Seven tips for living in your home when it's for sale

One issue largely ignored when selling is how best to live in your home when it's on the market and your agent is calling to arrange walkthroughs at short notice.

Maintaining a home so it's pristine for potential buyers can be especially difficult if you have children and pets. The idea that the family can disappear into thin air for those moments when buyers walkthrough is pretty fanciful.

Every seller is coached to declutter and depersonalize to maximize the property's value. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, preparing a home properly can significantly impact buyer perception and offers.
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/sales-marketing/home-staging-what-sellers-should-know

But how do you live in a home that has effectively been emptied of so much that is familiar and convenient?

It's not easy — that's the first thing to appreciate. Many clients often jokingly complain they have “no idea where anything is anymore”, because they have fiercely decluttered and stowed their life in boxes.

For those of you considering selling your property in the near future, here are some ideas to help you through this awkward period:

Two-Stage Approach

Consider moving in two stages. Pack the majority of your belongings and have them put in storage as the first stage. Everything that's left behind should be sufficient for a few weeks and will be picked up and stored once the sale is made.

Many professional organizers suggest gradual packing to reduce stress and maintain functionality while selling.
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-organizing/decluttering-tips-for-selling-your-home/

How to Pack

Start with the non-essentials, like off-season clothing and books. Reduce kitchenware and cutlery. For families, ask the children to pick only two or three of their favorite toys to keep during this period. It's amazing how little you actually need.

Creating simplified living spaces helps buyers focus on layout and natural light rather than personal belongings.

Storage Solutions

If you don't want the expense of a removal company coming to your home twice, you can rent a storage unit and put your belongings there until you're ready to move into your new home.

Temporary storage is often recommended by staging professionals to keep homes show-ready throughout the listing period.

Pet Strategy

For walkthroughs, please don't leave any evidence of pets being in the home, as this tends to put off many buyers. You need to have a plan for them. Perhaps you can leave them with a neighbor during buyer visits. Also hide away food bowls.

Many buyer surveys show that strong odors and visible pet items can negatively impact first impressions during showings.

Keep Cleaning

By decluttering, you have a great opportunity to deep clean your home. Do this gradually as you declutter each room. This way, you'll only need to wipe down surfaces before buyers arrive.

A consistent cleaning routine helps maintain a “model home” feel without overwhelming daily life.

Bedroom Focus

Make sure the beds are made. Straighten everything to make each room neat and tidy. Buyers don't expect a showroom experience, but it's good to leave the best impression you can.

Simple staging adjustments like neutral bedding and clear nightstands can make bedrooms feel larger and more inviting.

Final Check

Always do a final check of the home before the agent and buyer arrive. Ensure your computers are turned off, the bins are emptied and personal items, including keys, are in a safe place. And make sure all the curtains and blinds are pulled back to let in the maximum amount of natural light.

Maximizing natural light is one of the easiest ways to enhance listing photos and buyer walkthrough experiences.