Well, you know how you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. That's how you will tackle preparing your house to sell, one room at a time. You can be ready to sell in just two weeks, Here's a suggested time table;
Day One, Home office:
• Create mailbox system on desk with one box for each member of the family
• File away or shred all statements with personal information
• Gather important documents and records and put them in one location. Things like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, home movies, memorabilia, medical records and insurance policies. All of these items should be hand carried to your new home and not accessable by prospective buyers.
Day Two, Kitchen
• Sort the pantry. Throw away everything expired and donate anything you won’t be using or that you don't want to move
• Add freestanding expandable shelves to increase space, even a small pantry can look spacious if organized well
• Evaluate the contents of every drawer with this in mind; items that are used daily stay, items that are used occasionally can be packed and items no longer useful should be donated. This will help to give the kitchen the appearance of space.
• Clear the clutter off counter tops. Only small appliances that are used daily and 3-5 accessory items should remain. All others can be packed.
• Clean everything including the top of the frig and the inside of the oven.
• Remove pictures, magnets, calendars, and artwork from the frig.
• Remove family photos
• Edit accessories to just twelve favorites that add color and personality to the space
• Add baskets to bookcases. Personalize them for each family member. Baskets can then be used to stash toys, homework and other odds and ends.
• Clean baseboards, ceiling fan, and shelving
Day Four, Rest and catch up.
Day Five, Garage
• Designate a staging area for packed boxes
• Pack all seasonal items that won’t be used in the next 3-4 months
• Keep all sporting equipment and toys contained in large trash can
• Hang bikes
• Clear any work areas
Days Six and Seven, Bedrooms
• Use removable adhesive hooks on the back of the door for kids to hang backpacks, jackets, towels, etc.
• Pack all non-favorite toys
• Remove posters, staples, fill holes and paint as needed
Day Nine, Hobby/Play Room
• Go through all craft supplies and throw away anything no longer in working order
• Sort all small items and place into containers
Day Ten, Bathrooms
• Every family member gets a small caddy to keep personal hygiene items in. When not in use it is stored under the sink. Give everyone a small container of wipes to keep in the caddy and instruct them to wipe down surfaces after use.
• Edit bathroom towels and linens. Keep a two week supply, pack or donate the rest.
• Evaluate all medications and first aid supplies. Toss everything that has expired. All remaining medications should be hidden elsewhere in the house.
• Place a plastic basket in the shower or tub to contain shampoos and soaps.
• Place a squeegee in the shower. Last person to use the shower wipes down the glass.
Day Eleven, Closets
• Pack all out of season clothing and accessories
• Look at each item to evaluate if it can be tossed, kept, or donated.
• Organize shoes
• Nothing should be on the floor
Day Twelve, Media Room
• Tag the cords on all equipment. This will make it easier to put back together in your new home
• Label remotes
• Match cds and dvds to their cases
Day Thirteen, Dining Room
• Pack all glassware and serving pieces that will not be used until after the move.
• Leave just one item per shelf in display hutches
• Remove leaf from table if possible
Day Fourteen, Rest and catch up.
After you get through the list, you will feel so much better prepared to list your house and can focus on what lies ahead for you. When your ready, call me at the CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green office 405-359-7400.
