Hello and welcome back to the HOKC blog! Today’s article has been guest written by someone who had such amazing persistence in reaching out to me and ideas to share. We all have busy & sometimes stressful schedules; moving can certainly add to the hectic feeling of it all especially when kids are involved, but Kris Louis’s guide to minimizing that stress is such a good read full of great insights!
Photo by: Pexels
When your house is on the market, you never know when potential buyers will pop by for showings. Sometimes, you only have half an hour to tidy up and get out of the house. Your house needs to be kept spotless, clutter-free, and show-ready at all times, but this can be extremely challenging when you’re a busy parent. So, here are some tips that can help you get a handle on your house and keep it clean for showings.
Hire a Professional Cleaner
Even if you prefer to clean your home yourself, hiring a housekeeper while your house is on the market can be a great idea. A professional housekeeper will free up your time for other important home-selling tasks. Consider scheduling a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning service to keep your house neat and tidy so it’s always ready for potential buyers. Use an online search tool to find a housekeeping service in your area.
Pack Up Clutter
One of the most important steps in preparing a home for sale is decluttering. Clutter can distract potential buyers from the best features of your home and even make your home appear small or short on storage space. Early Bird Mom recommends packing up personal items first and foremost. This includes family photos, knick-knacks, and unusual décor. Then, remove any pieces of furniture that are crowding your rooms.
Avoid stuffing these items into your closets and garage — this can give off the impression that your home lacks storage. Ask a friend if you can store some boxes and furniture at their place until you move. If that’s not realistic, consider renting a temporary storage unit.
Add a Few Staging Elements
According to Forbes, homes that are deliberately decorated to appeal to buyers tend to sell twice as fast as non-staged houses. Consider following a few professional staging recommendations to help you find a buyer faster. For example, you can hang mirrors to brighten dark hallways and outfit your bathroom with plush, white towels. You could even reserve some dinnerware to set on your dining room table before showings, as this will help potential buyers picture their lives inside your space.
Enlist Your Family in a Morning Cleaning Ritual
Follow a daily cleaning checklist so you’re always prepared for a showing. Try to get in the habit of cleaning everything in the morning. When you start every day with a clean house, you won’t have to panic when you get the call that potential buyers are on the way. Make sure all the beds are made and all the blinds in the home are open. Empty the dishwasher from the night before, sweep the kitchen floor, and vacuum up any crumbs on your carpets.
Also, divide the work among your family members. Have your children make their beds and put their clothing away when they get up in the morning. If your children aren’t used to cleaning, take advantage of this opportunity to teach responsibility and encourage good cleaning habits.
Develop a Last-Minute Cleaning Plan
It’s always a good idea to leave your home during showings. Before you rush out with your children, give your home one final, last-minute clean. Put together a cleaning caddy with an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and a couple of rags so you can quickly wipe down surfaces and touch up the bathrooms. Store an empty bin or suitcase in a closet so you can fill it with bits of clutter. This is useful for collecting toys, loose paper, and any personal items left around. You may also want to reserve some clean bathroom and kitchen linens to swap out right before a showing. For more tips, check out this 10-minute cleaning routine from Clean My Space.
With plenty of planning and help from your family, keeping your home clean and ready for showings will be much more manageable. Remember that your children might feel anxious when you have to rush them out of the house for a last-minute showing. Take this opportunity to do something fun together! After all, you could use a little time to relax and enjoy yourself.
