What to Put in Storage When Selling Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide

Preparing your home for sale isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about creating a space that feels calm, spacious, and easy for buyers to picture themselves in. One of the best ways to achieve this? Thoughtful, strategic decluttering.

Here’s a practical, room-by-room breakdown of what to put in storage before listing your home.

Living Room

• Oversized or extra furniture (e.g. large recliners or sectionals)

• Personal collections like books, vinyl records, or figurines

• Excess throw pillows or blankets

• Family photos, children’s artwork, or personalized items

• Dated or overly themed wall art

Staging Tip: Keep the layout clean and minimal. A few well-placed pieces are enough to define the room without overwhelming it.

Kitchen

• Rarely used appliances (juicers, waffle makers, etc.)

• Duplicate or mismatched dishware and utensils

• Counter clutter: knife blocks, drying racks, spice collections

• Fridge magnets, calendars, and personal notes

Staging Tip: Clear surfaces help kitchens appear more spacious. Aim for a tidy look with one or two decorative items at most.

Bedrooms

• Off-season clothing and extra footwear

• Cluttered nightstands or dressers

• Personal photos, keepsakes, or trophies

• Hobby supplies, workout gear, or children’s toys

Staging Tip: Bedrooms should feel restful and organized. Think clean lines, neutral bedding, and minimal decor—more hotel suite than lived-in space.

Bathrooms

• Extra towels, mats, and shower caddies

• Personal products and non-essential toiletries

• Over-the-counter medications or grooming tools

Staging Tip: A few high-quality towels, a new bar of soap, and a small candle go a long way toward creating a spa-like feel.

Garage, Basement, and Storage Areas

• Seasonal items (holiday decor, snow gear, camping equipment)

• Tools and yard equipment not needed immediately

• Bulky bins and moving boxes

• Bulk household supplies

Important: These areas often influence a buyer’s sense of how much usable storage the home offers. Avoid cramming them with overflow.

What Not to Pack Away

While it’s important to streamline, don’t strip the home of character or function entirely. Here’s what should stay:

• Core furniture: Keep the main living, dining, and primary bedroom fully furnished to help define key areas.

• Well-chosen decor: A few modern, neutral pieces can enhance light and add style without distracting.

• Lighting: Table and floor lamps can brighten dark corners and make rooms feel more inviting.

Storage Options

If you’re wondering where to keep everything, consider these practical options:

• Self-Storage Units: Ideal for short-term use. Choose climate-controlled if storing sensitive items like electronics or photos.

• Portable Storage Pods: Convenient and flexible. They can be delivered to your driveway and picked up later.

• Friends or Family: A good, cost-effective option if someone nearby has garage or basement space.

Smart Packing Tips

• Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room.

• Don’t overcrowd your closets or garage — buyers will look.

• Group items by category or room to simplify your move later.

The Takeaway

Decluttering and storing the right items isn’t just about appearance — it’s a strategic step that helps your home feel more spacious, functional, and market-ready. It improves listing photos, minimizes distractions, and allows buyers to focus on the home itself.

Start early, pack smart, and you’ll not only make your home more appealing to buyers — you’ll make your own move a whole lot easier when the time comes.