When it comes to increasing the value of your home, creating a clean and neutral space is a strategy that often gets overlooked. Yet, as I learned during my conversation with Emily Harris, a seasoned home staging expert, this simple tactic can significantly boost your property’s appeal. Emily shared her insights and personal experiences on how decluttering and depersonalising a home can transform it into a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to see themselves living in the space.
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Emily Harris has been in the home staging industry for over a decade, and her expertise is evident in the way she discusses her craft. As we sat down for a chat, Emily’s passion for helping homeowners maximise their property’s worth was palpable.
“One of the most important things to understand,” Emily began, “is that buyers need to feel an emotional connection to a house. When a home is packed with the seller’s personal belongings, it can be hard for them to picture themselves living there.”
The first step, according to Emily, is decluttering. “It’s amazing how much stuff we accumulate over the years,” she chuckled. “But when you’re selling your home, less truly is more. Removing unnecessary items not only makes your space look bigger but also highlights the best features of your home.”
Emily recounted a recent project where she helped a family prepare their home for sale. “They had lived there for over twenty years,” she explained, “and there were a lot of cherished memories displayed in every corner. While those personal touches made the house a home for them, they could also be a distraction for potential buyers.”
The process began with sorting through items room by room. “We started with the living room,” Emily noted. “It’s often the first space buyers see when they walk in, so it needs to make a strong impression. We removed excess furniture, packed away family photos, and only kept a few neutral decorative pieces.”
Emily’s approach is methodical. She recommends homeowners start with the most public areas of the house and work their way into the more private spaces like bedrooms and offices. “It can be overwhelming,” she admitted, “but taking it one step at a time makes it manageable.”
Depersonalising is the next crucial step. Emily suggested replacing family photos with neutral artwork or mirrors. “Mirrors are wonderful because they reflect light and can make a space feel larger,” she added. “The key is to make the house feel like a model home—inviting, yet without personal touches that tie it to the current owners.”
Emily’s advice is practical and easy to implement. She highlighted the importance of creating a neutral colour palette throughout the home. “Repainting with soft, neutral colours can make a huge difference,” she said. “It provides a fresh look and allows buyers to imagine how they might decorate the space themselves.”
During our conversation, Emily also touched on the psychological aspect of decluttering. “When a home is clean and organised, it gives the impression that it’s been well-maintained,” she explained. “Buyers are more likely to perceive the property as being in good condition, which can positively influence their purchasing decision.”
I asked Emily if she had any tips for homeowners who might find it emotionally difficult to part with their belongings. “It’s completely understandable,” she sympathised. “I always suggest keeping a box for sentimental items that you can store and take to your new home. It’s not about getting rid of everything; it’s about presenting your home in the best light possible.”
As our discussion drew to a close, Emily offered a final piece of advice: “Think of your home as a product you’re trying to market. The goal is to make it as appealing as possible to the widest audience. By decluttering and depersonalising, you’re giving buyers a chance to see the potential of the space.”
Emily’s insights were invaluable, and her experience in the field of home staging shined through in her thoughtful recommendations. As I left, I was struck by the simplicity yet effectiveness of her approach. Creating a clean, neutral space not only enhances a property’s appeal but also helps unlock its true value in a competitive market.
For homeowners looking to sell in 2023, Emily’s advice serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful changes are the simplest ones. By decluttering and depersonalising, you can transform your home into a welcoming canvas ready to captivate the imagination of potential buyers.
Sarah Dale
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