Real Estate Prep - Part 5/6: 10 Tips to Keep Your Home Showing-Ready (even with kids)

Selling your home is an exciting step towards a new chapter in your life, but it comes with its fair share of challenges—especially when you have kids. Keeping your home in a constant state of readiness for potential buyers might seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable.

From our experience as professional organizers and home stagers, here's how you can maintain your home's appeal without disrupting your family's daily life too much.

(If you’re struggling with the “how to start packing while the house is still listed for sale” part of the process, check out this blog for some guidance.)

Okay now, here's how you can maintain your home's appeal without disrupting your family's daily life too much.

1. Establish a Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a tidy home. Establish a daily routine that involves quick tidy-up sessions in the morning and evening. Encourage your kids to make their beds, put away toys, and place dirty clothes in the laundry hamper as part of their daily habits. A little effort every day goes a long way in keeping your home presentable.

2. Designate Play Areas

Limiting play areas to specific parts of the home can help contain messes and make clean-up quicker. Whether it’s a bedroom or a corner of the living room, having a designated space for play keeps the rest of the house more organized and easier to tidy on short notice.

3. Storage Solutions

Invest in attractive, easy-to-use storage solutions that blend with your decor. Large baskets, ottomans with storage, and shelving units with bins are excellent for hiding toys, books, and crafts in plain sight. The easier it is to put things away, the more likely your children will help with the tidying up process.

4. The 15-Minute Clean-Up

The 15-minute clean-up is a game-changer for families. Set a timer for 15 minutes each day where everyone in the family pitches in to tidy up. Make it fun with music or a little competition. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish together in such a short time.

5. Simplify and Declutter

Before listing your home, take the opportunity to declutter and simplify your belongings. This is the perfect time to donate toys and clothes that are no longer needed. A minimalist approach not only makes your home more appealing to buyers but also makes it easier to keep tidy. If you’re not quite sure why this is important, take 5 and read this blog about Why Decluttering Before Listing Matters.

6. Create a ‘Quick Hide’ Solution

For those times when you receive last-minute showing requests, have a ‘quick hide’ solution in place. This could be a set of bins or baskets where you can quickly stash away everyday items. Just remember to clear these out regularly to avoid accumulation.

7. Involve the Kids

Turn tidying up into a positive experience by involving your kids. Assign age-appropriate tasks and explain why keeping the house tidy is important. Recognition and small rewards for a job well done can motivate them to keep their spaces clean.

8. Have a Go Bag Ready

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the house might not be in perfect condition when a showing is scheduled. Have a ‘go bag’ ready with snacks, activities, and anything else you might need to leave the house quickly and keep the kids occupied while potential buyers are touring your home.

9. Nightly Reset

Make it a habit to do a nightly reset of your home. This means checking each room to ensure everything is in its place, dishes are done, and the home is ready to be shown the next day. It’s a peaceful way to end the evening and start the next day fresh.

10. Stay Flexible and Positive

Lastly, remember to stay flexible and positive. Selling your home is a temporary phase, and while it requires effort to keep your home show-ready, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep your eye on the goal and remember that every showing brings you one step closer to your next adventure.

Your Pre-Showing Checklist

To make things even easier, here’s a quick checklist to run through before a showing:

• General

  • Open curtains and blinds for natural light.

  • Turn on all the lights.

  • Ensure the house smells fresh and clean.

• Kitchen

  • Clear countertops.

  • Hide dishrags and sponges.

  • Take out the trash.

• Bathrooms

  • Hang fresh towels.

  • Wipe down surfaces.

  • Empty the trash.

• Bedrooms

  • Make beds neatly.

  • Put away personal items.

  • Ensure closets are tidy.

• Living Areas

  • Fluff pillows and throw blankets.

  • Straighten books and magazines.

  • Tidy the play area and store toys.

• Outside

  • Quick lawn tidy-up.

  • Stow away garbage bins.

  • Sweep the entrance.

With a little organization and a lot of teamwork, keeping your home ready for showings—even with kids in the picture—is entirely doable. Remember, the goal is to make your home as welcoming and inviting as possible to prospective buyers. By following these tips and maintaining a consistent routine, you'll be able to showcase the best aspects of your home, making it easier to sell even amidst the hustle and bustle of family life. Keep your spirits up and focus on the future in your new home!

Centered Space helps realtors & sellers with positioning a home to show its very best and appeal to the greatest pool of buyers.

Check out our staging and decluttering services for more details.🌵🏠