• Thoroughly clean entire house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)

• Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON

• Replace all burned out light bulbs

• Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)

• Turn all ceiling fans OFF

• Turn all TVs OFF

• Turn all computer monitors OFF

• Open blinds/window treatments to perpendicular positions

• Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)

• Make all beds

• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

• Place all shoes & jackets in closets

FRONT EXTERIOR

Online “curb appeal” - the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see

• Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

• Remove visible water hoses

• Remove toys, sports balls, kid’s toys, etc.

• Hide trash cans behind bushes or in garage

• Close garage doors

• Remove cars from driveway and front of home

• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

• Remove empty planters

BACK YARD

The back yard should be an oasis to relax

• Clean porch and wipe clean outdoor tables, chairs & cushions

• Pillows and cushions should be clean and not show sun fade

• Clear out kid’s toys, balls, pet evidence and alike

• Clean pool and remove vacuum

• Hide pool cleaning supplies

• Turn on pool fountains/water features

• Remove trash cans

KITCHEN

Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail 

• Clear countertops completely

• Leave out no more than one appliance, a fruit bowl, and a couple other decorative pieces, which include contrasting colors

• Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

• Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

• Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher

• Clean all stainless steel appliances and leave no wipe marks

DINING ROOM & DINING AREA

Allow buyers to imagine a nice family meal

• Clear table, dust and polish the table top

• Use decorative place setting if available

• Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers

• Remove child seats/booster chairs

• Align all chairs uniformly with table and each other

• Align table directly under over-lamp

• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

LIVING/FAMILY ROOM

The space to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family & friends

• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

• De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)

• Clean interior of fireplace and re paint if needed

• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

• Remove kid’s toys

• Center rug with furniture

• Hide remote controls and electric wires

MASTER BEDROOM

A good night’s rest recharges the body and mind

• Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

• Press bed linens and bed skirts

• Clear nightstands of all personal items

• Store away phone/tablet charging cables

• Remove all clutter from top of dressers

• Remove family photos from walls

• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in photos

• Rotate bed lamps so stitching is facing towards wall

KID/GUEST BEDROOM

Every guest deserves a good night’s sleep

• Remove personalized names from walls

• Remove wall stickers/posters

• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in photos

• Typically, secondary rooms are smaller, thus the importance of de-cluttering is more important to show the space and potential of new furniture

BATHROOMS

To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items

• Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

• Put toilet seats down. PLEASE! 

• Close all doors

• Remove shampoos, soaps, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs

• Remove used towels – leave out only new,unused towels. Decorate towels with 1 hand towel over 1 large towel and place on rack. Fold outside edges in

• Remove floor mats

• Clean mirrors and wipe away any marks

PETS

Most love pets as they’re loving and part of the family, but their presence should be minimized

• Pets. What pets?

• Place all food and water bowls in pantry or closet

• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hairs

• Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

• Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

• Be cognizant of the fact that a potential buyer might be allergic to pets or be put-off buying your home due to a potential scent you might be used to