A Simple Pre-Sale Decluttering Checklist

And Why It Makes Styling More Effective 

The pre-sale decluttering checklist is one of the most effective - and often underestimated - steps when preparing a home for sale.

Professional styling, photography, or inspections, decluttering creates the foundation that allows your home to feel calm, spacious, and inviting. It removes distractions, improves flow, and helps buyers focus on the home itself rather than the belongings within it.

This simple checklist will help you prepare your home thoughtfully and without overwhelm.

Start With the Right Mindset

Decluttering doesn’t mean removing all personality.

It simply means editing back so buyers can clearly see the space.

A good rule of thumb is this:

If an item doesn’t help a buyer imagine living in the home, it’s best packed away.

Throughout the Whole Home

☐ Remove excess decorative items

☐ Pack away personal photos and memorabilia

☐ Clear shelves, sideboards, and window sills

☐ Store paperwork, mail, and everyday clutter

☐ Remove surplus furniture to improve flow

Why this matters:

Clear surfaces allow rooms to feel larger and more functional. When professional styling is added later, it enhances the space rather than competing with personal items.

Living & Dining Areas

☐ Reduce cushions, throws, and accessories

☐ Clear coffee tables and side tables- leave a few decorative items

☐ Remove extra chairs or occasional furniture

☐ Tidy entertainment units and hide visible cords

Styling insight:

Buyers respond strongly to balance and ease of movement. Decluttered living areas allow furniture placement and layout to work effectively, helping the space feel welcoming and well proportioned.

Kitchen

☐ Clear bench tops (leave only one or two neutral items)

☐ Pack away small appliances

☐ Declutter cupboards and drawers

☐ Remove fridge magnets, notes, and photos

Why this matters:

A clutter-free kitchen feels cleaner, more spacious, and better maintained — all signals buyers respond to emotionally and logically.

Bedrooms

☐ Clear bedside tables

☐ Remove personal items and excess décor

☐ Store out-of-season clothing

☐ Reduce wardrobe contents to show space

Styling insight:

When wardrobes look spacious, bedrooms feel larger. Decluttering allows styling to create a calm, restful atmosphere rather than working around visual noise.

Bathrooms

☐ Remove all personal toiletries

☐ Clear vanity tops- leaving a decorative soap pump and a small plant or flowers

☐ Store spare towels and cleaning products

☐ Remove excess bath mats

Why this matters:

Bathrooms should feel fresh and hotel-like. Decluttering allows simple styling to elevate the space and improve photography and inspection appeal.

Entry, Hallways & Storage

☐ Clear shoes, bags, and coats

☐ Remove excess hooks and baskets

☐ Keep floors completely clear

☐ Declutter garages, sheds, and storage areas

Styling insight:

First impressions are critical. Clear entry spaces allow buyers to experience the home without visual clutter from the moment they walk in.

Outdoor Areas

☐ Remove unused outdoor furniture

☐ Pack away tools, hoses, and garden clutter

☐ Sweep patios, balconies, and entryways

☐ Tidy lawns and garden beds

Outdoor areas are an extension of the home. Decluttering allows buyers to imagine lifestyle — entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living.

A Final Tip From a Stylist’s Perspective

If you’re unsure whether something should stay or go, ask yourself:

“Does this help a buyer imagine living here?”

Decluttering early makes every next step easier — cleaning, styling, photography, and inspections. When professional styling is layered onto a well-decluttered home, the result is more impactful, cohesive, and emotionally engaging.

Preparing for Styling or Photography?

Once your home is decluttered, professional styling can elevate the presentation further — helping buyers connect with the space and see its full potential.

If you’d like guidance on what to prioritise before styling or photography, we’re always happy to help.