the rooms needing the most work. • Clear out each room, keeping only essential items. • Donate or discard clothes, décor, toys, and other items you no longer use. • Box up possessions that you want to keep but don’t currently use and put them in storage. • Remind yourself to keep surfaces clean and clear.
ROOM-BY-ROOM LIST:
• Kitchen — Clear the counters, leaving only three or four essential items. Keep towels, dishrags, and potholders out of sight. Soaps and cleaners should be stored under the sink. Rarely used small appliances can be packed and put in storage. Pack away teacups, serving dishes, and platters if you normally showcase them. If you want to draw attention to decorative shelving, put a few pieces out for show. Seasonal dishes and accessories should also be stored. Remove any pest control traps or poison from the pantry and closets. Appliances are not extra shelving or storage. Buyers will not want to find the microwave used as a bread box or the oven as cookware storage. • Bathrooms — Remove everything from the cabinets and drawers. Keep what you need or will use and dispose of the rest. Store prescription medications out of sight and out of reach. Find a safe place for jewelry, keepsakes, and perfumes. Store hair products and styling tools in the cabinets. Make the bathroom look like it is rarely used. • Bedrooms — Focus on showcasing closet space. Clean out your closet and remove off-season clothes. Adhere to the “if I haven’t worn it in a year it goes” rule and donate everything you don’t need. When it comes to clothing, we 57
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