What to Pack (and Store) Before You List Your Home for Sale
Simple ways to make your home feel more spacious and ready for buyers
Selling your home is not just about putting up a listing and waiting for interest. It often means making small adjustments to help people imagine the property as their own. A house filled with personal belongings or too much furniture can feel overwhelming to potential buyers, no matter how lovely the space is.
One of the easiest ways to prepare is to pack and store a few items before your home goes on the market. It gives rooms a cleaner look and helps highlight the space itself, rather than the contents. This guide highlights several types of items which could be stored during the viewing process.
Personal Belongings
Your home tells your story, but buyers are often trying to picture their own life there. Too many personal items can make that harder.
- Take down family photos and replace them with neutral decor if needed
- Box up keepsakes, travel souvenirs and hobby collections
- Remove items that reflect specific personal styles or interests
A more neutral setting helps your home appeal to a wider range of people.
Extra Furniture
Rooms that feel tight or awkwardly arranged can put buyers off. If you have added extra furniture over time, now is a good moment to simplify.
- Remove side tables, unused chairs or anything that blocks natural walkways
- Keep only the essentials in each room to show how the space flows
- Make sure windows and doors are easy to access
More floor space can make a big difference in how open a room feels.
Out-of-Use Items
Anything you don’t need over the next few weeks can probably be packed away. This helps your home look well-kept and makes built-in storage seem more generous.
- Clear out seasonal clothing and footwear from wardrobes and hallways
- Store away items like suitcases, sports gear or holiday decorations
- Make storage cupboards look roomy and organised
Less clutter gives the impression of more storage, which is often a selling point.
Children’s Toys and Pet Gear
It is completely normal to live with toys and pets, but when selling, a tidy space is key.
- Keep only a few toys out and store the rest neatly
- Temporarily remove pet beds, litter trays or feeding bowls where possible
- Clean up play areas so they’re easy to walk through
This helps make the house feel calm and well-maintained.
Moving Boxes
If you have started packing early, well done. Just be mindful of where those boxes are placed.
- Don’t stack boxes in main living areas, hallways or spare rooms
- Use short-term storage to keep your home free from moving clutter
- Keep each room looking functional and ready to use
Preparing your home for sale is as much about atmosphere as it is about layout. A tidy, neutral space can help people feel more connected to it.
If you need short-term storage while preparing to sell, visit
www.canfordmagnastorage.co.uk to see how we can support your move.
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