Downsizing the coat closet prior to listing a home for sale

It is so easy for a coat closet to become a catchall where things get stashed in a hurry when guests are coming. Often times coats are forgotten in the back corner and pile up cramping the space. If you’re planning to sell your house buyers will most likely look into the coat closet, and if it’s full of too many coats, shoes, and random outdoor equipment, they will feel that your home doesn’t have adequate storage space.

To make the best impression on buyers it really is important to clean out the coat closet.

If the task feels overwhelming to you. Try not to stress, just grab a trash bag and start by throwing away any obvious trash.

Some trash that often hides in coat closets includes:

Random shoes without a match, gloves without a pair, old or damaged shoes, slippers, hats, gloves, scarves, clothes.  Broken umbrellas, damaged sport gear, and damaged gear you no longer use for hobbies.

When all the trash is thrown away grab a donate box and really ask yourself if there’s anything in the closet you’re no longer using or loving.

Whatever you find; give yourself permission to get rid of these things.

Things you may find in the coat closet and be ready to get rid of include:

Coats you have not worn in over a year, gloves that do not fit, shoes you have outgrown (or don’t like), hats you don’t wear any more, working umbrellas you do not like, extra dog leashes and unused pet stuff, Sports equipment you no longer use, Gear for hobbies you no longer take part in.

After all trash and donate are gone see if there are any random things in the coat closet that belong in other rooms and if so, take a minute to put them away and hopefully when you come back, your coat closet will look much more functional and spacious

Now, as buyers tour your home the storage space will feel much more functional which makes it a little bit easier for them to imagine if all their stuff will really fit into this space which is a great step towards them imagining the wonderful life they can lead in this house  (and potentially deciding to make an offer).

Congratulate yourself on a job well done !

You are invited to join me in my SPRING FLING challenge.  Take a before and after photo to validate the changes you have made.  If you want to share the photos here in the comments you will have a chance to win a $20.00 DB gift-card.  There will be one winner each week of the challenge.

If your project seems too big to tackle alone Efficient Spaces is a great resource to help!!!

Her book sure helped me get started.  (and you can find a copy here 😉 https://www.amazon.com/Get-Organized-Quick…/dp/1946910147/

If you ever have questions about preparing your home to sell give me a call and I will be happy to help!!