You’ve decided to sell your house, and you have great plans for the future and what a new home may bring. In the meantime, you have to live in your current house and make it presentable in a minute’s notice to be in tip top shape for perspective buyers. This can be challenging, particularly if you have children and/or animals, but not impossible! There are many things that can make your life easier during this time, but a few will greatly simplify your life.
Keep It Simple
- Pack up everything you’re not currently using
- Declutter and give away furniture and clothing you no longer want or need
- Keep It Clean
- Request Two Hours Notice
- Make a Pet Plan
Go ahead and pack up all out of season items and clothing and any fancy dishes, picture albums, and things that you don’t use everyday. Make sure you label boxes clearly for unpacking ease later. You can store boxes neatly in your garage or rent a storage unit. See-through bins with lids are perfect for identification reasons as well.
While packing, go ahead and give away all the clothes your kids have outgrown, furniture that no longer suits your fancy, toys your children no longer play with (including the swing set and bigger items!) Most cities have a Salvation Army nearby, but consider homeless shelters and church charities as well. If you need cash, you can sell some of your items on eBay, but remember that is time consuming and time might be something you need more than cash!
It’s an unfortunate fact that you’re going to have to keep your house cleaner at all times than you normally do. Some ways to accomplish this are to leave your shoes at the door, wash all dishes as soon as you use them, and put laundry away as soon as it is finished being laundered. Clean your toilet daily and wipe down your bathroom vanity and mirror.
Request two hours notice from your real estate agent. This may cost you potential clients, however, because some don’t want to wait. If you have pets and kids, “moment’s notice” may not be practical, though. This is something you should talk over with your real estate agent and tailor to your lifestyle.
Pets may be the trickiest of all! It is not problem to leave a fish, bird, or hamster behind, assuming their environments are well-cared for, but you’re going to need a plan for your dogs and/or cats. Remember that some people are afraid of dogs, allergic to fur, etc. It’s best if you can put your cat in a carrier and take to a nearby neighbor’s and your dog as well, but if you have nowhere to take them, simply have the materials available they need to go on an outing with you (leash, crate, carrier, food, water, waste bags.)
The stress of selling a home can be greatly reduced by following these tricks. Happy selling!
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