How to Declutter and Organize Your Home for Open House Viewings
Getting your home ready for an open house is one of the most important steps in the selling process. Home buyers form an opinion within seconds, so the goal is to make your home feel bright, spacious, clean and easy to imagine as their own. After years of helping sellers prepare for showings and doing hundreds of open houses, I’ve learned what really makes a difference. Here’s a basic plan to get your home open-house ready.
Start at the Front Door
Your entry sets the tone for the entire open house. Buyers often slow down as they walk up to the front step, and this is when they start deciding how they feel about the property. Fresh mulch, neat landscaping and a swept walkway create a welcoming first impression before they even reach the door. Make sure the lawn is trimmed, bushes are shaped and any leaves or debris are cleared away. The porch should look tidy with no shoes, packages or outdoor clutter. A clean doormat, polished door hardware and a clutter-free doorway help your home feel cared for and intentional. These small details signal pride of ownership, and they go further than most people realize.
Clear Surfaces Throughout the Home
When in doubt, put it away. I always say if something is larger than a grapefruit, it probably shouldn’t sit on your counters or tables during a showing. Clear surfaces give the eye room to breathe and make spaces feel bigger. Pack away stacks of mail, toiletries, appliances and extra décor. You want buyers to focus on your home, not your belongings. This becomes even more important in smaller rooms, where visual clutter can make the space feel tight.
Deep Clean Every Room
A spotless home signals that it has been well cared for. Besides the routine cleaning, make sure to wipe down baseboards, polish fixtures and make floors shine. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms since buyers study these areas closely. Make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink and no food left out. If cleaning isn’t your favorite task, consider hiring a professional crew. It can be one of the best return-on-investment decisions you make. Nowadays, there are cleaning crews that specialize in cleaning for home sales. They are expensive but most of the time well worth it.
Light It Up
Turn on every light before a showing. A bright home feels warm and spacious, especially during cloudy days or evening appointments. Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs and open curtains to pull in as much natural light as possible. Make certain all of your lightbulbs are a consistent color and hue.
Remove Signs of Pets
You may adore your pets, but not every buyer will feel the same. Put away food bowls, toys, crates and litter boxes, and be sure to vacuum up any fur. Check for odors and keep the space smelling fresh. If you can, take your pets out during the showing. I’ve seen this with my own buyers: the moment they spot pet items, they start imagining smells, even when there aren’t any.
Hide Garbage Cans
Kitchen and bathroom trash cans should be emptied and tucked out of sight. Outdoor cans should be placed neatly along the side of the house or in a location that doesn’t draw attention.
Make It Smell Fresh
Smell plays a bigger role in a buyer’s first impression than most people realize. Aim for a clean, neutral scent so the home feels fresh. Lemon works especially well because people naturally associate it with cleanliness. Simmer pots are another great option and can make the whole house feel warm and inviting. Light candles with a soft fragrance, open windows for fresh air or use a gentle plug-in if needed. Baking cookies or a simple loaf of bread can be a nice touch too, especially in the fall and winter. Just avoid anything too strong, since overpowering scents can be distracting or make buyers wonder what you’re trying to hide.
Add Small Touches That Matter
A few simple details help your home feel warm and inviting:
- Fresh white towels in the bathrooms
- A bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter
- Soft background music at a low volume
- Neatly made beds and fluffed throw pillows
These little touches help buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
Keep a “Show-Ready” Routine
During the selling period, try to maintain a quick daily reset. This makes last-minute showings much easier. Do a fast sweep of counters, straighten rooms, empty trash, run the dishwasher and give floors a quick once-over. Your future buyer might walk in tomorrow.
If you keep your focus on cleanliness, simplicity and first impressions, your home will stand out in the best possible way. If you ever want help walking through your space or tailoring these tips to your home, I’m always glad to stop by and guide you.