Preparing your home for walk-throughs can be difficult, especially if you are still living in the house. Sellers often find themselves needing everyday items, but don’t necessarily want them to be seen by potential buyers.

Since it is likely that your house will be visited multiple times per week, you will need a plan to make it presentable at a moment’s notice. Here are a few helpful tips.

Living and Dining Rooms

• Blinds: Blinds are often forgotten, but can significantly impact the appearance of the room. Be sure to dust them. If you have wooden blinds, touch up the paint. Keeping blinds open can draw in natural light, which will make the rooms more inviting and open.
• Carpet: It is important to keep your carpets clean and looking fresh. Have them cleaned professionally or, if you are on a budget, rent a carpet cleaner/steamer and do it yourself. This tip is especially important if you have a pet. Vacuum regularly.

Kitchen

• Appliances: Keep appliances looking new and clean. Wipe them down daily with a damp cloth, especially the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and counter-tops.
• Floor: Mop the floors to remove any sticky or stained spots. If you have hardwood floors, use a wood cleaner that you can spray on the surface to keep it looking sparkling.
• Sink: Be sure the sink is empty. Nothing makes a kitchen less appealing that a sink full of dirty dishes.

Bathrooms

• Toilets, Tubs, Showers and Sinks: It goes without saying – but these well used spaces need to be pristine clean!
• Floors: Mop the floors frequently to keep them fresh smelling and clean.
• Mirrors: Wipe off marks and water stains starting from the top corner and continuing in a circular motion until the entire surface is clean.

Bedrooms

• De-clutter: Keep clutter out of sight. Put things away in drawers and baskets; organize your closets.
• Furniture: Polish and dust dressers, bed frame, night stands and chairs. Keep dresser tops free of clutter.
• Linens: Swap out old linens and towels and replace with new ones that are crisp and colorful. Always make your bed.