Pre-Listing Purge: What to Toss, What to Keep (and How to Stay Sane)

🏡 Pre-Listing Purge: What to Toss, What to Keep (and How to Stay Sane)

You’ve made the decision—it’s time to sell your home. Maybe you’re upgrading, downsizing, or looking for that big backyard oasis. Either way, before your listing hits the MLS, there’s one essential step you can’t skip: the Pre-Listing Purge.
While listing a vacant and staged home is ideal, it doesn’t work for everyone.  Sometimes, people need to sell before they buy, or are moving out of  state, or are finally realizing those van life dreams. Don’t worry, your home can still be swoon-worthy! You can set the stage for your home to shine. Buyers need to see themselves living there, and that’s hard to do when your snowboard collection is blocking the fireplace or your gnome army is standing guard in the backyard.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a peek at this friendly guide on what to toss, what to keep, and how to emotionally detach without losing your mind.

🌿 Why the Purge Matters (Yes, Emotionally Too)
Staging your home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about telling a story. Buyers walk in and instantly imagine sipping coffee on your deck, hosting game night in your living room, or planting veggies in your garden bed. Except in that moment, it’s not yours anymore, they are envisioning their dream home.
That’s where the emotional part comes in. You’ve made memories here, and letting go is no small task. But think of this purge as a rite of passage: a chance to clear the clutter, honor what matters, and make space for your next chapter.

🧹 What to Toss: Let It Go (Yes, Even That)
Be ruthless—but kind to yourself. Here’s what needs to go before showings:
1. Excess Furniture
That oversized sectional may be comfy, but it’s probably making the room look smaller. Keep only what defines the space without overpowering it.
2. Personal Photos + Memorabilia
Yes, your wedding photos are stunning. No, they don’t help sell your home. Remove family portraits, trophies, diplomas, and anything that screams you.
3. Collections + Niche Decor
Whether it’s vintage vinyl, Star Wars figurines, or artisan troll dolls, pack it up. You’re selling square footage, not your personality.
4. Out-of-Season Gear
Kayaks, skis, camping gear—stash it. Buyers want to see the open space, not your hobbies.
5. Anything Broken, Worn, or Damaged
Toss it, replace it, or stick it in box to decide upon later. This is your home’s job interview—dress it to impress.

🌲 What to Keep: The Essentials That Sell
Not everything has to go. In fact, some things should stay to help create that cozy, clean, “I could live here” vibe.
1. Neutral, Functional Furniture
A clean couch, tidy dining set, and uncluttered bedroom furniture are key. Bonus points for natural wood, neutral tones, cozy textures.
2. Greenery + Plants  (as long as they are healthy and thriving).
3. A Few Carefully Chosen Decor Pieces
Think throw pillows, a textured blanket, a colorful print. These help warm the space without personalizing it too much.

5. Good Lighting
Open the curtains. Let the natural light pour in. Think about lightbulbs with warmer tones.

☕️ How to Make It Happen (Without Losing It)
Staring down a whole house full of stuff can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to keep your sanity while you purge:
✅ Make a “Keep, Toss, Donate, Store” list
Go room by room and sort intentionally. If it’s not helping you sell, it’s not helping you stay.
📦 Pack Early, Pack Smart
You’re moving anyway—might as well start now. Box up what you’ll need later, label clearly, and store off-site if possible.
💧 Take Breaks and Hydrate
Decluttering is physical and emotional work. Take your time, drink some water, and be nice to yourself.
💼 Get Professional Help
If your head is spinning and you feel like advice could be helpful, consider a consult with a local stager, home organizer, or interior designer who understands the housing market. They’ll help highlight what matters and downplay what doesn’t.
🏔 What Matters Most
When in doubt, remember this: You’re not just selling your home—you’re helping someone fall in love with their new home, their new space. Every item that stays should enhance that feeling. Every item that goes makes room for someone else’s vision.
Think fresh air, open spaces, and warm textures.

So take a deep breath, put on your favorite music, and let the purge begin. Your future buyers—and your future self—will thank you.

✨ Need help prepping your home for the greater Portland or SW Washington market?
I’ve got the resources, local insight, and skills to get it done right. Let’s connect.

Constance Rigney

Broker | OR & WA

She/Her

What I love about the field of real estate is that essentially, it’s about dreams and possibilities. It’s about finding a space that can support the life you are envisioning and crafting.

Whether purchasing your first home, dialing in your next investment property, or selling your home, my goal as your agent is to be your ally and advocate, to work diligently and creatively to help you through the process. What distinguishes me from other REALTORS®? My style in both real estate, and the rest of life, is down to earth and humorous; my spirit warm and enthusiastic. Being flexible, thorough, ethical, and a topnotch communicator are the cornerstones of my business. I am a dedicated worker and won’t stop until I get the job done! I grew up on the East Coast, but my sense of adventure brought me to Oregon, where I found a richness of community, and a great love for the wondrous natural environment of the Northwest.  I spent ten years in this city as a practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, all the while learning about Portland’s neighborhoods, and hidden gems, through the stories of the fascinating people that call this lovely city home. Joyfully part of a dream team, I’m currently partnered with Matt Guy, wonderful human and long time real estate whiz. We work expeditiously to successfully help our clients turn their vision into reality. In my free time you might find me living the VW Van life with my dreamy husband, Scott, and firecracker daughter Roslyn; soaking up the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, supporting local non-profits, or celebrating Portland’s local music scene.

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• T: 503-860-4293
• constance@livingroomre.com