5 Tips for Cleaning Your House to Sell

A clean, organized listing can make or break a sale. After all, nothing draws the eye quite like dirt, grime, and clutter. When selling, it’s critical to put your best foot forward, and in most cases, that includes a neat and tidy interior. While a deep clean may seem daunting, with a little preparation and some dedication, you’ll have a sparkling listing in no time.

Make a plan

Before you begin cleaning, you’ll want to create and finalize a plan. Determine exactly how long you have to complete the job, walk through the home to note any and all projects, and delegate tasks accordingly. If you have a partner or children, ensure everyone has a role in the deep cleaning process. Consider a white board, checklist, or other reminder method to ensure that responsibilities are crystal clear and keep everyone accountable.

Your plan should be customized to the home, scale of project, and timeline. Some homeowners choose to clean room by room while others complete one job throughout the entire home before starting another. Whatever your preference, ensure your timeline and list of tasks are realistic and manageable. Try to avoid biting off more than you can chew, but keep in mind cleaning is a priority.

Declutter and organize

Once you have a concrete plan in place, it’s time to begin the actual cleaning process. Start by decluttering, as storing things you don’t actually want to keep can be counterintuitive (Apartment Therapy, 2020). Go through your things, perhaps keeping only what “sparks joy,” and sell, donate, or discard anything that no longer belongs.

Once you’ve successfully pared down any necessary belongings, make a point to organize the items that remain. Invest in a storage system that makes sense for your home and family, and commit to it moving forward (House Beautiful, 2019). Whether you opt for clear, airtight containers or decorative bins and baskets, your home should now look neat, tidy, and organized. Don’t forget drawers, closets or other nooks and crannies, either. After all, you never know where potential buyers may be tempted to take a peek.

While you’re at it, make a point to remove and store anything too personal, including family photos, collectibles, sports paraphernalia, and any political decor. These items can be potentially polarizing or off putting and may draw attention away from the home itself.

Clean floors to ceilings

Once your belongings are pared down and organized, you’ll want to start deep cleaning (Better Homes and Gardens, 2019). Dusting any and all fixtures, clean both sides of the windows, mop the floors, vacuum, shake out rugs, sanitize high-touch surfaces, tend to kitchen appliances, scrub the bathroom, and launder all linens. Oh, and don’t forget those baseboards!

Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms

Finally, you may want to double back to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. These are rooms where grime can build up and will likely be inspected by potential buyers, so you’ll want to ensure they’re spotless. Bust out the oven cleaner, polish metal finishes, and scrub the shower. While you’re at it, consider investing in some new linens. Fresh, fluffy bath sheets and brand-new tea towels will be the cherry on top of a job well done.

If necessary, consider some professional assistance

If you have the means but lack time, energy, or experience, remember that you can always bring in professional help. Most local cleaning services offer a deep clean option and may even have something specifically for home sales or move out. Prices will depend on your market, home size, and project scope, but professional assistance can certainly make the task less daunting.

From sanitizing all surfaces to laundering linens, deep cleaning your home can make an immeasurable impact on a sale. Before listing, simply show your space a little TLC. The future owners will thank you.