Dear Olivia,
We want to put our home on the market, and though we keep a pretty clean home, there’s just an overwhelming amount to do so it looks nice once it’s on the market. What advice do you have for making it a simpler process?
Sincerely,
Sick of Cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to get your home in tip-top shape, especially if you intend to list it for sale. However, as you expressed, the thought of tackling this task can be daunting! Fortunately, a few helpful tips can go a long way in helping you clean your home and prepare it for the market.
Make a Plan
Before you start cleaning, make a plan. Decide which areas of your home need the most attention and create a list of tasks that need to be completed. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you don’t miss any important areas.
While you’re at it, delegate! Get your significant other, kids, grandkids, friends, and whoever else you can wrangle up to help you get your home looking its best. Divide and conquer!
Declutter Every Room
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter your home. Go through each room and get rid of any items that you no longer use or need. Donate or sell items that are in good condition, and throw away anything that is damaged or broken.
This is one of the simplest ways to improve people’s perception of your home. If there’s stuff everywhere, it says to buyers that your home doesn’t have enough storage. But a neat and tidy home without mounds of clutter everywhere says, “I’m big enough” and “I’ve been well cared for!”
Part of decluttering is addressing all the closets in the home. When prospective buyers open a closet door (and they will!), they should see a sparkling clean storage area that’s well-organized. Keep things neat and tidy by investing in simple storage containers, a closet organizer, or both.
Deep Clean the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to deep clean your home. Start by dusting all surfaces, including shelves, tables, and window sills. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris from carpets and upholstery. Clean your windows and mirrors with a streak-free cleaner.
Then head to the kitchen, which is one of the most important areas of your home. It’s also important to give it a thorough cleaning during spring cleaning. This includes the oven, stove, and refrigerator, and don’t forget to wipe down your cabinets and countertops.
Next, give the bathrooms extra attention during your spring cleaning. Scrub your bathtub, shower, and toilet, and clean your sink and countertop. Don’t forget to wash your shower curtain and bath mats.
Don’t Forget the Outdoors
Spring cleaning isn’t just about the inside of your home. Take some time to clean up your yard and patio. Sweep your driveway and walkways, trim your bushes and trees, and clean your outdoor furniture.
After the winter we’ve had, there’s probably a lot to take care of in your yard. And while it isn’t the most fun thing to do on a bright spring day, getting your home’s curb appeal up to snuff will do wonders to entice potential buyers to have a closer look.
As always, if you have further questions about real estate, give me a call at Wind River Realty at 307-856-3999!
~Olivia