I get it – you
all have to live in your home while it's listed for sale...
The
home-selling process can be very disruptive, and often stressful, on kids. You
may want to recommend that they play a part in preparing their rooms for sale
themselves, to help them with the transition. If you have any knowledge of
their next home, you can also help to get them excited about getting their new
home ready.
- Engage your kids in the process – get
them involved with deciding what will stay, and what will be packed for the new
house.
- Kid’s toys should be limited to their
bedrooms and play area (if available). Remove all additional toys from the
living room, kitchen, dining room, and other adult entertaining areas.
- If you need to have some toys in an
adult area, considering investing in a wicker or canvas basket - fill with
toys, and place a blanket over the top to cover. This will cleverly disguise
your toy basket as a simple “blanket basket”!
- Kid’s play areas are a great selling
feature, in the right neighbourhood, if there is space available for them.
Adding baskets to these areas will help to keep the toys contained, and somewhat organized.
- Kid’s Rooms – Kids will be kids, but
when selling a house, it’s important that to check their rooms each morning to
ensure that the beds are made and toys put away.
- Limit the toys to a maximum of 2 toy
bins, and unless these are considered decorative, such as a storage bench, keep
these bins stored away in the closet or under the bed.
- Take advantage of your “free” storage
areas – these are areas that prospective buyers will not be looking in and
includes under beds, dresser drawers, and inside any other furniture that you
own. Remember, if it is sold with the house, they will look inside, so avoid
over-filling any built-in cabinets or closet spaces.
- Tone down any accessories and wall
coverings – since it’s a kid’s room, some toys or other fun items should be on
display, but be sure that these are kept to a minimum as well, and aim for a
few select larger items rather than multiple small items.
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While parents
have often joked about shipping their kids off for the time that the house is
for sale, some clients have actually make arrangements for the kids to be out
of town, or have an extended stay at grandparent’s house for the first week or
two. This helps to minimize stress on everyone, and allow them to be more
flexible with available showing times – this can result in a faster sale, and
return to normal life.
