OK, so what are people going to see first? what features do we want the viewers to focus on?
Hallway -
As we've said in our preparing your home for sale blog, the entrance hall creates the 2nd ‘first impression’. Double-check it's clear of obstructions, you know, the abandoned scooter, school bags or running shoes. Have a quick wipe down of surfaces, do clean the floor if needed and turn the lights on. Consider what doors off the hallway you want open.
Kitchen -
For many viewers, the kitchen is an absolute priority. Clear the work surfaces and splash-backs, wipe down & straighten the appliances, stack the dishwasher or clear the sink of its contents. Keep it bright and shiny, and where there's space for eating, relaxing and all the things that so often make the kitchen the heart of the home, ensure it's tidy and looking as good as it can. If there are kitchen units that are a selling feature - those fancy pull-out larders or carousels, make sure the contents are stacked and tidy, it's the feature we want them to remember not your choice of pasta sauce. Consider the little details, is the dishcloth and tea towel put away for now? check the fruit in the bowl is still fresh and sort (take) out the recycling.
Living spaces -
As always, clearing away unnecessary items is a must. Charge family members with tidying their personal bits & pieces at the end of their day or before the scheduled viewings. Straighten throws and puff up the cushions, open the blinds or curtains fully and unless it's particularly bright outside turn on the sidelights for a little atmosphere. Consider the smaller details like tidying the appliances cables and remote controls, and straightening the hanging pictures on the wall. We want a cosy atmosphere but make sure the living space feels as open and spacious as possible.
Bathroom & WC -
Give all surfaces a quick clean, ('cleaning wipes' are super useful when your home is on the market!) Tidy the toiletries and remember to keep what's on display to a minimum for now. If you have a back stock of toilet roll maybe hide under the bed. If you have a shower curtain pull it back, they usually make the room feel a lot smaller when open. Think posh hotel when your property is on the market, so that means folding the towels.
Bedrooms -
Usually dominated by the bed, so again think hotel, use the cushions and new throw you bought for 'staging' your home to good effect. Again pull back the curtains to let as much light in as possible, and of course, put away any items that may be distracting or make the room feel smaller. Remember, if you have built-in wardrobes people may want to take a quick look, so keep them organised and tidy.
Utility & storage -
Utility rooms are often a great selling feature, don't underestimate this functional room, keep it clean and tidy, stacking fresh laundry to illustrate the usefulness of the space may not be a bad thing here - a tidy stack of jeans and jumpers, perhaps not socks and undies.
Look at all other storage spaces too, the under-stairs cupboard is useful but if it's completely full it could suggest the house is too small, hideaway excess items. Invest in some decent boxes and tidy your things away, neatly stacking them in the loft or even hiring a small storage unit. As we have said in our 'Declutter, feel good blog', this is also a great opportunity to pass on or recycle the things you don’t want to take to your next home.
