If you’re thinking about selling your home, you need to present the best product possible. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see is clutter – spaces feel smaller, layouts look unattractive, and personal items make it more difficult for buyers to picture themselves in a space.

Now you can say goodbye to those unwanted items once and for all with these 10 expert home decluttering hacks.

1. What not to do

Don’t set aside an entire day to declutter. You will probably find yourself exhausted, frustrated and not wanting to do any more by the end of it. Take time with the process, and really give some thought to the things you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

2. Where to start

Start by asking yourself how much value each item really has. Do you use it often? If it holds sentimental value, does it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? If it’s a big item, are you willing to pay the cost of moving it? And if you saw it today, would you still buy it? Answering these questions can give you a lot of clarity early on.

3. Things you definitely need to throw away

Socks that don’t match, DVDs you never watch, clothes that don’t fit anymore. If they don’t have any use to you, it’s time to get rid of them.

4. Take responsibility for your own things

This is about your decluttering demons, not anyone else’s. Throwing someone’s things away without their consent is just asking for trouble.

5. Leave the entryway until last

You’ll most likely find that the majority of things left in the entryway have some use, otherwise they probably wouldn’t be there. Best leave this until last.

6. Sorting out clothes

Let’s be honest, that dress you bought five years ago probably isn’t in fashion anymore. A hard and fast rule for clothes is this – if you don’t love it, it’s time to lump it.

7. Paper

Insurance documents, credit card and utility bills tend to pile up over time. Sort through these now: if you don’t have a filing cabinet, empty shoe boxes are a good alternative – you’ll probably end up with a few these.

8. Junk drawers

Separate these loose items using a cutlery tray. Place batteries in one part, pens in another. But only if they work.

9. Furniture

If you find a room has too many pieces in it, pick your least favourite item and get rid of it. If you’re intent on selling it, set a date that you need to sell it by and then donate it once you’ve passed that deadline.

10. Give your things away

The simplest way to declutter your home is to give your things away, assuming somebody else wants them, of course. Don’t go about burdening other people with your useless junk. Things like DVDs, books, clothes can be really useful to other people. Just give something away right now and you’re already on your way to making your home more attractive.

Share your top tips and tricks for decluttering your home and life. How do you decide what to ‘take’ or ‘toss’? What’s the ONE thing you would never ‘toss’? And if you’re really stuck for ideas on how to get started, check out this fun flow chart for some expert tips on how to declutter your home before your next move..

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