How To Prepare Your Home
Your Home’s Curb Appeal:
Mow lawn and trim shrubs
Edge gardens and walkways
Weed and mulch
Sweep walkways and driveway and remove braches, litter, or toys
Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
Stack woodpile neatly
Clean and repair patio and deck areas
Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good
Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens and make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
Hose off exterior wood and trim and replace damaged bricks and wood
Touch up exterior paint and repair gutters and eaves
Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units
Paint the front door and mailbox
Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
Shine hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc...
General Interior Tips:
Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
Place no more than two items on any flat surface
Shampoo carpeting and replace if necessary
Clean and wax hardwood floors and refinish if necessary
Clean and was kitchen and bathroom floors
Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, and wash window sills
Clean any fireplaces
Clean out and organize closets (add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved)
Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use
Keep paper, toys, etc. picked-up especially on stairways
Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, and closet or screen doors, and closet or screen doors that are off their tracks
Secure jewelry, cash, and other valuables
The Living Room:
Make it cozy and inviting
Discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or word rugs
The Kitchen:
Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains) and in working order
Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerators and under sinks
Wax or sponge floors until they shine and clean baseboards
Keep counters uncluttered
Remove countertop appliances
Organize items inside cabinets
Pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move
The Bathroom:
Remove all rust and mildew
Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are clean and mildew free
Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
Replace loose caulking or grout
Make sure lighting is bright, but soft
Keep toiletries neat and organized
Put away any bathtub toys, etc.
Bedrooms:
Organize furnishings to create a spacious look will well
defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
Garage and Basement:
Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
Provide strong overhead light
Tidy storage or work areas
Clean and paint concrete floor and walls
Clean water heater and drain sediment
Change furnace filter
Make inspection access easy
