Selling your home while still living in it? That’s a juggling act! Keeping it clean, staged, and appealing to buyers while continuing daily life—can feel overwhelming. The key is striking the perfect balance between functionality and presentation. Here’s how to keep your home “showing ready” while still living in it.
What Is Staging?
Think of staging as setting the scene for buyers to fall in love with your home.
It’s all about decluttering, cleaning, and arranging furniture so buyers can picture themselves living there. The better your home looks, the faster it will sell. (Likely for more money too!)
Declutter and Depersonalize
Before listing your home, start by removing unnecessary items and personal belongings.
- Store away family photos, holiday cards, and personal memorabilia.
- Clear away countertops, shelves, and surfaces to create an open and spacious look.
- Organize closets and cabinets—yes, buyers will look inside!
Not sure where to ‘hide’ everything you remove. Consider renting a storage unit for the excess furniture, memorabilia and seasonal items.
Maintain a Clean Home Daily
A deep clean before the listing photoshoot and the showings is essential, but maintaining that cleanliness is just as important. This ensures you can be ready for last minute showing requests.
- Set a daily cleaning routine focused on high-traffic areas.
- Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces regularly.
- Keep floors vacuumed and free of clutter.
- Open windows to keep fresh air circulating and eliminate odors.
- Have a designated spot for last-minute cleanups, like a storage bin for stray toys or small appliances, etc.
Keep It Smelling Fresh
A home that smells clean makes a lasting impression. Here’s how to keep things fresh:
- Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods before showings.
- Use light, natural scents—candles, diffusers, or freshly baked cookies.
- Don’t forget to wash bedding, towels, and pet items frequently and take out the trash daily.
Make Your Home Look Inviting
- Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere can help buyers feel at home.
- Use neutral-colored bedding, throw pillows, and decor to appeal to a broad audience.
- Let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds and curtains.
- Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit to the kitchen counter for a touch of vibrancy.
- Pay extra attention to key rooms like the living room and master bedroom.
Plan for Quick Exits
Showings can be scheduled with little notice, so be prepared to leave the house quickly.
Don’t panic!
Do: Keep a checklist for last-minute touch-ups, such as making beds and wiping down counters.
Do: Have a go-bag ready with essentials for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home “showing ready” while living in it requires effort, but the rewards are worth it. By staying organized, maintaining cleanliness, and focusing on staging, you’ll increase your chances of a quick and successful sale. A little extra effort now can lead to a higher offer and a smoother selling process! It’s all worth it in the end when that SOLD sign goes up!
