Boost Your Home’s Value With This Simple Step: Decluttering

When people think about adding value to their home, they often picture remodeling kitchens or installing new flooring. But there’s one improvement that doesn’t cost a dime and can make one of the biggest differences when it comes to selling your home: decluttering.

It may not sound glamorous, but research shows that reducing clutter can significantly increase buyer interest, shorten time on market, and even boost sale prices. And the best part? With the guidance of a professional Realtor, you don’t have to do it alone.

Why Decluttering Matters

A 2022 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 93% of buyer’s agents said decluttering a home before showings makes it easier for buyers to visualize themselves living there. When buyers can picture themselves in a space, they’re far more likely to make an offer.

Another report from HomeLight showed that a well-decluttered and staged home can sell for 3–5% more. On a $400,000 home in Bakersfield, that’s an extra $12,000–$20,000 simply by removing distractions and highlighting your home’s best features.

At The McCarty Group, we’ve seen this play out time and again. Homes that feel open, fresh, and organized create instant emotional connections with buyers. And when buyers fall in love, offers follow.

The Psychology Behind Clutter

Psychology Today reports that clutter “bombards the mind with excessive stimuli,” which increases stress hormones like cortisol and makes it harder to focus. If clutter makes you feel overwhelmed, imagine how it impacts a buyer seeing your home for the first time.

The reverse is also true. Decluttering has been shown to “increase self-worth, improve mood, and promote relaxation.” When buyers walk into a home that feels calm and orderly, they aren’t just seeing square footage — they’re experiencing a lifestyle they want to buy into.

Where to Start: A Room-by-Room Guide

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy it becomes manageable — and we walk our sellers through this process step by step. Here are some professional tips we share with our clients:

• Entryway: First impressions matter. Store shoes, coats, and paperwork out of sight.

• Kitchen: Keep counters nearly bare. Limit visible items to two or three essentials.

• Living Room: Edit furniture and décor so the space feels larger and more inviting.

• Closets: Aim for 70% full to show off storage potential.

• Bathrooms: Remove personal products and let clean surfaces shine.

• Bedrooms: Neutral bedding and minimal décor create a restful retreat.

• Personal Items: Pack away family photos, collections, and sports memorabilia so buyers focus on the home itself.

Why Professional Guidance Helps

Anyone can tidy up, but preparing a home to sell requires a trained eye. At The McCarty Group, we don’t just recommend decluttering — we guide our sellers with hands-on staging and decluttering advice from professionals.

We know exactly what today’s buyers in Bakersfield are looking for, and we help you strike the right balance between clean, inviting, and warm. This tailored approach ensures your home doesn’t just look good — it stands out in photos, online listings, and in-person showings.

Beyond Selling: A Benefit for Daily Living

Even if you’re not planning to sell immediately, decluttering improves everyday life. An organized home reduces stress, saves cleaning time, and creates a more peaceful environment. Many of our clients tell us they wish they had followed our staging and decluttering advice long before selling — simply because it made living in their home more enjoyable.

Final Takeaway

Decluttering may feel like a chore, but it’s free, it’s effective, and it offers one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to love your home more, reducing clutter is one of the smartest steps you can take.

And if you’re thinking about selling in Bakersfield, don’t go it alone. The McCarty Group at Coldwell Banker offers expert staging and decluttering advice to help you showcase your home in the best possible light — and get top dollar.

📞 Call us today at 661-665-SOLD to schedule a consultation and find out how our proven strategies can make your home stand out.