9 Things You Should Always Toss If You Want to Sell Your Home
By Rob Johnson, Realtor with Avalon Group Realty, St. Petersburg, FL
If you're thinking about listing your home, you might be wondering what really makes the biggest impact when it comes to first impressions. As a Realtor with Avalon Group Realty in beautiful St. Petersburg, FL, I've helped countless sellers prepare their homes for market. Time and again, I've seen that the difference between "just listed" and "just sold" often comes down to one thing: what you leave behind.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 9 Things You Should Always Toss If You Want to Sell Your Home. These items could be the reason buyers hesitate instead of falling in love with your space. As we walk through each point, you’ll hear insights from our experienced Avalon Group team, including our broker Aaron Hunt, and Realtors Yvette Kim, Pam Amante, and Nora Sturgill. Whether you’re selling a beach bungalow or a downtown condo, following these tips will set you up for success.
1. Family Photos
Personal pictures may warm your heart, but they could chill the interest of potential buyers. When selling your home in St Petersburg, it's crucial to create a space where buyers can picture their family, not yours.
"Buyers need a blank canvas to imagine their own story in the home," says Aaron Hunt, Broker of Avalon Group Realty. "Family photos subtly remind them that someone else lives there, which can be a mental block."
In fact, removing family photos also helps maintain privacy during showings and open houses.
2. Pet Items
We love our furry friends, but not all buyers do. "You never know who has allergies or a strong preference against pets," explains Realtor Yvette Kim. "That adorable dog bed or the litter box in the corner could be a deal breaker."
Therefore, before every showing, stash away:
Litter boxes
Pet beds
Food dishes
Toys
Pet crates
Moreover, don’t forget to do a quick fur-check and deodorizing sweep to freshen the space.
3. Home Security Signage & Visible Cameras
Security systems give peace of mind, but seeing them front and center might send the wrong message.
"When buyers see cameras and signs everywhere, it sometimes triggers the idea that the neighborhood might be unsafe," notes Nora Sturgill. "We want them focused on the home's beauty and layout, not potential threats."
To help avoid any unintended concerns, remove decals from windows and tuck away visible cameras during showings.
4. Bulky or Excess Furniture
One of the most overlooked issues when listing your home is furniture that makes the space feel cramped. Buyers want to see space and possibilities—not walls closing in.
"Less is more," says Pam Amante. "Large sectionals, too many chairs, or bulky coffee tables make rooms look smaller than they really are."
Try these space-saving tips:
Remove unnecessary side tables
Opt for a slim couch over a sectional
Clear hallways and corners
Ultimately, it’s about showcasing your square footage, not your style.
5. Controversial or Distracting Decor
Your home might reflect your personality, but neutral wins when you’re selling. Remove or replace:
Political memorabilia
Religious symbols
Risqué art or posters
Taxidermy
Sports team paraphernalia
"We've literally had a sale fall through because of rival team decor," Aaron shares. "Keep things calm, clean, and non-polarizing."
Furthermore, tasteful decor can set the tone for a welcoming space, while controversial items can derail a showing within seconds.
6. Standing Fans and Space Heaters
This one's sneaky. Buyers interpret visible fans or space heaters as red flags.
"Even if your AC works great, that extra fan in the bedroom can suggest the HVAC isn’t up to par," explains Nora. "Better to store these away and highlight how comfortable the home feels without them."
And if the home feels stuffy without them, it might be time to service the AC—a good investment before selling your home in St Petersburg. A fully functional HVAC system is a major selling point.
7. Clutter
You’ve heard it before, but we can’t stress it enough: declutter like your sale depends on it (because it does).
"Counters, bookshelves, even the fridge door—clear them all," says Yvette. "Buyers love clean lines and open surfaces."
Remove:
Stacks of mail
Excess kitchen tools
Kids' artwork
Personal toiletries
Floor piles (bags, shoes, etc.)
Additionally, clutter includes overflowing closets and cabinets. Buyers open everything—give them a reason to smile.
Remember, you’re selling a home, not your daily lifestyle.
8. Air Purifiers, Scented Candles, and Air Fresheners
These might seem like helpful tools to improve your home's aroma, but they can raise suspicion.
"Buyers start wondering if you're covering up something," says Pam. "Mold? Pet accidents? Smoking odors? It's better to air out the house and clean thoroughly than to mask smells."
In addition to seeming suspicious, overpowering scents can turn off sensitive buyers. Stick with natural cleanliness and ventilation.
Avoid anything that suggests you're hiding an issue. A naturally clean scent wins every time.
9. Valuables
This might be the most important point of all. Never leave valuables out during a showing.
"We do our best to monitor everyone during tours," says Aaron, "but open houses bring a lot of foot traffic, and we can’t be everywhere at once."
Remove or secure:
Jewelry
Cash
Prescription meds
Heirlooms
Financial documents
Also, identity theft is a real concern—protect sensitive mail and documents from view. A locked safe or offsite storage is your best bet for peace of mind.
Why These 9 Things Matter
When you’re listing your home, you're not just showing a property—you’re selling a lifestyle, a dream, and a new beginning. These 9 Things You Should Always Toss If You Want to Sell Your Home create an environment where buyers can envision their future without distraction.
As Aaron puts it: "A well-prepped home tells buyers, 'this house is cared for.' That feeling is priceless."
Quick Recap: What to Toss Before Listing
Family Photos
Pet Items
Visible Security Cameras or Signs
Bulky Furniture
Controversial Decor
Fans and Space Heaters
Clutter
Scent Masking Items
Valuables
FAQ: Preparing to Sell Your Home
Q: Should I stage my home professionally?
A: Yes, professional staging often results in faster sales and higher offers. It helps depersonalize and highlight your home's strengths.
Q: Can I leave my pets at home during showings?
A: We recommend making alternate arrangements. Even friendly pets can be distracting or cause allergic reactions.
Q: Do buyers really care about clutter?
A: Absolutely. A clutter-free home feels larger, cleaner, and more inviting.
Q: Is repainting worth it before I list?
A: Neutral colors are your friend. If your walls are bold, a quick coat of beige, gray, or white can be a game-changer.
Q: How far in advance should I start decluttering?
A: Ideally, begin the process at least a month before listing your home to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home in St Petersburg is an exciting journey—one that becomes a lot smoother when you're prepared. At Avalon Group Realty, we guide you every step of the way. From staging tips to marketing strategy, our team ensures your listing stands out.
"We don't just sell homes," says Yvette Kim. "We sell the idea of 'home' to the right buyer."
Follow these steps, and you’ll be ahead of the game. Start with decluttering, depersonalizing, and creating a clean slate. Remember, these 9 Things You Should Always Toss If You Want to Sell Your Home aren’t just tips—they’re proven ways to increase buyer appeal.
If you want guidance tailored to your unique home, reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to provide insight, preparation tips, and expert market knowledge.
Looking for a personalized plan to prep your home for sale? Let’s connect!
Ready to sell or just starting to explore your options?
Reach out to me, Rob Johnson, or anyone on the Avalon Group Realty team. We’re here to help you make smart moves with confidence.
📍 Visit: www.AvalonGroupRealty.com
📞 Call Aaron Hunt, Broker: (727) 262-7920
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