It can be hard to have your house for sale while you’re still living in it. You may get sudden requests from the real estate agent who wants to show someone the home—which means it needs to be as pristine as possible. Keeping it in this condition can be a challenge, especially if you have children. Use the smart strategies below to make it a little easier.

Living in a House for Sale? How to Maintain It

1. Find Hidden Storage for Last-Minute Cleanups

Find a hidden spot in your home, such as the back of a closet or under a bed. Get a few bins that you can store in this spot, and throw all the clutter in there before vacating for the showing. This is perfect for kids’ or pets’ toys, grooming supplies, or other miscellaneous everyday items you don’t want buyers to see.

2. Prepare a Grab Bag

When you get the call from the realtor that you have a showing, don’t waste precious prep time on gathering the supplies you’ll need while you’re out of the house. Prepare a grab bag ahead of time containing all the essentials, such as diapers, bottles, a phone charger, or your workout clothes.

3. Take Out the Trash

When buyers are looking at houses for sale, it can be unpleasant to see the current resident’s overflowing trash bin. In addition, the smell can give them a subconscious negative impression. Hang plastic trash bags in a couple of convenient spots around the house, and have everyone place their trash in there. When the call comes for a showing, they are easy to grab and take out before you leave.

The right realtors will make selling your house as stress-free as possible. Cheri Long of Priority Properties, Inc. has over 24 years of experience selling real estate in the Denver Metro area. She uses proven marketing techniques on her houses for sale to attract buyers and she can also help you find a dream house of your own to move into. Contact her online or at (303) 263-2072 to schedule a real estate consultation today.