One of the most stressful parts of having your home on the market is keeping it “show-ready” while you’re still living in it. It needs to be available for showings at a moment’s notice, so it’s not feasible to wait until a showing is scheduled to get it all cleaned up and ready for buyers.
Follow these easy tips to make sure your home is always ready for buyers.
Clutter Free – Having a garage sale, selling items online or donating them to a local charity can help you get rid of the clutter, but then you’ll need to keep it that way. That means designating a place in your home for all of your children’s items and communicating where you expect these things to live at the end of the day. Make sure the backpack goes to the hanger in their closet, dirty dishes go in the dishwasher and toys are put away in their room.
Keep, donate, throw away – Go through your belongings and put them into one of these three baskets. You’ll receive more in tax benefits for your donations than pennies on the dollar at a garage sale. It’s faster, more efficient and you’ll help more people.
Remove temptations – Take valuable jewelry and collectibles to a safety deposit box, a safe, or store them in a secure location.
Make Some Grab & Go Bags – Sometimes you need to get your kids out of the house to provide the best showing. Have a bag already packed for them to spend an hour or so away from home with all their favorites including toys, treats, or diapers.
Plan Some Activities – It may be a good idea to plan some activities for your kids while your home is on the market. Heading to museums, parks, swimming pools, grandparents house will give your kids — and the lucky parent or family member — time away so that you can show your home without interruption.
Remember to keep your kids involved in the process. Tell them what’s happening and get them excited about your move. This way they’ll be more eager to pitch-in and do their part. Remind them this situation isn’t permanent.
Stay consistent – Wash dishes immediately after meals. Clean off countertops. Make beds in the morning. Keep pet toys and beds washed and smelling fresh.
Clean out the garage and attic – Buyers want to see what kind of storage there is.
Following these tips will not only help you keep your home show-ready, but it can also be good practice for when you move into your new home.