Preparing your home for a showing involves more than vacuuming the floors and making the beds. Buyers often form their first impression within minutes, and even small distractions can make it harder for them to picture themselves living in the space.
The goal is to make your home feel clean, welcoming, and easy to imagine as their future home. Before your next showing, make sure these 10 things are out of sight.
Personal Valuables
Jewelry, cash, expensive watches, important documents, and other valuables should always be put away before anyone tours your home. While most buyers are respectful, showings often involve multiple people walking through the house, so it’s better not to leave anything valuable out in the open.
Prescription Medications
Prescription bottles, pill organizers, medical paperwork, and personal health information should be stored out of sight during every showing. Removing these items protects your privacy while also keeping potentially dangerous medications away from children who may be touring the home.
Family Photos and Personal Memorabilia
One of the biggest goals of home staging is helping buyers picture their own lives in the space. Large collections of family photos, children’s artwork, awards, and personalized décor remind buyers they’re walking through someone else’s home instead of imagining it as their own.
Political or Controversial Décor
Political signs, campaign materials, bumper stickers, flags, or anything that expresses strong opinions can unintentionally distract buyers. Regardless of personal beliefs, it’s best to create a neutral environment where the focus stays on the home rather than your viewpoints.
Strong Religious Displays
Faith is deeply personal, but large religious displays can sometimes make it harder for buyers to emotionally connect with a property. A more neutral presentation allows a wider range of buyers to focus on the home’s features instead of its décor.
Pet Evidence
Litter boxes, pet beds, food bowls, toys, cages, and pet odors can be a major distraction during a showing. If possible, remove pets during showings and thoroughly clean areas where they spend time so buyers notice the home instead of the animals.
Strong Odors
Overpowering candles, plug-in air fresheners, heavy perfumes, or strong cooking smells can raise unnecessary concerns. Buyers may wonder if you’re trying to hide smoke, pets, mold, or another issue, so a naturally clean, fresh-smelling home is usually the better choice.
Related: Keep The Pet, Not The Odor: 20 Ways To Reduce Pet Smells In Your House
Dirty Dishes and Household Clutter
A sink full of dishes, overflowing trash cans, mail piled on the counter, or cluttered surfaces can make even a beautiful home feel poorly maintained. Taking a few extra minutes to tidy up helps buyers focus on the space itself instead of everyday messes.
Related: When Letting Go of Clutter Feels More Emotional Than Expected
Laundry and Bathroom Clutter
Piles of laundry, overflowing hampers, toiletries covering the vanity, and wet towels hanging around can make bathrooms and bedrooms feel smaller and less inviting. Clearing these personal items creates a cleaner, more spacious appearance that appeals to buyers.
The Homeowner
It may sound surprising, but one of the best things you can remove during a showing is yourself. Buyers tend to feel more comfortable asking questions, opening closets, and talking honestly with their agent when they don’t feel like they’re being watched by the current owner.
