Selling a home while still living in it can be quite the balancing act. Ideally, you wouldn’t have to juggle both, but life happens. Maybe you have to move for a new job, or your family is growing and you need more space. Whatever the reason, selling your home while you’re still living there can be stressful. But don’t worry—we’ve got some friendly tips to help you manage the chaos and keep your home looking fabulous for potential buyers!
1. Crafting Your Game Plan
First things first, make a plan. It might sound daunting, but a little organization goes a long way. Think about hiring a cleaning service to help keep things tidy while your home is on the market. Decide where you’ll stash your extra stuff—maybe rent a storage unit or use a friend’s garage. Address any minor repairs, assign daily chores to family members, and figure out where pets or kids will go during showings. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting with an experienced home stager. They can give you great advice on how to get your home ready for sale!
Check out the before and after photo of this occupied home staging we did in Sammamish!
2. First Impressions: The Entryway
The entryway is the first thing buyers will see, so it’s crucial to keep it clutter-free and welcoming. Start by organizing daily items like jackets, backpacks, shoes, mail, and keys using hooks, bins, and shelves. Consider adding a small bench or a stylish console table to enhance functionality and appeal, along with a chic lamp or upgraded light fixture for better lighting.
Ensure the entryway is clean and well-maintained by sweeping and mopping the floors regularly and keeping the area free of dust and cobwebs. A neat and tidy entrance makes a great first impression and sets the tone for the rest of the house, making potential buyers feel at ease and impressed from the moment they walk in.
3. Fresh and Inviting: Managing Odors
Nobody likes a smelly house. Avoid smoking indoors, as the smell can linger in fabrics, walls, and the ventilation system. Be cautious when cooking foods with strong odors, like fish or spicy dishes, before showings. To keep your home smelling fresh, use air purifiers, scented candles, or even bake some cookies before an open house. A pleasant scent can make a big difference in how buyers feel about your home.
4. Declutter and Simplify
Less is more when it comes to staging. Home stagers often recommend removing about half of your belongings to make the space feel bigger and more inviting. Start by decluttering closets, drawers, and cabinets, and store away items you won’t need in the next few months. Think of it this way—the more you pack away now, the less you’ll have to move later. Plus, a clutter-free home makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there.
5. Discreet Living: Stashing Personal Items
Keep personal items out of sight. Use totes or bins to store daily toiletries, and hide personal items like kids’ toys, collections, family photos, and nameplates. Make sure to securely store valuable items like medicine, important paperwork, jewelry, and money. This not only keeps your home looking neat but also protects your privacy.
6. Daily Duties: Maintaining the Stage
Even with a cleaning service, you’ll still have daily tasks to keep your home in show-ready condition. Clear and wipe down countertops, keep garbage and dishes under control, and do laundry promptly. Make beds daily and keep bathrooms spotless—you never know when a buyer might want to see your home. Get the whole family involved. Turn it into a game or set up a reward system to keep everyone motivated. Remind your family that this situation is temporary and good practice for when you move into your new home.
Living in a staged home requires some effort and organization, but these tips can help you maintain a welcoming and appealing space for potential buyers.
Ready to make your home stand out in the market? Contact the experts at First Impressions Staging + Design for a pre-listing consultation and let us help you create a stunning, market-ready home!
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