The ultimate checklist for preparing your house to sell

Research shows that buyers often know if a property is right for them within just eight to ten minutes of a viewing. With such a short window to make an impression, presentation is everything if you want to secure a good offer.  

By following our simple, room-by-room checklist, you can make your house look its best, generate interest and increase your chances of selling your house, so you can be ready to move into your new Gleeson home quickly and efficiently.  

The whole house 

Before you make a start on each room, start by clearing and cleaning the whole house to make every room feel lighter and larger:  

• Move bulky furniture, extra storage boxes, and seasonal clothing into a garage or temporary storage unit. 
• Scrub all skirting boards, door frames, and light switches to remove scuff marks and fingerprints. 
• Wash all windows inside and out and ensure all glass surfaces and mirrors are streak-free. 
• Replace any flickering or broken light bulbs.  
• Depersonalise and declutter the floor space. 

The kitchen  

Buyers want to see plenty of workspace, good storage and clean appliances. Here’s how to make the most of your kitchen:  

• Clear everything off the worktops, including bread bins, spice racks and knife blocks to maximise visible food prep space. 
• Put washing-up liquid, sponges, tea towels and sink plugs out of sight.  
• Scrub the sink and polish the taps to remove water marks or limescale build-up. 
• Wipe down all cupboard doors, drawer fronts, and handles to remove grease marks.  
• Clean the oven, hob and extractor fan thoroughly.  
• Place a single bowl of fresh, bright fruit or a simple vase of flowers on the counter for a splash of colour.  

Living and dining rooms  

An inviting and well-staged living room can influence a buyer's perception and make all the difference in helping buyers fall in love with your home within those all-important first few minutes. 

• Hide all TV remotes, video game controllers, and loose charging cables in drawers.  
• Arrange sofas and chairs to show off the natural flow of the room.  
• Clean out the fireplace or log burner (if you have one) and stack logs neatly. 
• Set the dining table with simple, neutral place settings to help buyers imagine entertaining.  

Bedrooms  

Buyers often look for comfort and plenty of space for storage in a bedroom. To make your bedroom look spacious and relaxing, you should:  

• Clear all clothing, shoes and washing baskets off the floor.  
• Empty bedside tables of water glasses, phone chargers and books, ideally leaving just a lamp.  
• Clear the tops of drawers and dressing tables, keeping personal items hidden inside.  
• Organise the inside of wardrobes neatly, as buyers sometimes open them up to check space.  
• Push any storage boxes out of sight so they cannot be seen from the doorway.  
• Gather children’s toys into closed toy boxes or decorative baskets rather than leaving them on the carpet.  
• Strip the bed and put on clean, neutral bedding that has been ironed.  
• Add a single matching throw or runner at the end of the bed for a finished look.  

Bathrooms 

A messy bathroom might put a potential buyer off. Aim for a clean, neutral space free of personal items.  

• Scrub tiles, bleach grout, and wipe down the sealant around the bath and shower. 
• Clean the shower screen and polish all chrome taps and mirrors to remove water spots and streaks. 
• Put all toiletries, shampoos, and shower gels into a cupboard. 
• Remove all bathmats, washing baskets and weighing scales to show off as much floor space as possible. 
• Place a single scented candle or a small potted plant on the windowsill to dress the space. 

Outside areas  

A tidy, well-maintained exterior can make your home look more welcoming and well cared for. To improve your home’s curb appeal, you should: 

• Mow the lawn, trim the grass edges, and pull up any weeds from borders and paths.  
• Cut back low-hanging tree branches or overgrown bushes that block natural light.  
• Sweep up dead leaves, twigs, and debris from the patio, steps and driveway.  
• Pressure wash the patio or driveway. 
• Clean the front door, polish the letterbox, and sweep the front porch to make the entrance welcoming.  
• Roll up garden hoses neatly and store all garden tools, lawnmowers, and bicycles away.  
• Wipe down outdoor tables and chairs, clear away cobwebs, and set them out neatly on the patio.  

More moving home guidance from Gleeson Homes 

At Gleeson Homes, we want to make your next move as straightforward as possible, which is why we have created a selection of guides for movers which you can explore here. 

FAQs: Preparing your house ready to sell  

Do I need to decorate before selling?  

Not necessarily but fixing minor defects can make a difference. Touching up chipped paint on skirting boards, repairing a leaking tap, or painting a brightly coloured room a neutral shade can help your house sell faster.  

How important is curb appeal?  

Very important! Because buyers often make up their minds within the first eight minutes, the view from the driveaway sets the tone for the entire appointment. A tidy front garden and clean front door create a very positive first impression.  

How clean does my house need to be for a viewing?  

As clean as possible. Buyers will look closely at kitchens and bathrooms, so focus heavily on those areas. A deep clean also signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained and cared for.