Preparing Your Home To Sell: The Ultimate Checklist

H O U S E  W I D E

Air out your home

Clean your carpets

Wax or polish floors

Wipe down stained woodwork - doors, cabinets, etc.

Make sure all light bulbs work and match in color

Dust/wash all light fixtures and ceiling fans

Remove any strong plug-in air fresheners

Remove any religious items

Remove floor or box fans and space heaters

Remove tissue boxes

Remove personal and family photos

Remove or hide all trash cans

Remove all clutter

Remove or hide valuable art, jewelry, or memorabilia

Remove calendars and seasonal items

Remove any cobwebs with a broom

Clean the inside and outside of your windows

Dust blinds, window sills, and plant ledges

Remove workout and medical equipment (unless it is a workout room)

Remove technology - laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc.

Turn on all the lights and lamps

Close your closet doors

Turn off all TVs and monitors

Open curtains and blinds for maximum light

Turn off ceiling fans

Put away pets in a safe location - crate, cage, etc.

K I T C H E N

Clean the oven, range, and microwave

Clean the seal of your dishwasher

Clear and clean countertops, appliance tops, and furniture

Keep small appliances stored and off the counter when not in use

Remove hand towels, wash cloths, soaps, and sponges

Clear the refrigerator of paper and magnets

Remove pet bowls

Remove mats and rugs

Remove cookbooks if they appear cluttered

Remove dishes from the sink, counters, etc.

Remove any mail, paper, pens, and bills

Remove paper towel and napkin holders if not built in

Remove clutter from walls, shelves and countertops

Remove any high chairs or booster seats

Store or hide your trash cans

B A T H R O O M S

Re-caulk your bath tubs, showers, and sinks as needed

Fix leaky faucets

Remove or hide soaps, lotions, shampoo bottles, makeup, razors, toothbrushes etc.

Close the toilet lids

Remove wash clothes, but neutral hand and bath towels are okay

Clean and squeegee mirrors and shower glass

Clean all tubs, toilets, and sinks

Store trash cans under the sink

Clear your counter - only leave 1 or 2 decorative items

Organize and streamline your linen cabinets

U T I L I T Y  /  L A U N D R Y  /  S T O R A G E  R O O M S

Organize Shelves

Clear of clothing

Store or hide detergents, soaps, etc.

Minimize and organize storage items

B E D R O O M S

Remove laundry baskets

Make beds

Close closet doors

Remove large stuffed animals and toys, bean bags, anything with a child's name,  etc.

Remove posters

Hide clothes, shoes, photos, and personal items

L I V I N G  /  F A M I L Y  R O O M S

Arrange pillows like you’d see in a magazine or remove them

Remove children’s toys

Dust and clean furniture

Remove magazines, newspapers, mail, bills, etc.

Hide remotes, DVDs, movies, game systems, etc.

Close cabinets

Hide blankets

E X T E R I O R

Remove cobwebs, wasp nests, squirrel nests, etc. from the home’s siding

Keep the lawn mowed, weeded, and edged

Trim trees and shrubs, especially ones touching the siding or roof

Clean up flower beds, plan fun flowers, and keep the grass watered during warm months

Clean front door area of cobwebs, dirt, etc.

Repaint the front door and trim so it looks pristine

Add a new, think welcome mat and keep it clean

Confirm that the doorbell is working properly

Remove or hide flags, security signs, hoses, pool equipment and toys, and grill covers

Open patio umbrellas and turn on fountains

Hide trash cans

Remove debris, leaves, dirt, etc from driveways, patios, porches, and decks

Remove covers from pools, spas, and outdoor furniture

Store or hide lawn and garden tools

Remove vehicles from driveway and the front of the house

G A R A G E

Sweep, clean, organize, and declutter

Remove cobwebs, dirt, debris, and any oil or grease from the floor