Top Things to Do Before You Sell Your House

Getting ready to sell your home can feel overwhelming, but accepting that is half the battle. Don’t think that you need to spend thousands of dollars or remodel your entire kitchen to attract buyers. It’s the small, simple things that make the biggest difference. Think of it like putting on a fresh coat of mascara before heading out — quick, low-effort, but you suddenly feel so much more put together.

Here is my short list of practical things I did before I listed my house on market:

1. Declutter Like You’re Moving Tomorrow

This is the time to channel your inner minimalist. Clear counters of all those hand drawn pictures and old mail, pack away those millions of toys, and simplify e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

Hot tip: to help your future self, don't just throw stuff in a box, try to organize as you go, find the items a new temporary home (even if its not in your home), recycle or finally part ways.

2. Deep Clean (Yes, Even the Baseboards & Walls)

A clean home gives the impression it’s been well maintained which builds trust. Scrub floors, wipe down cabinets, clean windows, clean walls and yes — give those baseboards a little love. Essentially you want to do everything cleaning wise you always want to do but never had the time to actually do.

3. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Neutral paint works like magic. It instantly makes rooms feel bigger, brighter, and fresher. A can of light gray or soft white paint is one of the cheapest ways to modernize a space without tearing anything down. And if your wall are good, don't forget about your baseboards or doorways that may need a quick touchup.

4. Focus on Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Pull weeds, mow the lawn, trim hedges, and pop a pot of mums by the front door. You don’t need professional landscaping — just tidy up what’s already there and add one or two welcoming touches.

5. Swap Out Small Fixtures

Outdated doorknobs, cabinet pulls, or light switch covers can make a house feel older than it is. A quick trip to the hardware store and a screwdriver can go a long way in giving a space a subtle update.

6. Let the Light In

Natural light sells homes. Open curtains, pull up blinds, and swap heavy drapes for something airy. Bright spaces just feel happier.

7. Stage Simply With What You Have

You don’t need fancy furniture rental. Just arrange what you have in a way that feels open and inviting. Fluff pillows, put on fresh linens, put out fresh flowers or a thriving plant, and let buyers imagine cozying up there.

8. Take Away the Personal (Just for Now)

Family photos, kids’ artwork, and personal collections are precious, but they can make it harder for buyers to picture the home as theirs. Pack away most of the personal touches and save them for your new space.

9. Fix the Little Things

That leaky faucet, squeaky door, or loose cabinet hinge? Fix them now. Buyers notice the small stuff, and it all adds up in their minds. Most fixes are quick and cost next to nothing.

10. Make It Smell Like Home

Scent is powerful. Skip the heavy air fresheners and go for clean, natural smells. Open a window or simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove. Cozy and fresh is the goal.

Last Thoughts

Prepping your home to sell is a lot of work and it's also bittersweet, you are doing all of these things that have probably been on your to-do list forever and it's not even for you to enjoy. But remember, the work and detail does impact the outcome, and the outcome that we want is multiple offers and your house selling faster and for more than you had hoped.

You're also not alone if throughout this process you have some sad moments, it's also the closing of a chapter, of a house and of a home you built. Let the feelings be felt, you're not alone.