Five Smarter Tips for Saving Time in the House
In my (over) 30 years as an Estate Agent, I’ve seen homes in all shapes, sizes, and states.. From the perfectly polished to the “we’ve left the entire 1990s intact,” I can confidently say that preparing your home to be sold can be a bit of an art form. In some cases, it can be overwhelming if you feel like there’s a lot to sort out and there’s so much to do that you’re not really sure where to start. However, if we take some time to do some careful and realistic planning, you’ll have your house ready to charm buyers faster than you can say “offer accepted.”
The trick? Group your chores wisely, a bit like planning your shopping list so you’re not doubling back on yourself and then having a nightmare unloading the heavy things first that are now buried underneath your middle aisle bargains…. Here are my five top tips for bundling your efforts so you’re not endlessly chasing your tail. If you can rope in some useful helpers then all the better!
1. Declutter Before You Decorate
Picture this: you’ve lovingly repainted your guest room in a neutral shade, only to scuff up the walls lugging out the antique wardrobe that nobody’s used since 1983. Rookie mistake. Instead, tackle decluttering first. Box up what you’re keeping, donate what you’re not, and only then whip out the paintbrush. Think of it as creating a blank canvas for buyers to picture themselves in. And remember: what you call “characterful,” they might call “chaotic.” If potential buyers see items stacked on top of the kitchen cupboards or above the wardrobes in the bedroom, they immediately think there is a lack of storage space. A quick easy win is to remove all these items before any viewings take place.
2. Clean, Then Stage
Here’s a fun fact: buyers are drawn to clean houses like moths to a flame. But don’t just vacuum and call it a day. Deep-clean the carpets, scrub those skirting boards, and defrost the freezer (yes, people do sometimes take a peek). Once it’s spotless, focus on staging. I have used the incomparable Nesh Staging in the past so don’t be afraid to call in the experts if you want some assistance. Staging your home might be just as simple as sorting the cushion and popping some fresh flowers or fruit on the table, or it could extend to setting the dining table like you’re hosting a special occasion, or rearranging the furniture to offer a different perspective.. But remember: clean first, stage second—it’s a one-two winning combination.
3. Garden Tidy-Up and Exterior Repairs: The Perfect Pair
While you’re putting out the washing or grabbing the bins to put out, take a moment to glance at your home’s exterior. Is the fence wonky? Are the gutters growing their own miniature gardens? Pair your gardening with minor repairs to the outside of your house. Buyers love curb appeal, and a tidy garden alongside a freshly painted front door is a double act worthy of applause.
4. Sort Storage While Planning the Floor Plan
Your garage and loft aren’t just dumping grounds—they’re secret weapons. When tidying storage spaces, consider how to show off your home’s potential. A cleared-out loft screams “future guest suite” while a tidy garage whispers “room for two cars and a workshop.” Bonus points for rearranging furniture to highlight the flow of your living space—it’s all about helping buyers see what they’re getting.
5. Address Smells and Small Fixes in One Go
Yes, you might be nose-blind to it, but that lingering aroma of wet dog or blocked drain you’ve gotten used to might not be as welcoming to a buyer viewing their 5th house of the weekend.. Air out the house, invest in neutral-smelling diffusers, and tackle small fixes while you’re at it. That dripping tap? Sorted. The creaky door handle? Silenced. Bundle up these minor annoyances, and buyers will notice what’s right with your home—not what’s wrong.
Make life easier...
Prepping your home for sale doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By grouping related tasks together, you’ll save time, energy, and maybe even your sanity. Remember: a little effort goes a long way.
If you are thinking of selling and would like some advice, a free valuation, or just an early sounding board - feel free to get in touch for a no obligation confidential chat.
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