Eco-conscious decluttering: Your guide to a faster sale

There’s no denying that selling a home is one of the most stressful things we do in life, but when you add in the mess and clutter, you’re only adding to that stress. Not only does it lead to a negative first impression for viewers, it makes it harder for people to imagine themselves in the property which can make or break a sale.

You want people to see the potential quickly, so while decluttering might be another task on your to-do list, doing so could save you significant time and money in the long-term.

The issue with traditional decluttering

The traditional approach to decluttering tends to involve throwing items away or donating them at the local charity shop. While it might be the simplest option for clearing out your home, it’s not the best solution for the planet.

For example, more than 85% of unwanted clothing winds up in landfills, which leads to toxic chemicals leeching into the soil and harmful greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. Likewise, e-waste is becoming a significant environmental issue, causing huge amounts of pollution around the world.

How to declutter sustainably

Luckily, you don’t have to put up with a cluttered home to protect the planet - there are sustainable solutions that can actually help you make money for your move and free up valuable space to sell your home faster.

Go room by room and take an honest look at what you really need and want to take with you to your next place. In particular, pay attention to those larger items like furniture pieces that can make a room feel smaller - when you’re selling up, you want to highlight how much space is available, which is where decluttering can be incredibly valuable.

Sell your used goods

The first step to sustainable decluttering is selling your items to give them a new life in another home. Not only does this stop items winding up in landfills but it helps others find the items they need at a lower price, declutters your home to make it look as spacious as possible for viewings, and helps you make some extra cash in the process to finance your move.

For a faster sale and a better price, consider using reputable sites that specialise in particular areas rather than classic allrounders like Facebook and eBay. For example, for fashion items, you can choose between Vestiaire Collective, which focuses on designer pieces, and Depop, for vintage, streetwear, and unique second-hand fashion. Other great options include MPB for used camera gear, musicMagpie for phones and other tech, and Vinterior for furniture and homeware.

Buyers looking for these specialist items will be more likely to see them out on sites such as these, which gives you the chance to get more money for your belongings and increase the chances of actually selling them.

Gift to people you know

If you have larger items that are trickier to sell, or you don’t think it’s worth much anymore, you may want to gift it or donate it to someone you know. Put out a post on social media or to your colleagues asking if anyone would like that free sofa or dining table - you might find that someone you know has been looking for that very item and would gladly take it off your hands. Another option is to post on your local ‘buy nothing’ group where people in your community can take these items you no longer need but that will serve a purpose in their lives.

Take care with recycling

Not all items will be sellable or even donatable, in which case recycling is the next best thing. But that doesn’t mean everything can be recycled in the same way or is even able to be recycled.

Do your research and familiarise yourself with your local council’s guidelines, which vary by area, so you can be sure that the items you’re trying to recycle will be accepted. Some locations, for example, won’t take certain types of plastic or paper if they’ve been contaminated with food. Likewise, batteries and large appliances like fridge-freezers have to be recycled properly at dedicated recycling centres, so make sure you know where to drop these items off.

A clean, organised space allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there, rather than being distracted by personal belongings or excess items. Removing unnecessary furniture, clearing countertops, and tidying storage areas can make rooms appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. What’s more, it means less for you to pack up and move to your next property and gives you extra cash to fund your move.

If you're looking to let or sell your property, we can help. Get in touch with your local branch to book in for a property valuation.

Written by guest blogger Annie Button.