Getting a property ready to go on the market can involve more than cleaning the windows and putting the garden in order. If your home contains years of furniture, possessions and everyday belongings, deciding what needs to stay and what can be moved elsewhere can be one of the biggest jobs.
Self storage can make this process easier by giving you somewhere to keep items temporarily. You can create more space in your home without having to part with belongings that you may want to take with you when you move.
Create a better first impression
First impressions matter when selling a property. Buyers need to be able to walk through your home and imagine themselves living there.
That can be difficult if rooms are dominated by furniture or if surfaces are covered with personal possessions. You know where everything belongs, but someone seeing the property for the first time may simply see a crowded room.
Removing some of the less essential items can help create a calmer and more spacious appearance.
This can also be helpful when taking photographs for your online property listing. A clearer room can make it easier for photographs to show the proportions and features of your home.
Start with the things you use least
You do not have to declutter your entire home in one weekend.
A practical approach is to begin with things you are unlikely to need before you move. Seasonal belongings are an obvious example. If you are selling your home in summer, you may not need winter coats, Christmas decorations or certain seasonal equipment for several months.
Other possibilities include:
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* Furniture from rooms that are rarely used
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*Collections and ornaments
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* Books you have already read
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* Sports equipment
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* Hobby materials
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* Garden equipment
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* Children's belongings that are no longer used regularly
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* Boxes stored in the loft, garage or shed
Moving these items into self storage can immediately create more usable space at home.
Make bedrooms look like bedrooms
Spare bedrooms are particularly vulnerable to becoming storage areas.
It is easy for a room to gradually fill with boxes, old furniture and belongings that do not have another obvious home. However, when selling a property, buyers need to be able to see what each room could be used for.
If you have a room that has become a storage area, consider whether some of its contents could be moved into self storage temporarily.
You may find that simply removing a few larger items completely changes how the room looks.
Clear the surfaces
Decluttering does not always require moving large quantities of furniture. Clearing shelves, worktops, tables and other surfaces can also make a home feel more spacious.
Personal photographs, ornaments and other decorative items can be particularly difficult to deal with because they are part of what makes your home feel like yours.
You do not have to get rid of them. Putting some away temporarily can make the property feel less personal while allowing you to keep the things you value.
Do not overlook the loft and garage
Buyers will want to understand the storage available within a property, so it is worth giving these areas some attention too.
A loft that is difficult to access because it is full of boxes does not necessarily communicate its potential. Similarly, a garage packed from floor to ceiling can make it difficult to see how much usable space it offers.
Moving some of the contents into self storage can allow you to organise these areas and make better use of the storage your home already provides.
Make viewings less stressful
Once your property is on the market, you may have relatively little notice before a viewing.
The fewer things you have to tidy away, the easier it can be to get the house ready.
Keeping everyday essentials in the home is unavoidable, of course. However, storing less frequently used possessions elsewhere can reduce the amount of clutter that accumulates between viewings.
This can be particularly useful if your property takes several weeks or months to sell.
What if you still need everything?
This is where self storage can be particularly useful.
Decluttering for a house sale is not the same as moving house. You may still need your possessions later, even if they are not helping your property look its best right now.
You may also be unsure what your next home will be like. Until you know its layout, storage capacity and available rooms, deciding which furniture and possessions to keep can be difficult.
Putting these items into self storage allows you to postpone those decisions without keeping everything in your home.
Self storage during the selling process
There can be several stages between deciding to sell and finally moving into your next property. During this time, your storage requirements can change.
Initially, you might need somewhere for surplus furniture and boxes while preparing the property. Later, you may need additional space because your moving dates do not line up.
Self storage can provide flexibility throughout this period.
At STAR selfstore, you can store belongings securely while your property is on the market and access them when needed. Once you have moved, you can decide which items should come with you and which can be dealt with later.
A more manageable way to declutter
Preparing a home for sale does not have to mean making a series of permanent decisions about your possessions.
Sometimes the simplest solution is to move things out of the way temporarily so that your home can be presented at its best.
Self storage gives you that flexibility while keeping your belongings available for when you need them.
FAQ
How can self storage help when selling a house?
Self storage can provide somewhere to keep excess furniture, boxes and other belongings while you prepare your property for photographs and viewings.
What should I remove from my house before selling?
Consider removing items that make rooms feel crowded or that you rarely use, including excess furniture, seasonal belongings, hobby equipment and boxes stored around the home.
Should I declutter my home before estate agent photographs?
Yes. Creating a clearer, less crowded appearance can help photographs show the space and layout of your property more effectively.
Can I store my belongings without getting rid of them?
Yes. Self storage allows you to keep possessions securely while removing them from your home temporarily.
How long might I need self storage when selling a property?
It depends on how quickly your property sells and when you move. Some people need storage for a relatively short period, while others may need it throughout a longer selling and moving process.
