Home Staging Tips with KIDS!

You've cleaned, decluttered, have cookie dough ready to bake and made your home a blank slate by removing personal photos & items. Your house is on the market and ready to show! But unfortunately, not all buyers work off the same clock. You may have to be ready to vacate at a moment's notice and having kids at home doesn't make this an easy task.

You've worked hard to get the home ready to show, so here are some tips that will help with the upkeep!

• Keep toys in a designated toy room or the child's bedroom. The living room should look like a living room. For last minute emergencies -- invest in a large wicker basket with a lid.

• Designate one box of toys for each child to stay in the house at one time. The rest are in storage and can be swapped out.
• Have yourself and the kids dressed at all times. If there's last minute clutter, you won't have time for both.
• Box away any games or toys that have small pieces. Scrambling to pick up last minute Legos can be frustrating, especially if you feel the need to vacuum before the prospective buyers show up!

• Choose only one large item, such as easels, doll houses, kitchen play sets, etc. to remain out. Having too many will distract from the floor space the buyers are eyeing for their own furniture.
• Make sure all bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc are put away after use and are not blocking walkways or yard access.
• HIDE IT! If all else fails, hide it. Unless it's included in the sale of the house, buyers shouldn't be looking inside washers, dryers, large wicker baskets, etc. 

Here are some ideas for your children who are old enough to help out:

• Ask your child to tidy the room they were in before they leave it. If they get in the habit, it can be a rule in the new house too!
• Assign each child a daily task such as making their bed, dusting, sweep/vacuum duty.
• An incentive to help keep the house clean can be rewarded by participating in the design of their new room. Either paint colors, design pieces, new bed set, etc. It can be rewarded daily or weekly.

Sure, most buyers won't be bothered by kid's stuff, but the less distractions, the better. 

Call me today if you are considering selling & are curious to know how much your home is worth!

Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation
@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT