How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Written By Penny Redmond

Many homeowners ask me what they need to do to get their home ready before listing it on the market. To make the process easier, I’ve put together this comprehensive checklist. I won’t sugarcoat it—this list may seem overwhelming at first. Preparing your home for sale takes time, especially if you’re not someone who keeps everything spotless 24/7. But don’t worry!

How to Use This List Effectively:

  1. Read through each task and estimate how long it will take you to complete.

  2. Add up the total estimated time.

  3. Now, double that number—because unexpected delays happen! Whether it’s a last-minute trip to the store for the right screws or running out of cleaning supplies, things always take longer than planned.

This checklist is designed to help you present your home in the best possible light and maximize its value. If you need any assistance along the way, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!

General Cleaning (All Rooms)

  • Declutter:

    • Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter.

  • Dusting:

    • Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, and vents.

    • Clean blinds, windowsills, and frames.

  • Windows and Mirrors:

    • Clean all windows (inside and out) for a streak-free shine.

    • Polish mirrors.

  • Floors and Carpets:

    • Vacuum carpets and rugs; consider professional carpet cleaning if needed.

    • Sweep and mop hard floors, including corners and under furniture.

  • Walls and Surfaces:

    • Spot clean walls to remove scuffs and stains.

    • Wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, countertops, and mantels.

  • Light Fixtures and Switches:

    • Clean light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

    • Wipe down light switches and outlet covers.

  • Doors and Handles:

    • Wipe down doors and clean handles.

    • Ensure all doors open and close smoothly.

  • Closets:

    • Empty and clean shelves.

    • Organize items neatly to create the impression of space.

Kitchen Cleaning

  • Appliances:

    • Clean the exterior and interior of the fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

    • Remove grease and stains from the stovetop and range hood.

    • Wipe down small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc.).

  • Cabinets and Drawers:

    • Empty and clean inside cabinets and drawers.

    • Wipe down cabinet doors and handles.

  • Sink and Countertops:

    • Scrub the sink and faucet to remove water stains.

    • Declutter and clean countertops; keep them clear of unnecessary items.

  • Backsplash and Tiles:

    • Wipe down tiles and backsplash to remove grease and stains.

  • Floors:

    • Sweep and mop thoroughly, paying attention to corners.

Bathroom Cleaning

  • Toilets, Sinks, and Bathtubs/Showers:

    • Scrub toilets, sinks, and tubs or showers to remove soap scum and hard water stains.

    • Use a glass cleaner on shower doors.

  • Mirrors and Fixtures:

    • Polish mirrors and clean faucets until they shine.

  • Tiles and Grout:

    • Scrub tiles and grout to remove stains and mildew.

  • Cabinets and Drawers:

    • Empty and clean cabinets and drawers.

    • Wipe down surfaces and organize neatly.

  • Floors:

    • Sweep and mop or scrub tiles for a spotless finish.

Bedrooms

  • Bedding:

    • Wash bedding and make beds neatly.

    • Consider neutral and attractive bedding to appeal to buyers.

  • Furniture:

    • Dust and polish furniture.

    • Remove unnecessary items to make the space feel larger.

  • Closets:

    • Organize closets and remove excess items to showcase storage space.

Living Room/Family Room

  • Furniture:

    • Vacuum and clean upholstery.

    • Arrange furniture to make the space feel open and inviting.

  • Décor:

    • Keep décor minimal and neutral.

    • Remove personal photos and items.

  • Electronics:

    • Wipe down TVs and other electronics.

Exterior Cleaning

  • Curb Appeal:

    • Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove weeds.

    • Power wash the driveway, walkways, and siding if necessary.

  • Windows:

    • Clean exterior windows and screens.

  • Front Door:

    • Clean and polish the front door and hardware.

    • Add a welcoming touch, like a new doormat or potted plants.

  • Outdoor Living Spaces:

    • Sweep and clean patios, decks, and outdoor furniture.

    • Remove cobwebs and debris.

Final Touches

  • Odor Control:

    • Air out the home to remove stale odors.

    • Use light, neutral air fresheners or candles.

  • Finishing Details:

    • Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit as staging props.

    • Make sure everything is spotless before showings.

  • Safety Checks:

    • Ensure all lights work and all smoke detectors are functional.

This checklist ensures that your home will look polished and move-in ready, giving buyers a great first impression.

Penny Redmond