Do you have kids that leave your house looking like a tornado hit it on a day to day basis? Maybe they’re not that bad, but they do leave their things scattered around the house and now it’s time to sell your house. Potential buyers are considering the location, the price and the condition of your home. It’s okay that you may not live in a spotless house but once it’s time to show your house, staging is everything. Here are tips on how to sell your home despite having messy kids.
- Clear the areas that are frequented most often. Your entryway should be in pristine condition since it is the first impression your home will make on a potential buyer. It should be clear, have a designated spot for keys and coats and painted in welcoming and inviting colors. If your kids are the type to throw their jacket wherever it lands and leave shoes around the door, you need to find an alternative solution for the time being. Other rooms that need to be clear are the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
- Decluttering is king. Stuffy homes are not buyer friendly. Aside from the regular pile up of clothes and excessive decor, too much furniture can make a space feel cluttered. Think about minimizing the amount of furniture in the room or downsize larger pieces so the rooms feel open and airy. If you start decluttering and notice damage to your walls and baseboards, the expert Lancaster painters recommend refreshing those areas with a coat or two of paint.
- Hide books, magazines, and pictures. You may think that having these items laying around your home is a good idea but it can backfire. Bookcases should be dusted and not overcrowded. Recycle any magazines and newspapers you have already read or place them in storage where they can be hidden. A family photo here and there is a nice touch, but don’t overdo it. Gallery walls of family photos are a no. One photo on an end table or mantle is okay.
- Limit the number of toys in any room. Invest in a toy box if you don’t already have one in your home. In no way shape or form should toys be visible to a potential buyer. This includes shoving them in a closet. All toys should be contained in a box that can be covered. Think about purchasing a toy box that can serve a dual purpose, like a bench or ottoman.
- Don’t ignore the bedrooms. Your kids may try and argue that their bedroom doesn’t have to be cleaned just because you’re selling the house, but they would be mistaken. Potential buyers are going to look at every single room in the house, including the bedrooms. Clothes should be folded in drawers or hung neatly in the closet. Decorations should be tasteful and any other items, like sports equipment or school books, should be kept in storage.
Make selling your home a breeze despite your messy kids with these tips and tricks! For more help staging your home to sell, contact Joyce Means, a Mt. Pleasant interior decorator.