Getting your home ready to sell can feel overwhelming, so I’ve created the ultimate room‑by‑room checklist to make it simple. From exterior curb appeal and the entryway to the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, laundry room, playroom or extra room, office, and more, you’ll know exactly what to tackle in each space. You’ll also get a general whole‑home checklist to use right before your photos and showings, plus a free, print‑ready checklist you can download and check off as you go.
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Exterior & Curb Appeal – Front/Back Yard and Porch
- ☐ Mow the lawn and edge along sidewalks and driveways
- ☐ Trim overgrown bushes, shrubs, and trees away from windows and walkways
- ☐ Weed flowerbeds and refresh mulch or ground cover if needed
- ☐ Remove any dead plants or flowers and replace with healthy, simple greenery
- ☐ Clear leaves, branches, and debris from the yard
- ☐ Sweep and hose down walkways, steps, and the driveway
- ☐ Remove clutter from the yard (toys, tools, hoses, extra décor, etc.)
- ☐ Make sure the path to the front door is unobstructed and easy to walk
- ☐ Clean the front door, door hardware, and any glass or sidelights
- ☐ Wipe down porch railings, columns, and light fixtures
- ☐ Check that porch and exterior lights work; replace bulbs as needed
- ☐ Remove personal items (family name signs, personal flags, any lawn ornaments or yard art )
- ☐ Keep porch décor simple and neutral (doormat, pair of planters with ferns or flowers, classic wreath)
Entryway / Foyer
- ☐ Clear shoes, bags, keys, and mail from the entry area
- ☐ Add a simple, clean entry rug (neutral color, low pattern)
- ☐ Make sure there is enough space to walk in easily without bumping furniture
- ☐ Use a narrow console or bench if space allows; avoid crowding
- ☐ Add important decor pieces (lamp, small plant, bowl for keys, simple decor) – not cluttered
- ☐ Remove highly personal wall art or family photos near the entrance
- ☐ Ensure lighting is bright and welcoming; replace dim bulbs
Living Room
- ☐ Remove excess furniture to create clear walking paths around seating
- ☐ Allow at least 18–24 inches between pieces and 36 inches for main walkways
- ☐ Declutter surfaces (coffee tables, side tables, shelves)
- ☐ Store away remote controls, cords, toys, and personal collections
- ☐ Use neutral throw pillows and blankets; limit bold colors and patterns
- ☐ Hang simple, neutral art instead of personal photos
- ☐ Open curtains/blinds to let in natural light; clean windows
- ☐ Add a neutral area rug sized correctly for the seating area
- ☐ Check that all lights work and feel warm and inviting
- ☐ Incorporate some greenery and a few curated decor pieces to create a warm, inviting feel.
Dining Room
- ☐ Clear the table; avoid stacks of mail or paperwork
- ☐ Style the table simply ( vase of flowers or greenery stems, large bowl of fruit centerpiece)
- ☐ Make sure there’s at least 36 inches between table and walls/furniture
- ☐ Remove extra chairs or bulky furniture that make the room feel cramped
- ☐ Keep china cabinets and open shelves lightly styled, not overcrowded
- ☐ Use neutral linens (napkins, placemats) if displayed
- ☐ Ensure overhead light is clean and working; dust fixtures
Kitchen
- ☐ Clear countertops of small appliances (toasters, air fryers, mixers) where possible (KEEP – coffee maker/ knives set/ crock with simple wooden spoons)
- ☐ Remove magnets, photos, and papers from the refrigerator
- ☐ Wipe down cabinets, counters, backsplash, and appliances
- ☐ Organize open shelves; keep only a few neutral, attractive items
- ☐ Put away dish racks, soap bottles, rags and sponges, and extra utensils
- ☐ Empty trash and recycling; use a clean, odor‑free bin
- ☐ Keep sink empty and clean; no dirty dishes
- ☐ Add one or two simple touches throughout (bowl of fruit, small plant, neutral or clear canisters)
Bedrooms/Closets
- ☐ Make beds with neutral, coordinated bedding
- ☐ Clear nightstands (only lamp and 1–2 simple items – (something fresh like a plant or flowers)
- ☐ Put away laundry, clothes piles, and visible storage bins
- ☐ Minimize furniture to what’s needed (bed, dresser, nightstands)
- ☐ Remove personal photos, posters, and bold themed decor
- Closets
- ☐ Remove anything you won’t need before moving (donate, sell, or toss)
- ☐ Keep only what fits well and looks current; remove worn or dated items
- ☐ Leave extra space on hanging rods so the closet feels roomy
- ☐ Use matching hangers for a cleaner, more organized look
- ☐ Group clothes by type and color (shirts together, pants together, etc.)
- ☐ Clear closet floors of loose items and bulky storage bags
- ☐ Store out-of-season shoes and accessories in labeled bins or boxes
- ☐ Remove personal items (jewelry boxes, keepsakes, documents) from view
- ☐ Wipe shelves, dust rods, and vacuum or mop the closet floor
- ☐ Make sure closet doors slide or open/close smoothly without obstruction
- ☐ Take out half of your clothes if possible and store away non-seasonal clothing.
Bathrooms
- ☐ Clear counters of personal products (toothbrushes, makeup, razors)
- ☐ Use fresh, neutral towels neatly hung or folded ( don’t use these towels – have them for display)
- ☐ Clean mirrors, sinks, faucets, and shower doors/tubs thoroughly
- ☐ Remove bathmats that are worn or heavily patterned; replace with simple, clean ones or remove before showings which is best choice
- ☐ Hide trash cans, plungers, and toilet brushes if possible
- ☐ Store away medications and personal items from open view
- ☐ Add small, neutral accessories to create a vignette on countertop (plant, candle, simple tray)
Laundry Room
- ☐ Remove all visible laundry and empty hampers/baskets.
- ☐ Hide all products in cabinets; if not possible, use clear jars/canisters and label them.
- ☐ Make sure NO hangers are visible anywhere.
- ☐ Clean all surfaces, machines, floors, baseboards, and window areas thoroughly.
- ☐ Create a pretty vignette: a tray with a plant and a clear jar of pods/soap or vintage clothespins.
- ☐ Add simple artwork and, if possible, a lamp and natural light from any window.
- ☐ Do a quick final check so the room feels uncluttered, fresh, and inviting.
Playroom / Basement/ Loft/ Family Room
- ☐ Remove excess toys, books, and games; keep only favorites and store the rest.
- ☐ Use baskets/bins with labels to contain toys and keep surfaces mostly clear.
- ☐ Clear floors so there’s plenty of open space to walk and play.
- ☐ Arrange furniture to create wide, obvious walkways and a simple seating area (sofa + a couple of chairs/ottomans).
- ☐ Pull furniture slightly away from walls if it improves flow and “zones” the room (play area vs. seating area).
- ☐ Keep decor minimal: a few neutral pillows, one or two pieces of simple artwork, and no busy or themed clutter.
- ☐ Hide cords, gaming systems, and remotes as much as possible in cabinets or baskets.
- ☐ Ensure good lighting (overhead plus one lamp if needed) and open window coverings for natural light.
- ☐ Do a final scan so the room feels spacious, calm, and easy to move through.
Office Space
- ☐ Declutter the desk and surfaces; keep out only daily essentials (laptop, notepad, one pen cup).
- ☐ Clear paperwork; file or shred anything visible and remove stacks from view.
- ☐ Hide all personal diplomas, certificates, family photos, and anything with names or details.
- ☐ Use drawers, bins, or cabinets to store extra supplies, cords, and electronics.
- ☐ Add a few cute, simple decor pieces (small plant, candle, or decorative object) on the desk and any built-ins.
- ☐ Style shelves minimally with a mix of books and neutral decor, leaving some empty space.
- ☐ Tidy and hide cables as much as possible; use clips or covers if needed.
- ☐ Ensure good lighting (desk lamp and/or overhead) and open window coverings for natural light.
- ☐ Do a final check so the office feels clean, calm, and like a productive, staged workspace.
General Whole‑Home Checklist
- ☐ Deep clean floors, baseboards, and high‑touch areas (handles, switches)
- ☐ Repair minor damage (scuffed paint, loose handles, small holes in walls)
- ☐ Use neutral paint colors where needed to tone down bold walls
- ☐ Remove or minimize strong scents; keep the home smelling fresh but subtle
- ☐ Keep pets, beds, and litter boxes as hidden and clean as possible during showings
- ☐ Turn on lights and open blinds before showings to make spaces feel bright
