Is it Possible to Sell a House with Kids?

                                         

While selling a house can be stressful, selling a house with kids can feel almost impossible for many. However, if a move makes the most sense for you and your family, it will be worth it in the end. Here are a few tips to ease some of the stress...

Start with decluttering: Growing up in a military family has taught me to be a minimalist in my adult life. My motto is, if it is too difficult to clean around, just get rid of it! While I know that is not practical advice for everyone, decluttering is. Getting rid of clutter is extremely helpful when you know you are going to move anyway. Start boxing up things that you no longer need. Have a yard sale, or donate items you no longer use. Get rid of those items in your home that are simply taking up space, and box up what you aren't currently using. You are going to have to box up everything when you move anyway, why not get a head start?

Keep a checklist: A simple checklist will help you stay organized and avoid forgetting to check something like a toilet that didn't get flushed, or a half eaten banana left on the counter. Keeping a checklist and a plan of attack before a showing, can help battle the stress of "what did I forget?" before you head out.
      *A great tip -  Get a few bins or totes. When you get the call about a showing, just run through the house and throw everything lying around in the bin or tote, then tuck it away in the basement or garage until after the showing. *Helpful tip for the kitchen -  empty out a cabinet and quickly store items out on your counter in the empty cabinet right before a showing and just pull it back out when you get home.

Hire it out: If you are like a lot of busy parents and just don't have time to keep the house consistently clean, consider hiring a cleaning service; even if you only have someone come in once a week or once every two weeks. If you can afford it, hiring some help will relieve some of the stress off of you, and allow you to show your home in the best light possible.

Keep a bottle of Windex handy: A great tip for a 5 minute bathroom touch up- Windex and a paper towel will work wonders and leave surfaces sparkling, preventing those pesky hand prints, toothpaste globs, and mysterious spills and splatters.


If your kids are old enough, give them a "showing to do list": Whether it be making their bed, throwing stuff in the bins, or closing all of the toilet lids in the house. Selling a house can be stressful on the whole family, getting them involved and even coming up with fun places to visit while getting out of the house for 30 minutes to an hour, can be a fun family escape from the frustration of keeping the house tidy. 

The good news: Many of our clients have children and pets, and have been able to successfully sell their home! Most buyers understand you live there, and may have young children themselves. Remember what your motivation is for selling, and don't allow the temporary headache prevent you from making what you feel is the right move for your family.

***Have anything to add, or tips that you used while selling your home with small children, feel free to share below!