When you move into a new house it takes time to get settled. Finding the right spot for family photos and knick-knacks, proudly displaying your kid’s hand-print on the fridge, filling bookcases and countertops, are some of the things that help to make a house a home. But when it’s time to sell that home, success starts with turning it back into a house.

Packrat or not, people collect an amazing amount of stuff! These quick tips will help you to clean up your home and make it more appealing to buyers.

• If you don’t need it, get rid of it! A good rule of thumb to follow is if you haven’t used it in over a year it’s time to let it go. Go through every room in the house, including drawers and closets, and purge all toss-able items.
• Pack away knick-knacks, like that Chia Pet you started growing back in college. While the Chia Pet is awesome, you don’t want buyers wondering “Who has a Chia Pet? What kind of person lives here!?” Instead you want them thinking, “My Chia Pet would be perfect here!”
• Take down family photos and heirlooms. De-personalizing your house allows a buyer to see themselves living there, rather than you.
• Clear kitchen counters, including appliances like stand-mixers and coffee makers. Your kitchen will look cleaner and bigger.
• Put daily essential items into containers that can easily be stored away when it’s time to show the house. No one wants to see a crusty toothbrush and rusty razor.
• Move non-essentials into storage, like ottomans, extra blankets, board games, and coats hanging by the door. Too much furniture and unnecessary stuff in a room makes it appear smaller and feel crowded.

Remember, all this de-cluttering will give you a good head start on your eventual packing!