Things to Remove from Your Home Before Selling
- Patriot Real Properties
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
By Rasheda McGee - Real Estate Author, Strategist, Investor, and Professional at Patriot Real Properties
📞 201.301.4054
I’ve walked though a lot of home and let me tell you this: it doesn’t matter how amazing your granite countertops are or how lovingly you remodeled the master bath….if your home feels cluttered, buyers will walk away without really seeing it.
Selling a home is as much about emotion as it is about structure. People don’t just want to buy a house, they want to imagine a better version of their lives in it. That’s why staging (even if you’re doing it yourself) is so important.
Let me walk you through the top things you should remove before you list your home or host that first open house. Trust me - the future-you (and your future buyers) will thank you.
Kitchen + Bathroom Clutter (Say Goodbye to the “Stuff Drawer”)
You know that drawer with 14 mismatched Tupperware lids? It’s gotta go.
Buyers want to feel like your home has space. So when they open cabinets and drawers (yes, they will!), make sure they’re no more than two-thirds full. Pre-pack what you won’t need for the next 90 days. Old toiletries, crusty mascara, plastic “gimme” cups from every takeout joint - purge it! This is a great time to clean and feel lighter in the process.
Seasonal Items
If it’s summer, your entry closet shouldn’t look like a ski lodge. Pack up the winter boots, coats, Halloween bins, and twinkle lights. These bulky items eat up valuable space and remind buyers that there isn’t enough room, even if that’s not true.
Pro tip: Store them offsite or neatly in labeled bins in a garage or storage unit (not in your hallway or guest room).
Personal Photos + Items
Here’s the truth: as much as you adore your wedding photos or the art project your child made in kindergarten, buyers need to envision their lives in your home not yours.
I always say this with heart: depersonalizing doesn’t erase your story; it just opens the door for someone else to begin theirs. Remove anything with names, religious or political statements, family portraits, and sentimental keepsakes. Tuck them away for your new home.
Kid Clutter
Look, I’m a mom - I get it. Kids come with stuff. But when you’re prepping your home to sell, less is more. Remove any outgrown clothes, excess toys, and old baby gear you’re not using.
If it feels overwhelming, start one room at a time. You might be surprised how much more open your home feels and how many items you might be ready to donate or pass on.
Extra Furniture
When getting your home ready to sell or staging or, your goal is to show off space, not your full furniture collection. That second recliner, bulky bookshelf, or extra side table you never use? Time to let them go - or at least move them into storage temporarily.
Think of it like this: You’re not just selling a home; you’re selling square footage. Let that space shine!
Exterior Distractions
First impressions matter. The moment a buyer pulls up to your home, they’re deciding how they feel. That means:
Put away lawn equipment
Remove dead plants and weeds
Stash the bikes, scooters, or oversized inflatables
Tidy up the porch (no shoes, no clutter)
Bonus points: a fresh mow and trimmed bushes can elevate your curb appeal big time!
Stuff You’re Donating Anyway
You know that dresser you’ve been meaning to give away? Or the old futon in the basement that’s more eyesore than seating? If you’re not taking it to your next home, don’t let it sabotage your sale. Worn or outdated furniture sends the wrong signal—and makes buyers wonder what else might be “on its way out.”
Decluttering now puts you one step closer to your next chapter, and might even inspire you to lighten your load for good.
Pet Supplies
I love animals….but not everyone does! And even pet lovers don’t want to see (or smell) signs of someone else’s fur family.
Put away crates, food bowls, toys, scratching posts, and - please - litter boxes before showings! If you can air out pet spaces, even better. And if Fido can go for a walk during an open house? That’s gold.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home is a journey and sometimes, it starts with a few tough goodbyes (to the clutter, not your memories). But with each item you remove, you’re creating space for something new for the buyer walking in, and for your own future.
At Patriot Real Properties, we don’t just sell homes, we help people transition into the next chapter of their lives, thoughtfully and strategically. If you need help prepping your home, from staging tips to pricing strategies, you know where to find me.
📞 201.301.4054
With heart, hustle, and a little elbow grease,
Rasheda McGee
Real Estate Author, Strategist, Investor
Patriot Real Properties
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