How to Declutter Without Overwhelm: A Real Life Guide for Sellers in Gainesville

by Shannon Sanborn

Where Do I Even Start?

That’s the question I hear all the time. And to be honest, it’s one I’ve asked myself in different seasons of life — when the to-do list is long, time is short, and the idea of “decluttering the house” feels like one more mountain to climb.

If you’re thinking about selling your home and the word declutter keeps popping up, I want you to know something first: this doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have every drawer color-coded or every closet photo-ready. You just need a plan that feels doable — and a little encouragement to start.

Let me tell you how I walk sellers through it, and how you can do the same — room by room, without the overwhelm.

The Living Room: Clearing Space for Possibility

One of my clients, a couple with two kids and a golden retriever, told me they were nervous about showings. “This is our real life,” she said, “not a model home.” I told her that’s exactly why buyers would love it — because it felt like home. But we did make a few changes.

We pulled one armchair out to open up the space, packed away the stacks of kids’ books and the dog bed, and swapped a bold family photo wall for a single calming art piece. The room didn’t lose its warmth — it just made room for someone else to imagine themselves there.

Start here: Remove extras. Let light in. Show how the room flows. You’re not erasing your story — you’re creating space for the next one.

The Kitchen: Where Less Truly Feels Like More

I’ve walked through hundreds of kitchens, and one thing is always true: the less that’s on the counters, the bigger and cleaner the space feels.

One seller I worked with was convinced her kitchen wouldn’t impress anyone. But once we removed the stack of mail, tucked away the coffee station, and added a single bowl of lemons, it transformed. Suddenly, the space felt fresh and functional — like a kitchen buyers could see themselves using every morning.

Start here: Clear the surfaces. Wipe everything down. Keep only the essentials in sight. A clean kitchen speaks volumes without saying a word.

The Bedrooms: Not Just Where You Sleep, But Where You Rest

There’s something sacred about a bedroom. And when you’re selling, your bedroom tells buyers if this home can be their refuge too.

I once worked with a retired teacher who’d lived in her home for over 30 years. Her bedroom was filled with memories — books, photos, keepsakes. Beautiful, but full. We gently packed most of them away, keeping just a few special pieces and softening the space with neutral bedding. She said, “It feels a little empty now,” and I smiled. “That means it’s ready.”

Start here: Remove personal items, clear off surfaces, and simplify the space. Let it breathe.

Closets, Garages, and “The Room Where Stuff Goes”

Let’s be honest — every house has that one space. The catch-all closet, the garage storage zone, the laundry room with piles of real life.

But here’s the truth: buyers open doors. They look inside. Not to judge — but to see what their life might look like in your home.

One seller I worked with spent a weekend with three bins: Keep, Donate, Pack. They tackled one closet at a time. No pressure. By Monday, every closet looked 50% lighter — and their garage had never looked better.

Start here: One drawer. One shelf. One bin at a time. You’re not just cleaning — you’re clearing a path forward.

You Don’t Have to Do It All at Once

Decluttering doesn’t happen in a day — and it doesn’t have to. It happens in moments. A decision here. A small win there. And yes, sometimes with a little mess along the way.

You can start small:

The bathroom counter.
The nightstand drawer.
That one cabinet that’s always overflowing.

And with each step, it gets lighter. Not just the space — but your shoulders, too.

Final Thoughts

You’re not staging a showroom. You’re preparing a home — your home — for someone else to fall in love with. And that starts with making space, not just physically but emotionally.

So if you’ve been staring at a room thinking, “I don’t even know where to start,” I hope this gave you a little hope — and a simple plan to follow.

You’ve got this. And I’m here if you need someone in your corner.