🏡 The Art of Decluttering: How to Organize Your Home. Tips from a Stager, and Designer

By Mario Taormina | Florida Real Estate Broker, REAL Broker

We’ve all been there—staring at the “I’ll-deal-with-it-later” pile that’s somehow become a permanent resident. But whether you’re preparing to sell your home, redesigning your space, or just ready to breathe easier, decluttering is the secret to creating calm, beauty, and serious buyer appeal.

As a real estate professional, home stager, and designer, I can tell you: every square foot tells a story. The key is helping it tell the right one.

Why Decluttering Matters

Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s talk about why this process matters.

• For homeowners: A clutter-free space reduces stress, boosts productivity, and helps you fall back in love with your home.

• For sellers: Clutter distracts buyers. They need to see the space, not your stuff. A well-organized home can add perceived value and even shorten time on market.

• For designers and stagers: Less is more. Negative space lets style and architecture shine through.

Room-by-Room Decluttering Guide

1. The Entryway – Your Home’s First Impression

This is where the magic (or mayhem) begins.

Keep:

• One small table or console

• A decorative mirror or art piece

• A designated tray for keys and mail

Donate or Toss:

• Excess shoes, coats, and “just in case” umbrellas

• Old mail or flyers

🪄 Pro Tip: A tidy entry sets the tone for the whole house. Think boutique hotel lobby, not coat explosion.

2. The Living Room – Space to Breathe

This is the heart of your home—and the first room buyers mentally move into.

Keep:

• Comfortable, clean-lined furniture

• 2–3 accent pieces (throw pillows, art, or plants)

• A single focal point (like a fireplace or TV wall)

Donate or Toss:

• Extra throws, worn rugs, and stacks of magazines

• Overcrowded bookshelves or décor that’s lost its charm

🪄 Pro Tip: Aim for balance—each surface should have “breathing room.”

3. The Kitchen – Simplify to Sell (or Sanity)

Buyers open cabinets. Yes, all of them.

Keep:

• Only your daily-use items on counters (coffee maker, fruit bowl)

• Matching containers or baskets inside cabinets

• Dishes and glassware in good condition

Donate or Toss:

• Duplicate utensils and mismatched plasticware

• Expired pantry items (you’ll be shocked how old that cumin is)

🪄 Pro Tip: Clear counters sell homes. They say “this kitchen has space for your life.”

4. The Bedrooms – Create Peace and Rest

Bedrooms should whisper relaxation, not storage overflow.

Keep:

• Simple bedding and minimal furniture

• A bedside lamp and one decorative accent

• Essential clothing only—seasonal storage elsewhere

Donate or Toss:

• Clothes you haven’t worn in a year

• Extra furniture or décor that makes the room feel tight

🪄 Pro Tip: Fold and color-code clothing in closets for an instant “model home” effect.

5. The Bathroom – Spa, Not Storage Closet

Nothing sells serenity like a crisp, clean bathroom.

Keep:

• One set of folded towels on display

• Simple, neutral accessories

• Everyday items tucked neatly away

Donate or Toss:

• Old makeup, expired meds, random hotel samples

🪄 Pro Tip: White towels and a single candle = instant luxury vibe.

6. The Garage – The Final Frontier

Buyers imagine a tidy workshop or storage haven, not a graveyard of mystery boxes.

Keep:

• Clearly labeled bins for tools, holiday décor, and gear

• Essentials for yard work or hobbies

Donate or Toss:

• Broken tools, old paint, forgotten sports gear

🪄 Pro Tip: Add open shelving to make every inch look intentional.

How to Decide What Stays and What Goes

Ask yourself:

1. Do I use it? (Not “might I someday?”)

2. Does it add value—functionally or emotionally?

3. Would this make sense in a listing photo?

If you hesitate, it’s probably time to donate. Your local charities will thank you—and your home will too.

The Designer’s Secret: “Edit, Then Layer”

Once the clutter’s gone, edit your design down to the essentials, then layer in warmth—textiles, lighting, and plants. This transforms sterile into stylish without sacrificing serenity.

The Realtor’s Takeaway

Decluttering is not just about aesthetics—it’s about potential. Buyers don’t fall in love with your stuff; they fall in love with how they imagine living there.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember: every box you donate brings you one step closer to clarity—and possibly a higher offer.