Pre-Sale Home Preparation Guide | Maximize Your Irvine Sale Price
Selling your home in Irvine, California can be one of the most profitable real estate transactions in Orange County — if you prepare properly. In Irvine’s competitive housing market, where median home prices hover around $1.2-$1.4 million, presentation is everything. Buyers touring homes in Woodbridge, Turtle Rock, Northwood, or Portola Springs have high expectations and limited patience for cluttered, dirty, or poorly staged properties.
As a real estate professional serving Irvine and Orange County, I’ve seen firsthand how pre-sale preparation can add $20,000-$75,000+ to your final sale price — or cost you tens of thousands if done wrong. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what buyers notice, what real estate agents recommend, and how to maximize your ROI with strategic decluttering, staging, and cleanouts.
Quick Answer: The most impactful pre-sale improvements for Irvine homes are: (1) Professional decluttering and junk removal ($200-$800 investment, $15,000-$50,000 ROI), (2) Deep cleaning ($300-$600, essential for all showings), (3) Strategic staging ($1,500-$5,000, 5-15% higher sale price), and (4) Curb appeal upgrades ($500-$2,000, immediate impact). Most Irvine homes sell 40-60% faster when properly prepared.
🏡 Why Pre-Sale Preparation Is Non-Negotiable in Irvine
Irvine isn’t your average real estate market. With planned communities, strict HOA standards, excellent schools, and tech industry proximity, Irvine attracts educated, high-income buyers who know exactly what they want. These buyers tour 5-10+ homes before making an offer and will immediately cross you off their list if your home doesn’t meet their standards.
What Makes Irvine’s Market Unique
- Average buyer income: $150,000-$250,000+ household income
- Buyer demographics: Tech professionals, UCI faculty, international buyers (especially Chinese and Korean families), move-up buyers from other OC cities
- Buyer expectations: Move-in ready condition, modern updates, excellent schools, HOA compliance, clean and staged
- Days on market: Well-prepared homes: 15-30 days | Poorly prepared: 60-120+ days
- Price premium for staging: 5-15% higher sale price vs. unstaged homes
💰 Real ROI: Pre-Sale Investment vs. Return
Case Study — Woodbridge 4BR/3BA ($1.3M listing price):
- Professional junk removal & decluttering: $600 → Sold for $1,348,000 (+$48,000 over comps)
- Deep cleaning: $450 → Faster sale (22 days vs. 58-day market average)
- Staging (living room, primary bedroom, kitchen): $2,800 → 8 offers, $68,000 over asking
- Total investment: $3,850 | Total return: $116,000+ | ROI: 30x
Bottom line: Every $1 spent on strategic pre-sale prep returned $30 in this example. This is typical for properly executed staging and cleanouts in Irvine.
🗑️ Step 1: Declutter & Remove Junk (The Foundation)
The #1 mistake Irvine home sellers make is trying to sell a cluttered house. Buyers can’t see past your stuff. They need to envision their furniture, their family photos, their lifestyle in the space — and clutter makes that impossible.
The 50% Rule: Remove Half of Everything
Real estate agents across Irvine recommend the 50% rule: remove approximately 50% of your belongings before listing. This includes:
What to Remove Before Listing
- Garage: Store or donate 75% of items. Buyers want to see a functional 2-car garage, not a storage unit. Remove bikes, sports equipment, tools, boxes, old furniture.
- Closets: Remove 50% of clothing and shoes. Buyers open every closet and will judge storage space. Overcrowded closets signal “not enough storage.”
- Kitchen counters: Clear everything except 1-2 decorative items. Hide small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc.) in cabinets or pantry.
- Bathrooms: Remove all toiletries, medicines, personal items. Store in bins under sink or in closet during showings.
- Living areas: Remove extra furniture (if you have 2 couches, store one), excessive décor, family photos, kids’ toys, pet items.
- Bedrooms: Remove personal items, reduce furniture to essentials (bed, nightstands, dresser), clear tops of all surfaces.
- Outdoor spaces: Remove broken patio furniture, old planters, garden equipment, stored items on balconies/patios.
Where Does It All Go?
You have four options for dealing with pre-sale junk and excess items:
Option 1: Temporary Storage ($150-$300/month)
Rent a storage unit for items you’ll want after the move. Good for furniture, seasonal items, boxes. Downside: monthly cost during sale process (could be 1-6 months).
Option 2: Donate ($0)
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, and local charities accept furniture, appliances, and household items in good condition. Tax deduction potential. Downside: you must transport items yourself and they’re selective about condition.
Option 3: Sell (Earn $100-$1,000+)
Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, estate sales, consignment stores. Good for valuable items (furniture, electronics, collectibles). Downside: time-consuming, dealing with buyers, no guarantee items will sell quickly.
Option 4: Professional Junk Removal ($200-$800)
Fast, easy, handles everything in one day. We remove furniture, appliances, boxes, garage junk, yard waste, and anything else. Items are donated or recycled when possible (80%+ diversion rate). Downside: upfront cost, but worth it for speed and convenience.
💡 Pro Tip from 20,000+ Irvine Cleanouts: Most Irvine sellers use a combination approach: (1) Sell valuable items first (1-2 weeks), (2) Donate good-condition items to charity, (3) Professional junk removal for everything else the week before listing. This maximizes value while staying on schedule. Don’t let junk removal delay your listing!
📦 Pre-Sale Junk Removal for Irvine Homes
Need to clear out your Irvine home before listing? We help sellers throughout Woodbridge, Turtle Rock, Northwood, Portola Springs, and all Irvine neighborhoods prepare for sale. Same-day service available. We donate and recycle 80%+ of items.
Call (949) 556-3600 for Free Estimate✨ Step 2: Professional Deep Cleaning (Non-Negotiable)
After decluttering, your home needs a professional deep clean. This isn’t a regular weekend cleaning — this is white-glove, inspection-ready cleaning that addresses every surface, corner, and detail.
What Buyers Notice First
Eye-tracking studies of homebuyers show they judge cleanliness within the first 8 seconds of entering a room. These are the first things they notice:
- Floors: Carpets, hardwood, tile — must be spotless and stain-free
- Kitchen: Counters, appliances, sink, backsplash — buyers open every drawer and cabinet
- Bathrooms: Grout, fixtures, mirrors, toilets — buyers inspect closely
- Windows: Streaks, smudges, dirty screens signal poor maintenance
- Walls: Scuff marks, fingerprints, dirty baseboards
DIY Deep Clean Checklist (Or Hire Professionals)
Complete Deep Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen:
- Clean inside/outside of ALL appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher)
- Degrease range hood and exhaust fan
- Scrub grout on counters and backsplash
- Polish all fixtures and hardware
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers (buyers WILL open them)
- Descale faucet aerators
- Clean under/behind appliances (pull out fridge and stove)
Bathrooms:
- Scrub and whiten grout (or re-grout if stained)
- Remove all soap scum, mildew, calcium deposits
- Polish all fixtures until they shine
- Clean inside cabinets/vanities
- Replace worn caulk around tubs/showers
- Clean exhaust fan covers
- Make mirrors streak-free and spotless
Living Areas & Bedrooms:
- Professional carpet cleaning (or replace if badly stained)
- Wash all windows inside and out
- Wipe down all baseboards, door frames, crown molding
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Dust/clean air vents and returns
- Touch up paint on scuffed walls
- Polish hardwood floors
Exterior & Garage:
- Pressure wash driveway, walkways, patio
- Clean garage floor (sweep, pressure wash oil stains)
- Wash windows and screens (exterior)
- Clean front door and hardware
- Remove cobwebs from eaves and corners
- Clean outdoor light fixtures
Professional Cleaning Costs (Irvine)
| Service | Typical Cost | ROI/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Whole House Deep Clean (2,000-2,500 sq ft) | $300-$600 | Essential — baseline expectation |
| Carpet Cleaning (professional) | $150-$300 | High ROI — fresh carpets add perceived value |
| Window Cleaning (inside & out) | $150-$250 | Medium ROI — lets in more light, looks newer |
| Pressure Washing (driveway, walkways, patio) | $200-$400 | High ROI — instant curb appeal |
| Grout Cleaning/Sealing | $150-$300 | Medium ROI — bathrooms/kitchens look renovated |
💡 Agent Recommendation: Schedule professional cleaning for 24-48 hours before your first showing or open house. Maintain cleanliness throughout the listing period with quick “showing prep” cleans before each tour (10-15 minutes: wipe counters, fluff pillows, open blinds, turn on lights).
🎨 Step 3: Strategic Staging (5-15% Higher Sale Price)
After decluttering and cleaning, staging is what transforms your empty-feeling house into a buyer’s dream home. The National Association of Realtors reports that staged homes sell for 5-15% more than unstaged homes and spend 73% less time on market.
What Is Staging?
Staging is the strategic arrangement of furniture, décor, and accessories to:
- ✅ Highlight your home’s best features
- ✅ Downplay weaknesses or awkward spaces
- ✅ Create emotional connection with buyers
- ✅ Help buyers envision their lifestyle in the space
- ✅ Make rooms appear larger, brighter, and more functional
Full Staging vs. Partial Staging
Full Staging ($3,000-$8,000 for Irvine homes):
Professional stagers furnish and decorate your entire home (or vacant home). Includes furniture rental, artwork, accessories, plants, etc. for 1-3 months. Best for: vacant homes, high-end properties ($1M+), homes with layout/flow issues.
Partial Staging ($1,500-$3,500):
Stage key rooms only: living room, primary bedroom, kitchen/dining. Use your existing furniture with professional rearrangement and accessories. Best for: occupied homes, tighter budgets, homes that just need refinement.
DIY Staging with Consultation ($300-$800):
Hire a professional stager for 2-3 hours to walk through and provide recommendations. You implement the changes yourself. Best for: budget-conscious sellers, homes in good condition, sellers with design sense.
Top Staging Priorities for Irvine Homes
What to Stage First (Highest ROI)
- 1. Living Room: Buyers spend the most time here. Create a conversation area with seating, add pops of color with pillows/throws, ensure clear traffic flow, add greenery.
- 2. Primary Bedroom: Make it a serene retreat. Crisp white bedding, minimal furniture, nightstands with lamps, remove all personal items, add luxury touches (throw blanket, fresh flowers).
- 3. Kitchen: Clear ALL counters except 1-2 decorative items (fruit bowl, small plant). Remove magnets from fridge. Add fresh towels. Make it look like a showroom.
- 4. Dining Room: Set the table with placemats/dishes to show function. Add centerpiece (vase with flowers, bowl of lemons). Buyers need to see where they’ll host holidays.
- 5. Bathrooms: White towels only (remove colored/old towels). Add spa touches: candles, small plant, decorative soap dispenser. Make counters look like a hotel bathroom.
💰 Staging ROI Example — Turtle Rock 4BR/2.5BA
List Price: $1,450,000 (unstaged comps selling for $1,420,000-$1,440,000)
- Staging Investment: $4,200 (full staging, 2 months)
- Result: 6 offers in 12 days, sold for $1,518,000
- Net gain over comps: $78,000-$98,000
- ROI: $4,200 investment → $78,000+ return = 18x ROI
🏠 Need Help Clearing Out Before Staging?
Professional stagers need a blank canvas. Before they arrive, you need to remove excess furniture, boxes, and clutter. We help Irvine home sellers prepare for staging by removing unwanted items quickly and affordably. Serving Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock, Portola Springs, and all Irvine neighborhoods.
🔧 Step 4: Strategic Repairs & Updates
Not all repairs are created equal. Some add significant value, others are a waste of money. Focus on high-ROI repairs that buyers notice and expect, especially in Irvine’s competitive market.
Must-Fix Items (Do These First)
Critical Repairs (Red Flags for Buyers)
- Roof leaks or visible damage: Buyers will negotiate $10,000-$20,000+ off if they see roof issues. Fix before listing.
- Plumbing leaks: Any dripping faucets, running toilets, or visible water damage. Signals deferred maintenance.
- Electrical issues: Outlets that don’t work, flickering lights, outdated panels. Safety concerns kill deals.
- HVAC problems: Non-functional heating or AC. Buyers expect working systems, especially in Irvine’s climate.
- Broken appliances: If it’s staying with the house, it must work. Replace or repair broken dishwashers, stoves, etc.
- Cracked/broken windows: Cheap fix ($100-$300 per window) that buyers will absolutely notice and use in negotiations.
- Damaged flooring: Replace worn carpet, fix cracked tiles, refinish badly scratched hardwood.
High-ROI Cosmetic Updates
| Update | Cost | ROI | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Paint (neutral colors) | $2,000-$5,000 | 100-200% | Makes home feel new, modern, move-in ready |
| Cabinet Hardware Update | $200-$500 | 300-500% | Modern brushed nickel/matte black = instant update |
| Light Fixture Upgrades | $500-$1,500 | 200-400% | Replace dated fixtures with modern LED styles |
| New Carpet (if needed) | $2,000-$5,000 | 100-150% | Fresh carpet = cleaner, newer perception |
| Bathroom Faucet/Hardware | $300-$800 | 200-300% | Updated fixtures make bathrooms feel modern |
| Landscaping/Curb Appeal | $500-$2,000 | 150-300% | First impression — critical for showings |
Low-ROI Updates (Skip These)
Don’t waste money on:
- ❌ Kitchen remodels: $30,000-$80,000+ investment, 50-75% ROI. Unless your kitchen is seriously dated (1970s-1980s), skip it.
- ❌ Bathroom remodels: $15,000-$40,000+ investment, 60-80% ROI. Better to price competitively and let buyer customize.
- ❌ Pool installation: $40,000-$100,000+ investment, 30-50% ROI. Not all Irvine buyers want pools (maintenance, safety concerns).
- ❌ High-end landscaping: Elaborate hardscaping, outdoor kitchens, etc. Simple, clean landscaping is enough.
- ❌ Smart home tech: Unless already installed, don’t add it pre-sale. Buyers prefer to choose their own systems.
🌳 Step 5: Curb Appeal (The 8-Second Test)
Buyers form their first impression in 8 seconds of pulling up to your curb. If your home fails the curb appeal test, they’ll mentally deduct $10,000-$50,000 before they even walk through the door.
Curb Appeal Checklist
Must-Do Curb Appeal Tasks
- Lawn: Mow, edge, fertilize, remove weeds. Brown spots? Overseed or install sod. Irvine buyers expect lush, green lawns.
- Front door: Paint or replace if worn. Add new hardware (handle, lockset). Add welcome mat. This is your home’s “handshake.”
- House numbers: Replace old/faded numbers with modern ones ($20-$50). Visible from street.
- Mailbox: Replace if rusted, dented, or outdated ($30-$100).
- Lighting: Add/update outdoor lights. Well-lit homes feel safer and more welcoming. Use warm LED bulbs.
- Driveway/walkway: Pressure wash to remove stains, moss, dirt. Repair cracks. Add edging if needed.
- Landscaping: Trim bushes/trees, add fresh mulch, plant colorful flowers (seasonal annuals), remove dead plants.
- Windows: Clean exterior windows and screens. Replace damaged screens.
- Garage door: Clean or paint if faded. Ensure it opens smoothly (buyers WILL test it).
- Remove clutter: No garden hoses, tools, kids’ toys, trash bins visible from street. Store everything.
💡 Drive-By Test: Take a photo of your home from the street. Show it to 5 friends (who haven’t seen your house) and ask: “Would you want to see inside?” If they hesitate, you have curb appeal work to do. First impressions are everything in real estate.
📸 Step 6: Final Prep for Photos & Showings
Your real estate agent will schedule professional photos 1-3 days before listing. These photos will appear on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and your agent’s listings. 80% of buyers will see photos BEFORE visiting in person — so they must be perfect.
Day Before Photos Checklist
Photo Day Preparation
- ✅ Declutter every room one last time (remove personal photos, kids’ artwork, pet items, excess décor)
- ✅ Deep clean — photographer will capture dust, smudges, fingerprints
- ✅ All lights ON — replace burnt bulbs, turn on every light in every room
- ✅ Open all blinds/curtains — let in maximum natural light
- ✅ Make all beds with crisp white or neutral bedding
- ✅ Clear ALL counters (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room)
- ✅ Hide trash cans (inside and outside)
- ✅ Remove cars from driveway/garage during photos
- ✅ Add fresh flowers to living room, kitchen, dining room
- ✅ Remove pets and pet items (bowls, beds, toys, litter boxes)
- ✅ Turn off TVs and remove visible cords/cables
- ✅ Set dining table with placemats/dishes
- ✅ Fluff pillows and throw blankets on sofas/beds
During Listing Period (Showing Prep)
Once listed, you may get showing requests with 1-2 hours’ notice (or less). Keep your home in “show-ready” condition at all times:
- Daily: Make beds, wipe down kitchen/bathrooms, vacuum high-traffic areas, empty trash, hide personal items
- Before each showing: Open blinds, turn on all lights, play soft background music, light a subtle candle (vanilla, linen scents), set temperature to 68-72°F, remove pets
- During showings: LEAVE. Sellers present = awkward for buyers. Let them explore freely. Take the dog for a walk.
🚛 Last-Minute Junk Removal Before Listing?
Need emergency cleanout before photos or showings? We offer same-day junk removal for Irvine home sellers. Most jobs completed in 1-3 hours. Remove furniture, boxes, garage clutter, yard waste, and anything else holding back your sale.
Call (949) 556-3600 for Emergency Service🏘️ Irvine Neighborhood-Specific Prep Tips
Different Irvine neighborhoods attract different buyers with different expectations. Here’s what matters most in each area:
Turtle Rock & Shady Canyon ($1.5M-$5M+)
- Buyer Profile: High-net-worth professionals, executives, international buyers
- Expectations: Luxury finishes, mountain/city views, privacy, updated kitchens/baths, outdoor living spaces
- Pre-Sale Priority: Professional staging is ESSENTIAL. These buyers expect perfection. Highlight views with clean windows and minimal window treatments.
Woodbridge & Northwood ($900K-$1.5M)
- Buyer Profile: Families with school-age children, tech professionals, move-up buyers
- Expectations: Great schools (Woodbridge/Northwood High), family-friendly layout, functional garage, updated kitchens
- Pre-Sale Priority: Emphasize storage (clean garage!), stage kids’ rooms as functional bedrooms/offices, highlight proximity to parks/schools in listing.
Portola Springs & Orchard Hills ($1M-$2M)
- Buyer Profile: Younger families, tech professionals, first-time luxury buyers, international buyers
- Expectations: Modern/new construction feel, open floor plans, energy efficiency, HOA amenities
- Pre-Sale Priority: These are newer homes (2010s-2020s). Buyers expect pristine condition. Any visible wear = red flag. Deep clean, fresh paint, modern staging.
University Park & University Town Center ($700K-$1.2M)
- Buyer Profile: UCI faculty/staff, grad students, young professionals, investors (rental potential)
- Expectations: Proximity to UCI, walkability, lower maintenance (condos/townhomes), functional spaces
- Pre-Sale Priority: Highlight UCI connection, stage home office spaces, show low-maintenance lifestyle, emphasize rental income potential if applicable.
Eastwood & Great Park Neighborhoods ($800K-$1.5M)
- Buyer Profile: Young families, first-time buyers moving up, tech workers
- Expectations: New construction amenities, community pools/parks, modern finishes, energy efficiency
- Pre-Sale Priority: Buyers are comparing to brand-new homes in same developments. Your home must feel NEW. Fresh paint, clean grout, spotless appliances, zero deferred maintenance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Selling Your Irvine Home
Most Irvine home sellers spend 0.5-2% of their home’s value on pre-sale preparation. For a $1.2M home, that’s $6,000-$24,000. Typical breakdown: Junk removal/decluttering ($500-$1,000), deep cleaning ($400-$800), staging ($2,000-$5,000), minor repairs/updates ($1,500-$5,000), curb appeal ($500-$2,000). The ROI is typically 300-1,000%+ when done strategically. Every dollar spent on preparation can return $3-$10 in higher sale price or faster sale.
Yes, occupied homes benefit from staging too! Hire a professional stager for a consultation ($300-$800) to rearrange your existing furniture, recommend what to remove/store, and add strategic accessories. The stager will help you “depersonalize” while keeping the home functional. Alternatively, partial staging ($1,500-$3,500) can transform key rooms (living room, primary bedroom) while you continue living there. Most Irvine sellers find partial staging is worth the investment for faster sales and higher offers.
You have four options: (1) Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or through estate sales ($100-$1,000+ potential), (2) Donate to Habitat ReStore or Goodwill (tax deduction), (3) Temporary storage ($150-$300/month), or (4) Professional junk removal ($200-$800 for most homes). Most Irvine sellers use a combination: sell valuable items first, donate good-condition items, then professional removal for everything else 1-2 weeks before listing. Call (949) 556-3600 for same-day junk removal.
Start 4-6 weeks before your target listing date. Recommended timeline: Week 1-2: Declutter, sell/donate items, schedule junk removal. Week 3: Complete repairs, paint, minor updates. Week 4: Deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, window cleaning. Week 5: Staging consultation/installation, curb appeal work. Week 6: Final touches, professional photos, listing goes live. Rushing preparation leads to missed details and lower offers. Give yourself time to do it right.
Absolutely YES for homes over $900K. The National Association of Realtors reports staged homes sell for 5-15% more than unstaged homes. In Irvine, that’s $45,000-$180,000+ on a $1.2M home. Staging costs $2,000-$8,000 depending on scope. ROI is typically 500-2,000%+. Staged homes also sell 40-60% faster, saving you carrying costs (mortgage, HOA, utilities). For luxury homes ($1.5M+), professional staging is non-negotiable — buyers at this price point expect perfection.
Must-fix: Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, electrical issues, broken appliances, HVAC problems, cracked windows, damaged flooring. These are red flags that kill deals. High-ROI updates: Fresh paint (neutral colors), cabinet hardware, light fixtures, faucets, landscaping. Skip: Full kitchen/bathroom remodels, pool installation, extensive landscaping. Focus on making your home clean, functional, and move-in ready rather than over-improving. Most Irvine buyers prefer to customize themselves.
CRITICAL. Curb appeal is the first thing buyers see and affects their entire perception of your home. Studies show buyers form first impressions in 8 seconds. Poor curb appeal can mentally deduct $10,000-$50,000 from your home’s value before buyers even walk through the door. Invest $500-$2,000 in curb appeal: fresh mulch, flowers, lawn care, pressure washing, paint front door, new house numbers, outdoor lighting. ROI is typically 150-300%+. This is the cheapest, highest-impact improvement you can make.
YES — remove ALL personal items! This includes family photos, kids’ artwork, religious items, political signs, personal collections, and anything that identifies you. Buyers need to envision THEIR family in the space, not yours. Personal items create emotional barriers and distract from the home itself. Store these items or pack them early. Replace with neutral art, mirrors, and décor that appeals to a broad audience. Professional stagers call this “depersonalizing” and it’s essential for maximum sale price.
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-October) are peak selling seasons in Irvine. Spring captures families wanting to move before the next school year. Fall captures buyers who’ve been looking all summer and want to settle before holidays. However, Irvine’s strong market means well-prepared homes sell year-round. Winter (November-February) has less competition, and motivated buyers will pay premium for the right home. Bottom line: a well-staged, properly priced home will sell quickly in ANY season. Focus on preparation, not timing.
Selling as-is means accepting 10-20% less than market value and attracting investors/flippers, not retail buyers. Preparing your home costs 0.5-2% of home value but returns 300-1,000%+ ROI. Example: $1.2M Irvine home prepared properly ($8,000 investment) sells for $1,260,000-$1,320,000 vs. as-is sale at $1,050,000-$1,150,000. You make $100,000-$270,000 MORE by investing $8,000 in preparation. Only sell as-is if you’re in distress, need ultra-fast sale, or home needs major structural work you can’t afford. For most Irvine sellers, preparation is a no-brainer.
📞 Ready to Prepare Your Irvine Home for Sale?
JunkOut Irvine helps home sellers throughout Irvine prepare for listing. We remove unwanted furniture, appliances, garage clutter, boxes, and everything else holding back your sale. Serving Woodbridge, Turtle Rock, Northwood, Portola Springs, Eastwood, University Park, and all Irvine neighborhoods.
Pre-sale preparation services: Junk removal, garage cleanouts, estate cleanouts, construction debris removal, donation coordination. Same-day service available. We donate and recycle 80%+ of items.