Whew! I think this may be the first time I have been sitting down in front of my laptop in the last week and a half. I’m only sitting down now because I’m waiting for my carpets to be cleaned.
I’m not kidding.
I go to bed for very brief intervals between working on the house prepping it for showings and have such vivid and harried dreams that I’m not sure I’ve gotten any rest at all!
You see, I had planned to get the house ready to list in as timely a manner as possible while still maintaining some level of sanity. Then I accidentally stumbled across a house I may have possibly, quite inexplicably, fallen in love with. I won’t tell you any of the details in case it doesn’t work out because then I will be heart broken and there will be lots of chocolate and ugly crying and comfort food and cozy blankets and movies I can cry at. But part of the deal to possibly, maybe be able to get that house is that I had to list ours within 1 week.
I know, right?
Walk away, you say?
I should.
But I can’t.
I’m a little crazy.
So I work around the clock on the house and I don’t sleep and when I do I dream of all the things that I haven’t done yet (the house equivalent of being on stage in front of an audience in your underwear) and I run on coffee and nervous energy.
You know when you make a list of things you need to do and you cross 1 thing off and 5 more things pop up on the list for every 1 you cross off? Yup!
So after decluttering one of the most important things in my opinion is cleaning. It sounds simple and it sounds like it isn’t that important but having everything look shiny and clean (no cobwebs fluttering in the breezes) and especially smelling really clean, can make a huge difference in the overall impression your house gives off.
If you can, once you’ve packed away all the extra clutter and personal items like family pictures and very specific styled pieces, hire a cleaning service to come in and wash down walls and windows and doors and trim and lights and every surface imaginable. Have your carpets cleaned if you have carpets. It will really make a huge difference and is worth the money.
If you can’t afford to have someone do this for you (like me) then buy some extra strength coffee and some extra rags and buckle your seatbelt. Don’t bother spending money on a manicure this week because it’s gonna be ruined. Just telling you now.
Touch up any spots on the trim where paint has been chipped off. It makes a huge difference as well in making everything look clean and fresh. If you can’t get some colorful works of art off your trim or doors, paint over it. Sometimes those crayons just aren’t meant to budge!
Go easy with scented things because you don’t want to set off someone’s allergies when they walk in the door but a couple well placed wax warmers with a light scented wax melt is always a good idea. Try to choose a scent that makes people think of home. Something cozy and comforting. Perhaps some fresh baked cookies or pies rather than a heavy floral scent.
And now? I’m off to check that list one last time. Within hours of having my carpets cleaned I will have people coming to see my house already. You see I got to the 1 week mark and had to list the house and so ready or not here they come!
Time to see if my hard work and tips have paid off. I will keep you posted and get yourself prepared for some fun before and after posts coming your way hopefully this week!
Wouldn’t a bidding war be fun?
Until next time….
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