The winter clutter you must clear before you sell

Selling a property and decluttering go hand-in-hand. We know mess obscures a home, detracts viewers and can even negatively affect a house’s value but did you know decluttering has seasonal variations?

There is persistent clutter that builds up throughout the year: the stacks of paperwork and unopened post, long-forgotten toys and boardgames, recycling that never quite makes it to the bin and items destined for the charity shop.

Winter, however, leaves its very own clutter legacy. In this article we’ll help you identify the unappealing aspects that could let your property down this spring.

Don’t leave the leaves

One of the most common reminders of a harsh winter are fallen leaves. While they may have provided an attractive autumnal blanket, the extraordinarily wet winter just passed will have rendered crisp leaf piles soggy, slippery masses. You’ll improve the appearance of your outside space by clearing driveways, patios, lawns and front gardens of decaying leaves.

Remove dead plants

Unless you have a garden full of hardy evergreens, you’ll probably have a number of plants that are in need of attention or have come to the end of their lifecycle. We usually cram short-lived annual bedding plants into pots and hanging baskets, so check these first. Replace anything that’s dead with fresh, in-season plants and remove weeds. Perennials (plants that come back year-after-year) may need spent stems removing and deadheading, which will smarten their appearance.

The ghost of Christmas past

Spring is here so potential buyers won’t want to be greeted by a battered wreath on your front door, a string of icicle lights dangling precariously from your guttering or a ‘ho ho ho’ sign hiding in plain sight. Take down any lingering Christmas decorations and replace them with spring-themed items, should you feel compelled to add a seasonal flourish. 

Pack away knits, furs & fleeces

We very much doubt your choice of home accessories will make or break a sale but sometimes it’s the small details that leave a lasting impression. If you filled your home with warm, cosy things last winter, perhaps a heavy cable-knit throw or a faux fur rug, check if they feel out-of-season as we embrace warmer weather and lighter-for-loger days. If you’re looking for an accessory swap, look no further than fresh, seasonal flowers and house plants.

Streamline your hallway

Hallways are a hotspot for clutter but even more so in winter. Your accumulation of coats, umbrellas, muddy wellies, snow boots, gloves, hats and scarves can feel overwhelming - and the first thing people see when they arrive. Store away seasonal items or if the weather is unpredictable, find a temporary home for winter wear during photography and viewings.

Garden furniture

Although strictly not winter clutter, covers that protect garden furniture signal the end of the summer season and the advent of winter. Spring is a great time to uncover tables, chairs and garden sofas. Give furniture a wash down and if a dry day is forecast and you have a viewing, dig out the cushions!

If you have a spring in your step and would like an up-to-date valuation of your home, please get in touch.