You’ve done your due diligence, found a superb real estate agent and have stored away your personal items to declutter your home, now it’s time to prepare for all those showings your agent will bring your way.
The more flexible you can be for showings, the sooner your home will sell so keep that in the forefront of your mind. You won’t always have the luxury of a 24 hour notice before a potential buyer requests to visit your home so you need to keep up with regular cleaning, have a “to-go” bag packed with items you’ll need while away from the home during the showing and have a checklist handy for the things that can be done within about 2-hours to have your home show-ready. In fact, if you keep the list on your phone it’ll always be handy.
Kitchen
- Relocate everything in the sink to the dishwasher and do a quick wipe down of the sink, faucet, stove top and counters with a microfiber cloth.
- Empty the trash and take it outside out of view such as in a larger barrel with a lid. If necessary, use some Lysol spray on the inside of your trash can to counteract any noticeable unpleasant odors.
- Quick mop the floor using something like a Swiffer.
- Put all the clutter and non-essentials on the countertop away.
- Any plantings/herbs on windowsill or countertop should look healthy
Bathrooms
- Get all the dirty laundry in a hamper and cover it.
- Move all toiletries into the vanity and out of sight.
- Check your shower/tub for toys, stray hairs, face cloths, etc.
- Wipe down counters, sinks, faucets, etc., with a microfiber cloth
- Collect prescription medicine, put it in your “to-go” bag and take it to your car.
- Put out the “good” towels
- Pour a scented cleaner in the toilet and make sure you put the lid down.
Bedrooms
- Pull the bedspread tight and fluff the pillows.
- Put books, reading glasses and magazines in a nightstand or under the bed.
- Close closet doors and dresser drawers.
- Slide small throw-rugs under the bed.
Living Room, Den, Dining Room
- Hide newspapers, magazines and remote controls under the couch cushions.
- Pick up any children or dog toys and toss them into a chest or basket.
- Swiffer the floors and check the carpet for debris, do a quick once over with the vacuum cleaner if necessary.
- Plump couch pillows and cushions.
- Fold all blankets and put them in cabinet or nicely display over chair or sofa.
House-Wide
- Due a complete walk-thru and throw stray, embarrassing, personal or small items into an empty and waiting laundry basket that you can take with you.
- Open all blinds, drapes and curtains to get in as much natural light as you can.
- Turn on ceiling fans and lights. If it’s nice outside open some windows and let the fresh air in.
- Double check your desktop, refrigerator front and all the tables to be sure personal items such as credit cards, mail, calendars and valuables are securely out of sight. When in doubt – stuff it in the “to go” bag.
- Dust if needed all items such as clocks, tables and frames
Outside
- Move bikes, toys, garden hoses, etc. to the garage, shed or side of the house.
- Sweep steps and walkways.
- Use the broom to clean up any cobwebs near all entrances.
- Clip lawns, hedges and other plants once a week or as needed to present the best curb appeal for that first impression.
A checklist will keep you focused, gives you peace of mind, and simplifies your tasks when you have to pick up on the fly.