Getting a home staged and ready for showings is challenging enough, but children can make the process a little more difficult. Toys, clutter, and tight schedules can make getting your home in top shape seem impossible. But you can live in your home and have it ready for showings at all times.

If your family needs to live in your home while it is on the market, here are a few ways you can declutter, clean, and keep it staged for potential buyers.

HIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS

With busy school schedules and work, it can be nearly impossible to keep your home clean enough for daily use. But when your home is on the market, it needs to stay spotless. If you are too busy to take care of cleaning on your own, consider hiring some help. Professional cleaners can clean your home from top to bottom and can even come by regularly to keep it clean. You can also use professional services to get rid of tough stains in carpet and remove any bad odors. The national average cost of hiring a carpet cleaner is $121 to $233.

CLEAR OUT CLUTTER

Clutter is another big no-no when it comes to selling a home. With kids, however, it’s pretty common to have a lot of stuff laying around your home and taking up space in closets. To properly stage your home, you will need to take some time to clear out clutter, even in storage spaces. Closets, pantries and garages can be big selling points for your home, so it is highly likely that potential buyers will take a peek into these spaces.

GET SOME EXTRA STORAGE

Once you have cleaned all your clutter up, you are going to need somewhere to store it. Renting a storage unit is the perfect way to clear out some space in your home without tossing out your belongings. For example, in Chicago, you can store your items in a 10’x10’ self-storage unit for just $53.55 a month at CubeSmart Self Storage – Cicero. Putting infrequently used toys and clothes into a storage unit helps you to declutter faster without having to carefully go through everything you own. It can also save you time, since you won’t be constantly picking items up when you find out about last-minute showings.

TAKE CARE OF REPAIRS

If your family has left their mark around your home, you should make sure repairs are taken care of before you begin showing your home. Patch up any holes left by toys and make sure floors are taken care of as well. If your little ones have drawn or left marks on your walls, apply some fresh coats of paint to freshen up your rooms and create a blank canvas (it will cost anywhere from $20 – $60 an hour to hire a painter). Finally, if you have air vents, make sure you remove any toys or items that may have been dropped in them.

KEEP YOUR YARD NEAT

If your kids love to play outside, your yard may show signs of wear and tear. Keeping your yard neatly manicured and looking its best is essential for creating curb appeal, so get your lawn in top shape. You can hire a landscaper to help fill in holes and keep your lawn trimmed while your home is on the market. You should also consider having fresh mulch put down and even adding some colorful flowers or shrubs to add even more appeal to your outdoor spaces.

ORGANIZE YOUR ENTRYWAY

Your front door and entryway give one of the first impressions of your home. Make sure it is a positive one by keeping this space especially neat and organized. Outside, make sure your porch and walkway are swept and free of debris. If the paint on your door is old, consider freshening it up. Some research even suggests that painting your door a certain color can add value to your home. Finally, make sure your porch light and other outdoor lighting are shining bright.

Managing a family and a home on the market is never easy. But with a few easy steps, you can make sure your house is staged and ready for showings, without causing stress for you or your family.

Written By Guest Blogger: Kristin Louis

Photo Credit: Unsplash