If you're thinking about selling your home in Hollister, CA, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s appeal is by decluttering. Whether you're prepping for showings, getting ready for professional listing photos, or just want to simplify your space, this guide will help you take action—step by step.
At Pierce Real Estate, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners make small changes that deliver big results. Below are 12 practical decluttering tips—plus a printable checklist to help you get started.
🧹 Step 1: Start With a Plan
Pick one space—like a hallway closet or guest room—to tackle first. Starting small keeps the process from feeling overwhelming.
⏰ Step 2: Set a Timer
Set a 30-minute timer. Focused sessions are more productive and help avoid burnout.
🗃 Step 3: Use the “Keep, Donate, Trash” Method
Designate three bins. If it hasn’t been used in the past year and doesn’t serve your current lifestyle—it goes.
🧺 Step 4: Clear Off Surfaces
Flat surfaces like kitchen counters and nightstands are clutter hotspots. Keep them clean for a quick visual boost.
🧤 Step 5: Declutter by Category
Group similar items—clothes, books, tools—so it’s easier to spot duplicates or unnecessary items.
👕 Step 6: Use the Closet “Hanger Trick”
Hang your clothes backward. After 6 months, donate anything still facing the wrong way.
🧂 Step 7: Remove Duplicates
Do you really need three can openers or five laundry baskets? Keep only what you use.
📦 Step 8: Make a “Maybe” Box
For items you’re unsure about, box them up and write the date. If you don’t touch them in 6 months, let them go.
🎁 Step 9: Release Guilt Around Gifts
Don’t keep something just because it was a gift. Take a picture, thank the item, and let it move on.
🖨 Step 10: Digitize Your Paperwork
Go paperless with important documents. Shred the rest or file what you must keep.
🚗 Step 11: Schedule Donation Days
Choose a regular day to drop off donation items. It prevents your garage from turning into a storage zone.
🔁 Step 12: Make It a Habit
Add a recurring event to your calendar to declutter monthly or seasonally.
✅ Free Decluttering Checklist for Homeowners
Use this handy list to track your progress:
Pick your starting area
Set your timer
Prep your 3-box system
Declutter countertops
Tackle by item category
Use hanger trick in closets
Eliminate duplicate items
Box and date your “Maybe” items
Donate guilt-based items
Digitize paperwork
Schedule donation drop-offs
Repeat monthly
Why Decluttering Matters When Selling Your Home in Hollister
Buyers are drawn to clean, open spaces. A clutter-free home looks bigger, more inviting, and well-cared for—all things that help your Hollister home sell faster and possibly for more money.
Want more tips on how to prepare your home for sale? Check out our blog post:
➡️ Thinking About Selling Your Hollister Home? Here’s Why Preparation & Staging Matter
Ready to Sell? Let’s Talk.
If you're getting ready to sell your home in Hollister, Tres Pinos, or anywhere in San Benito County, I’d love to help.
📲 Contact me today for a free home value consultation and personalized selling plan.