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Declutter Your Home: The Ultimate Guide to Selling Fast | How to Get Rid of Your Stuff

Decluttering Your Home: A Practical Guide

Author

Ark
June 12, 2025

Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, especially when years or even decades of memories and belongings have accumulated. Whether you’re preparing to move, downsizing, or simply seeking a more organized space, the process can be both emotionally and logistically challenging. This guide, inspired by insights from Katie, a real estate expert who has helped hundreds of sellers declutter their homes, offers practical, manageable steps to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

Why Declutter? It’s More Than Just Moving

Decluttering isn’t only for those planning an imminent move. It’s for anyone looking to simplify their life, whether you’re transitioning to a new phase or planning for a move years down the line. Starting early can save you from the stress, expense, and emotional toll of last-minute efforts. By creating a plan and schedule, you can make decluttering a manageable process, tailored to your timeline—whether it’s a few months or several years.

The Emotional Reality: Nobody Wants Your Stuff

One of the hardest truths to accept is that your belongings, no matter how valuable or sentimental, may not hold the same appeal for others. Items like furniture, even if expensive or well-maintained, often don’t fetch high prices or interest from younger generations. Trends have shifted toward minimalism, with many preferring inexpensive, trendy pieces over heirlooms. This can be particularly tough for those over 60 who’ve seen families struggle over inherited items. Accepting this early can help you focus on what truly matters: keeping what you love and letting go of the rest.

Step 1: Create a Plan and Timeline

Start by assessing your timeline. Are you moving soon, or is this a long-term project? Work backward from your goal to set realistic milestones. For example:

  • Short-term (1–6 months): Focus on quick wins, like clearing out one room at a time.

  • Long-term (1–5 years): Tackle decluttering gradually, dedicating a few hours each week or month.

Having a plan prevents the process from becoming overwhelming and ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Step 2: Sort Your Belongings into Four Categories

To stay organized, sort your items into four bins:

  1. Keep: Items you’ll take to your next home. Pack these early to thin out your space, especially if you’re selling your home.

  2. Sell items you believe have value. Be realistic—most furniture or decor won’t fetch much. Selling on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay can be time-consuming and may not be worth the effort.

  3. Donate items in good condition that others could use. Check with local charities like Goodwill, but note that some may not accept furniture.

  4. Trash: Items that are damaged or unusable. Consider renting a dumpster from Home Depot or Lowe’s for large quantities.

Sorting early allows you to pack as you go, making the process feel less daunting.

Step 3: Let Go with Purpose

Giving away items can be surprisingly liberating. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace are ideal for donating items for free. For example, posting an item with a note like “Free, first come, first served” can attract takers quickly. You might even find joy in choosing who receives your belongings, like donating a pool table to a community center.

If you have valuable items like antiques or high-end furniture, consider hiring an estate sale company like Caring Transitions. They handle everything, from organizing to selling, for a fee, typically returning 80% of the proceeds to you. Alternatively, services like Honest Junk (in the Chicago area) collect items for a fee, donating usable goods to those in need, which may qualify as a tax deduction.

Step 4: Be Practical About Storage

If you’re moving, you don’t necessarily need a storage facility. Neatly packed boxes in a garage or basement corner are acceptable during home showings—buyers understand you’re in transition. Stack boxes carefully to maintain a tidy appearance, especially in areas not photographed for listings.

Step 5: Embrace the Emotional Process

Decluttering can stir up emotions, especially when parting with sentimental items. Ask yourself:

  • Have I used this in the last year or two?

  • Could someone else benefit from it more?

Letting go doesn’t diminish the memories tied to your belongings. Instead, it frees up space for new experiences and reduces the burden on your family.

Practical Tips for Decluttering Success

  • Start Small: Begin with one drawer, closet, or room to build momentum.

  • Avoid Selling Stress: Selling items online can feel like a part-time job. Unless you have time and patience, donating is often easier.

  • Use Free Resources: Post items for free on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist (though the latter may feel less safe). Always prioritize safety when arranging pickups.

  • Consider Professional Help: For large-scale decluttering, estate sale companies or junk removal services can save time and effort.

  • Think Long-Term: Even if you’re not moving soon, decluttering now can make your home more enjoyable and reduce future stress.

The Reward of a Clutter-Free Life

Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll likely wonder why you didn’t start sooner. A streamlined home not only looks better—especially if you’re selling—but also creates a sense of mental clarity. As Katie notes, “When things are nice and neat, it makes the mind nice and neat as well.” By planning ahead, sorting thoughtfully, and letting go with purpose, you’ll transform decluttering from a daunting task into an empowering step toward a fresh start.

For more resources, consider checking out tools like the Sellers Playbook or courses like the Ready Set Sell Master Class, which offer step-by-step guidance for preparing your home for sale. Start today, and take the first step toward a lighter, more organized future.

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