Selling your home is one of life’s most stressful events. Add kids to the mix, and that stress can feel like it’s on a whole new level!
The good news? After helping many families navigate the selling process, we’’ve learned a few strategies that can make things much smoother. While we can’t promise a completely stress-free experience, these tips can help reduce the chaos and make the journey a little easier for everyone.
P.S. Have pets, too? Be sure to check out our post on preparing your home for sale with pets.
1. Start with Decluttering
This tip applies to every seller, but it’s especially important for families.
Toys, books, clothes, art projects, sports equipment—kids come with a lot of stuff! Once you’ve decided to list your home, take time to sort through toys and clothing. Donate, sell, or store anything your children have outgrown or no longer use.
You may also want to consider renting a storage unit. Not only does it help keep your home looking spacious, but kids often rediscover and appreciate their toys after they’ve been packed away for a while. Storage-unit unpacking day can feel a lot like Christmas morning!
For more decluttering tips, check out out guide: Decluttering Before You Sell Your New Orleans Area Home.
2. Prepare for Showings Ahead of Time
Once the major decluttering is done, the next challenge is keeping your home showing-ready.
A little preparation goes a long way:
- Keep a basket of cleaning supplies handy for quick touch-ups. Include cleaning wipes, dusting cloths, and air or fabric freshener.
- Have a laundry basket ready for last-minute pickups. Toss stray items inside and take it with you when you leave for a showing.
- If your children are old enough, involve them in the process.
- Assign responsibilities ahead of time:
- Who picks up toys and clutter?
- Who wipes down the bathrooms?
- Who makes sure the kitchen is clean and dishes are put away?
- Try to do a little tidying every day. Small daily habits prevent last-minute panic and keep your home consistently ready for visitors.
Even temporary changes can help. For example, using paper plates during listing season can dramatically reduce the number of dishes piling up in the sink.
To make things even easier, we’’ve created a Home Showing Checklist you can print and keep handy. It walks you through everything that should be done before you leave for a showing or open house.
3. Turn Showings into Family Fun Time
Instead of viewing showings as an inconvenience, try turning them into an opportunity.
Every time you have a showing, plan a fun family outing. Not only does this get everyone out of the house, but it also gives your kids something to look forward to—which can be a great motivator when it’s time to clean up!
A few ideas include:
- Sno-balls or frozen yogurt
- A picnic at the park or boat launch
- A trip to the playground
- A favorite fast-food restaurant with a play area
- Bowling
- Laser tag
- A movie night
- Rent a swan in city park
If your children are younger, having a trusted friend available for impromptu playdates can be a lifesaver.
4. Don’t Forget About Self-Care
When you’re juggling family life, showings, packing, and all the other moving-related tasks, it’s easy to put yourself last.
Don’t.
Make it a priority to set aside at least a little time each week for yourself—or for you and your partner. Grab lunch together, hit the gym, enjoy a quiet walk, read a book, or catch up on your favorite show.
Taking care of yourself will help you stay patient, focused, and better equipped to handle the challenges that come with selling a home.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re selling your current home, buying your next one, or trying to coordinate both at the same time, you don’t have to do it alone.
We’’d love to help you create a plan that gets your home sold quickly, for the best possible price, and with as little stress as possible.
Email us at sold@brunoswift.com and let’s talk about your next move.e same time, we can do it together! Email me at robyn@robynsbruno.com and we’ll talk about how to sell your home quickly, for the best price, and with the least amount of stress.