Preparing to sell your home is a big step, and it involves more than just tidying up. To make your home stand out in listing photos and during showings, you’ll want to do more than surface-level cleaning. Creating an inviting, clutter-free space allows potential buyers to picture themselves living there. Remember: buyers want to know how they will make your home their own.

Why Storage Matters When Selling Your Home?

You’ve heard it before: first impressions matter. Buyers form opinions within seconds, and clutter can distract from your home’s best features. A well-staged home feels welcoming, spacious, and move-in ready — all qualities that drive faster sales and better offers.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. And homes that are staged spend less time on the market and often sell for more.

Decluttering before selling your home achieves two important goals :

• Visual Appeal : Clean, minimalist spaces photograph better and show more impressively in person.
• Practical Prep : Packing early simplifies your move — you’re getting a head start by removing non-essentials now.

What to Put in Storage : Room-by-Room Breakdown

Wondering where to start? Here’s a simple guide to what to put in storage when selling your house, broken down room by room.

Living Room
• Extra or oversized furniture (think : bulky recliners or large sectionals)
• Personal collections (books, vinyl records, figurines)
• Excess throw pillows or blankets
• Family photos, kids’ drawings, and personalized decor
• Overly themed or dated wall art
• Staging Tip : Aim for a balanced layout with just enough furniture to define the space — and nothing more.

Kitchen
• Small appliances you rarely use (waffle maker, juicer, etc.)
• Duplicate or mismatched dishware, mugs, and utensils
• Countertop clutter: knife blocks, spice racks, drying racks
• Fridge magnets, calendars, and personal notes
• Staging Tip : Clear countertops create the illusion of more perceived space. Display only one or two tasteful items.

Bedrooms
• Off-season clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Overflowing nightstands or bedside clutter
• Personal items like framed photos, keepsakes, or trophies
• Toys, hobby gear, or home gym equipment
• Staging Tip : Neutral, hotel-like bedrooms help buyers imagine restful, organized spaces.

Bathrooms
• Non-essential toiletries and grooming tools (store daily items discreetly)
• Extra towels, bath mats, and shower caddies
• Over-the-counter medication and personal products
• Staging Tip : Display a few plush towels, a candle, and fresh soap for a spa-like effect.

Garage, Basement, or Storage Areas
• Tools you don’t need immediately
• Seasonal items (holiday decorations, snow gear, camping equipment)
• Bulky storage bins and moving boxes
• Bulk-purchased household items or paper goods

What NOT to Put in Storage
While decluttering is key, don’t go overboard. Some items are essential for maintaining a staged, livable home :
• Core furniture : A sofa, dining table, and primary bedroom are a must. Extra bedrooms can be re-staged, for instance as a home office.
• Well-chosen decor : A few tasteful items, such as mirrors or modern art, can define a space or increase light in a room
• Lighting : Lamps help brighten darker areas and make rooms feel larger.

Storage Options and Tips
Not sure where to stash everything? Here are a few smart storage solutions :
• Self-Storage Units : Great for short-term needs. Look for climate-controlled units for items like electronics, photos, and clothing.
• Portable Storage Pods : These can be delivered to your driveway and picked up later — convenient and flexible.
• Friends & Family : If you have trusted nearby connections, storing boxes or bins with them can save on costs.

Smart Packing Tips
• Label every box clearly and note the room it belongs to.
• Don’t cram your garage or closets — buyers will peek. If those areas look stuffed, it can raise red flags about storage space.
• Pack by category or room to make your eventual move easier.

Small Effort, Big Results

Decluttering and putting the right things in storage isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s a strategy that helps your home stand out and sell faster. From enhancing listing photos to reducing buyer distractions, knowing what to put in storage when selling your house is a key part of making a strong first impression.

Start now, and you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to move — with less clutter, less stress, and a home that shines during every showing.

What Should Be Put in Storage Before Listing Your Home : A Seller’s Guide to Smart Decluttering by Aiden Lowrie | zoocasa