful furnishings—isn't just about aesthetics: it's about money.
The Price Impact: Real Numbers
Cleaned homes can sell for 5% ABOVE asking price
Uncleaned homes can sell for 3% BELOW asking price
That's an 8-point swing that can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket. On a $300,000 home, we're talking about a potential $24,000 difference.
More Eye-Opening Stats:
• 95% of real estate agents recommend decluttering before listing
• 6-10% higher sale prices for professionally cleaned and staged homes
• 29% of agents report 1-10% value increases for staged properties
• Faster sales reported by nearly half of sellers who staged
Why Cleared Homes Win Every Time
First Impressions Form in 60 Seconds
Buyers make emotional decisions within the first minute of walking through a door. Clutter screams "problem house" while clear spaces whisper "move-in ready."
Space Looks Bigger
Lightly staged rooms photograph best and feel more spacious. A few neutral pieces define scale and function; removing excess furniture creates breathing room.
Buyers Can Envision Their Life
When personal items and clutter are gone, potential buyers can mentally move their own belongings in. Simple, neutral furnishings give helpful reference points without distraction.
What "Cleared-Out" Actually Means
Surface Level:
• Countertops completely clear
• No personal photos or memorabilia
• Minimal, neutral furniture (about ⅓ of normal) to define rooms
• Empty closets show storage space
Deep Level:
• No boxes stacked anywhere
• Basement/garage organized or empty
• All repairs completed
• Fresh paint where needed
Common Mistakes That Cost Money
❌ Leaving "just a few" personal items
❌ Partial decluttering (buyers notice inconsistency)
❌ Storing items in garages/basements (buyers look everywhere)
❌ Thinking buyers will "see past the clutter" (they won't)
Making It Manageable
Decluttering an entire home: especially a family home with decades of memories: feels overwhelming. That's where having a system makes all the difference.
Our workbook helps families organize and complete each stage of home preparation, from initial sorting to final staging. Instead of tackling everything at once, you work through specific steps that build momentum and prevent decision fatigue.
The Process:
- Sort systematically (one room, one category at a time)
- Make decisions quickly (keep, donate, sell, trash)
- Stage strategically (highlight the home's best features)
- Document progress (stay motivated and on track)
The Bottom Line
These statistics prove what real estate professionals see every day: clean, organized, and lightly staged homes don't just sell faster: they can sell for significantly more money.*
The investment in decluttering and staging pays for itself many times over, making it one of the smartest financial decisions you can make when preparing to sell.
Whether you're helping parents downsize or preparing an estate sale, remember that every box removed and every surface cleared is adding dollars to the final sale price.
Guiding families through change, one step at a time.
*Information from internet search. Your local area will likely differ. Talk with your agent to get recommendations.