Homeowner Tip #8: Conquering Closet Clutter

When you're trying to sell a home it's not the skeletons in the closet that will hurt you — it's all the other stuff you have jammed into them. Adequate storage space is one of the first things prospective buyers look for when they inspect a home. You can be sure they'll open all of your doors and drawers — checking to see if your home has room for their belongings. There are many tricks to making your storage space seem more adequate. Here are a few:

#1: The easiest trick is to simply move some of your possessions out.

#2: Remove out-of-season clothing, sports equipment and other miscellaneous items from your front entry closet. Try to take out half the items in your bedroom closets to make them appear more roomy. Prospective buyers want to see how much space is in your closets, not how much you've been able to cram into them.

#3: Keep in mind that the more things you give away, throw out, sell or store now, the easier your move will be later.

#4: To increase the storage capacity of your closets, add an extra pole, shoe racks, wire baskets or shelves.

#5: You can also make closets appear bigger by applying a fresh coat of white paint and putting in the highest-wattage bulbs allowed.

#6: Other important storage areas to reorganize include kitchen cabinets, garage and attic. The use of dividers and hanging racks in these areas will make things easier for you to find, and make your home more appealing to buyers.

For more tips on merchandising your home, contact Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC Real Estate in Sonora at 209-533-4242.