Struggling to sell your home? A retirement community operator explains how decluttering could unlock your move. 

Adlington Retirement Living, which operates Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has shared some advice for people seeking to sell their homes, based on the experiences of some of their homeowners. 

They explained that when a house is not selling "often the answer isn't the house itself, it's the way it's being presented". 

A spokesperson for Adlington Retirement Living said: "After decades of living in the same home, many of us naturally accumulate possessions, furniture, ornaments, garden pots, tools, even whole collections of 'things that might come in useful'. 

"To us, they feel normal, even homely but to buyers, they can make rooms look smaller, spaces feel crowded, or gardens seem like too much work. 

"The good news is, there's a simple but powerful solution: decluttering while your house is on the market." 

Buyers can find it difficult to picture their own life in a new home filled with personal furniture and pictures, but some homeowners may need a little help to declutter. 

David, a homeowner at The Spindles, said 'choosing what to part with was difficult' (image via Adlington)

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David, a homeowner at The Spindles, admitted he needed help to let go: "Choosing what to part with was difficult. 

"My previous house was big, and we had an awful lot of fitted storage, that we had filled. I had some help, thanks to Adlington, and I found that very helpful. 

"I chose a charity to donate a lot of stuff to, and we got pink Post-it Notes and stuck them on everything so that the people from the charity knew what to take." 

Other homeowners found that cluttered garages could put off potential buyers. If they can't even see whether a car fits inside, they may assume your home lacks storage. 

Homeowner Gloria said: 'Once the space was clear, Peter's anxiety about moving lifted' (image via Adlington)

Gloria and Peter, homeowners at Broadleaf House, remembered how much better they felt once their loft and garage were cleared: "It just keeps on coming," Gloria joked, as sons Dean and Wayne heaved down forgotten carpet rolls, scrap metal and children's toys. 

"Once the space was clear, Peter's anxiety about moving lifted." 

Adlington advised people selling their homes to "be ruthless about what you keep". 

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If items haven't been touched in years, it may be time to recycle, donate, or dispose of them as an orderly, spacious garage can be a selling point. 

Homeowner Dr Trevor said he gave away 'enormous amounts of stuff' (image via Adlington)

Another common barrier is holding onto things because they seem too good to throw away: spare doors, tiles, bits of furniture, old carpet.  

They sit in sheds or outbuildings 'just in case' but to buyers they can look like clutter. 

Dr Trevor, a homeowner at The Sidings, explained: "Living in the same house for 37 years, you accumulate, and we were the kind of people who never ever threw anything away. 

"We had so many crystal glasses and so much crockery, it was amazing. I gave away enormous amounts of stuff to my children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours. 

"After that, we had The Salvation Army come in and they filled two big vans." 

A spokesperson for Adlington Retirement Living added: "So, if your house has been on the market for a while without serious offers, don't assume something is wrong with it, as often, the key is how it's presented. 

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"Decluttering inside, outside, and in storage spaces can completely change how buyers see your home. 

"It could be the difference between your home sitting on the market and someone walking in, seeing the potential, and making an offer." 

Adlington shared some simple steps that can transform how buyers see your home: 

• Clear surfaces and leave just one or two carefully chosen items. 
• Store away excess photos or ornaments. 
• Remove or rehome bulky furniture that makes rooms feel small. 
• Tidy cupboards and wardrobes, buyers often peek inside, and space sells. 

To find out more about Adlington Retirement Living, join a coffee morning or book a tour. Call the friendly sales team on 01782 958850 - they're ready to welcome you Monday to Saturday at Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme or visit adlington.co.uk

To find out more about Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, join a coffee morning or book a tour (image via Adlington)

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