Sherlock Talk

If you need to live in your home while marketing it, a manageable cleaning schedule will be a vital part of the process. According to frequent NBC Real Estate Contributor Barbara Corcoran, buyers typically decide within eight seconds whether or not they are interested in purchasing a home they are touring. Check out my family’s cleaning schedule below and make modifications to make it work for you!

Daily Tasks

Be sure to make beds, de-clutter/straighten up, do dishes, and take out the trash every day!

Monday- Bedrooms

Dust nightstands, shelves, and other bedroom furnishings. Wash and replace bedding. Sweep up.

Tuesday- Bathrooms

Wipe down surfaces, clean shower/tub and toilet, and clean mirrors. Wash and replace towels. Sweep up.

Wednesday- Kitchen and Dining Room

Dispose of expired foods in refrigerator and pantry. Wipe down surfaces. Sweep up.

Thursday- Living/Family Rooms

Dust, use fabric refresher on furniture and curtains, and sweep up.

Friday- Alternate

Mop floors and choose one of the following tasks as needed:

1. Clean all appliances. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the type of product used. Using the wrong products on stainless steel appliances or glass cook-tops can result in residue, stains, and scratches.
2. Wipe down cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms.
3. Clean windows and window coverings.
4. Clean walls and baseboards.

Saturday- Outdoor Tasks

Straighten up in the garage, if applicable. Sweep decks and patios. Mow and pull weeds as needed. Curb appeal matters now like never before!

Sunday- Enjoy Your Clean Home!

A couple PRO TIPS before you go:

1. Smell plays a powerful role in crafting a buyer’s knee-jerk reaction to a home. Do everything you can to eliminate odors around the house regularly. While you should never leave a potential fire hazard unattended, you can use air fresheners, candles, wax warmers, incense, or essential oil vaporizers prior to showings to underscore what a clean and well-maintained home potential buyers are touring!
2. More people making messes should mean more people to help clean up! Find age-appropriate jobs to delegate to other household members. For example, little hands that struggle to make beds may be just fine to pick up sticks or put toys in bins. Selling your home is a landmark moment that allows you to bond as you work together like never before.

Best wishes for your home-selling journey!

XOXO- Brit