We all know that dad that made the garage or cellar a hobby paradise. Tools had their place, marked with a matching outline that made their return voluntary. Lights illuminated workspace. Extra hardware was organized and labeled, often in clear containers like old mason jars affixed to the ceiling or wall by their screw top lids.

These rooms made carpentry projects come to life and model trains keep running but even more so created usable space where there was once nothing but cement. A lot can be learned from these space masters and the principles can be applied to help you with the sale of your home. Accessory rooms like the garage and cellar are an often overlooked opportunity to create a selling point.

The first principle is change the way you think about these “extra” rooms. They may be unheated and unfinished but using some principles applied to living spaces these rooms can add square footage and appeal to buyers on both an emotional and practical level.

Bring it to Order

My brother has one of the most organized cellars I’ve ever seen. Everything (and there is a lot) is stored in uniform containers, labeled uniformly, stored off the floor and easily accessible. I’ve taken a cue from his lead and applied the same system to my attic and storage areas. The result is incredibly satisfying as I can find things when I need them and I’m not embarrassed of the space.

It’s rare that visitors look in your attic or cellar but when your home is for sale you’ve got to expect it. Imagine you are a buyer and you peek in a walkout attic. If it’s messy and unorganized you might feel that way about the house or the seller, even if just for a few minutes.

The opposite happens when you look at neat, orderly attic. You see clutter-free possibilities for yourself and storage solutions. The same principle should be applied to garages, cellars and any other accessory room. Bring them to order to give buyers a good feeling that carries throughout your home. The added benefit to organizing accessory rooms is its easier to move when the house sells.

Show its Potential

More than storage, accessory rooms can add space for hobbies and activities, even just hanging out. If you’ve got the supplies, consider setting up work desks and workspaces that show how the space can be used. This doesn’t have to be elaborate, especially if you are planning on moving, but it can be a simple showcase of the space’s potential. It can be as simple setting up a little potting space to appeal to gardeners.

Invest for a Sale

While accessory rooms aren’t at the top of the wish list for most homebuyers, they can be a supplementary selling point. For instance, if a buyer is looking at two similar houses and one has built in storage throughout the cellar and garage while the other has mess, this could sway a buyer.

If you’ve taken care to update primary living spaces and have some extra funds, consider investing in some quality storage ideas for cellar and garage. You don’t have to go overboard and don’t want to customize the space to much. Instead create versatile storage that will appeal to a wide audience.