I think houses and, indeed, all buildings and places hold some kind of energy that each individual responds to. Perhaps that response is to the lingering spirit or essence of prior occupants. Most likely, I think people respond positively to places that are open and light-filled and remind them of some connection to a happy memory. They also respond less favorably to dark, dank, or cluttered spaces.

"We recommend that clients who are putting their homes on the market spend some time de-cluttering, washing the windows to let in as much light as possible, and paying attention to their home's entrance to up the curb appeal factor. All of these help to make a home more inviting to prospective buyers," says Badger Peabody & Smith Realty Broker/Owner Andy Smith.

First impressions count, so along with de-cluttering and making your home look as attractive as possible, it's important to fix things like leaky faucets and squeaky door hinges, and make other small repairs within the house. Outdoors, trim back hedges that block windows and remove any tree branches that rub on the roof or against the side of the house that might produce some ghostly noises on a windy night.

If you're having difficulty winnowing down your possessions prior to putting your home on the market or because you'd just like to live in a more organized space, consider the following steps to help you get started and keep going.

• Breaking down the decluttering components in your home into manageable bites—one closet, one drawer, or one corner of one room- makes the task less daunting and easier to achieve. You'll be able to accomplish each clean out in a shorter amount of time and be inspired to keep going.

• Many decluttering experts recommend using the three-box method when making decisions about what to keep and what to discard. One box holds items you'll keep; the second one is for items going to the landfill; and the third is for items you're going to sell or donate.

• Sorting clothing into seasons can help streamline closets and drawers. Use bins or an extra bureau to store summer items in winter and winter items in summer. Plastic bins are also useful when you are packing for a move. Be sure to label each clearly so you know what's inside without taking off the lid. When you get to your new home, you'll know exactly where each bin belongs.

Questions to ask as you begin the decluttering process include: Is the item still useful? Will it have an impact on your life if you let it go? Is it something your kids would like? Is this item worth keeping for holidays? Have I used this item in the past year (especially useful for clothing)?

Many people are familiar with super organizer Marie Kondo's advice for keeping or discarding items: Does it bring you joy? I'd add, is it useful in your current life? My spatula might not bring me joy, but I still want to have one in my kitchen drawer. All those elastics, though, probably not. If an item doesn't bring you joy or is not useful, it would go into one of the landfill or donation/to be sold boxes.

Ultimately, a house that is well cared for and organized is more appealing to live in, and especially so to prospective buyers.

Eileen Alexander, a New Hampshire native, made a short detour through North Carolina before returning to the Granite State. She has a yen for old homes with character, colorful flower gardens, and expansive mountain views. 

See this article and more in the spring edition of Journey Home, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty's magazine focusing on New Hampshire real estate and local living.