HIRE A CLEANING SERVICE: Spruce up the entire house, including often overlooked spots like baseboards, picture frames, ceiling fans, etc.
NEUTRALIZE ODORS: Shampoo carpets. Clean drapes. Air out house. Add potpourri or scented candles or diffusers.
DE-PERSONALIZE ROOMS: Remove family photos. Clear items from the refrigerator door and bulletin board.
ORGANIZE CABINETS & DRAWERS: Clutter makes it appear that the home doesn’t have enough storage.
HANDLE MINOR REPAIRS: Fix sticky doors, torn screens, burned-out light bulbs, cracked caulking, dripping faucets, etc.
PROTECT BELONGINGS: Remove or lock up valuables and medications.
TIDY UP OUTDOORS: Cut grass, rake leaves, add new mulch, trim bushes, edge walkways. Also, consider a pot of bright flowers near the entry to boost curb appeal.
CLEAR CLUTTER: Empty counters, cut down on decorative items, thin clothes in closets, clean garage.
REMOVE PETS
BRIGHTEN ROOMS: Replace burnt bulbs and consider higher wattage in low-light areas. Clean windows and screens and replace heavy curtains with sheers to bring in more light.
ADD COLOR: Put out colorful new towels and add flowers to give rooms some “pop.”