Listing your home for sale is exciting and, let’s face it, a little nerve-wracking! Keeping your house in order and looking beautiful for showings—at a moment’s notice, sometimes—is stressful for the entire family. And for those of us with kids (and jobs…and sports) trying to keep the house in show-ready condition is a challenge for everyone!
While we can’t make your kids clean their rooms or make their beds, we can provide a few strategies to help the showing process make it easier. The staging professionals at Impact Home Staging Experts have some tips to help you successfully navigate the process of showing your home for sale while keeping your children’s routines and happiness in mind.
Create a Showing Schedule
Arranging showing so they align with your children’s routines as much as possible will allow for less disruption to everyone’s lives. Try to book showings during times your kids are at school or sports. If that’s not possible, be sure to schedule at times when kids are less likely to be tired or hungry. By minimizing disruptions you ensure that you are prepared for potential buyers.
Pack a “Showing Kit: Because even with the best planning, a showing can pop up when you least expect it. Impact Home Staging Experts suggests preparing a tote bag of essentials that can be quickly grabbed before a showing. Include snacks, toys, and entertainment devices to keep your children occupied while potential buyers explore your home. This can be handy whether you plan to remain in the home during the showing or take the family out for a short time. Either way, choose quiet and mess-free activities that won’t disrupt the atmosphere of your home. .
Have an Escape Plan: Is there a local park, mini-golf or indoor entertainment venue nearby? Showings will seem less disruptive if kids can look forward to a treat of some extra play time with mom, dad or grandparents. Consider rewarding kids for keeping their rooms clean with a few dollars in a jar each day they pitch in by keeping their spaces neat and tidy and use that money for your outings!
Create a Cleaning Routine: Establish a daily or weekly cleaning routine that involves the whole family. Assign specific tasks to each child based on their age and ability. Make it a fun activity by playing music or setting a timer to see how quickly they can complete their tasks.
Declutter Together: Before putting your home on the market, go through each room with your kids and declutter together. Encourage them to donate toys and clothes they no longer use to charity. This not only helps keep the house tidy but also teaches them the importance of giving back.
Designate Kid Zones: Designate specific areas of the house where your kids can play and keep their toys. This could be a playroom or a corner of the living room. Make it easy for them to keep these areas tidy by providing storage bins or shelves for their toys.
Set Clear Expectations: Sit down with your kids and explain the importance of keeping the house clean for showings. Let them know what needs to be done before each showing and create logical consequences if they don’t pitch in. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, can also motivate them to help out.
Make Cleaning Fun: Turn cleaning into a game by setting challenges or competitions between siblings. Offer small rewards or incentives for completing tasks quickly and effectively. You can also turn cleaning into a bonding activity by working together as a family.
Create a Checklist: Make a checklist of tasks that need to be done before each showing, such as tidying up toys, wiping down surfaces, and vacuuming floors. Hang the checklist somewhere visible and
Lead by Example: Finally, lead by example and demonstrate good cleaning habits yourself. Show your kids that keeping the house clean is a team effort and something that everyone in the family needs to contribute to.
With the expert guidance of Impact Home Staging Experts, selling your home with kids in the house becomes a manageable and even positive experience. By preparing your family, creating a showing schedule, and engaging your children in the process, you can successfully navigate the home-selling journey while keeping everyone’s well-being and comfort in mind. Remember, Impact Home Staging Experts’ professional approach, combined with your patience, communication, and a bit of creativity, can make the experience both rewarding and stress-free for your family and potential buyers alike.
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