If you are a parent, aunt, grandparent or otherwise are blessed to have children in your life, then you will understand. There are days when their creativity has soared and toys and forts and coloring books are filling almost every square foot of the house. You will also be the first to wonder how in the world you can have your home ready for sale. Do not despair! There are a few ways to make this balance from staging to showings to sold!
First of all, engage your kids in the process. Depending on their age, find one or two things that are their special job. For example, all their toys go into a designated basket. Or an older child is in charge of watching a younger sibling while you do a final vacuum.
Take stock of what you have in the main living areas and bedrooms. Do you need to have a baby rocker, portable baby gym AND a jumper all in one space? Consider what you really use and where you use it. Perhaps hockey practice can be hosted by another family for now?
Create easy places to go with things. If your teenager has a closet full of clothes he/she doesn’t wear anymore, now is the time to get rid of those and make room for the ones that they actually DO wear. To that end, take a good look at the front closet or mud room. Store the winter gear in the Spring or keep the lake toys packed up for now. Add an extra hook for the school backpacks so they stay off the floor.
There are so many more suggestions to make it easier to keep your home in top shape during the time it is on the market. Trust me, the more the closets, drawers, shelves and kitchen pantry are cleared out of the excess, the easier it will be to keep things ‘show ready!’
– Kristin Beise, Realtor, RE/MAX Advantage Plus