Selling your home can be difficult because you have to keep it "show ready" even though you live there. With pets and children running around, life is messy, and it doesn't always look perfect. These are some tips to help you live in an estate home.

Always Pack

You probably packed most of your personal items when you were preparing to stage your home. So you should see it now.

You must pack and continue packing when you live in a home for sale. You can start with the non-essentials, such as clothing that isn't in season or kitchen appliances that are rarely used. You might consider renting a storage unit or pod while your home is up for sale. You'll be able to prepare your home for showings by clearing out clutter. It's a win-win situation.

Only Keep The Essentials

Potential buyers will view your bathroom cabinets to assess storage space. They won't want to see your toothbrushes. Keep only what you actually use.

You can apply this rule to the entire house, including toys in the children's bedrooms and books and DVDs throughout the living room. This is a great opportunity to donate or get rid of unwanted stuff, so you don't have the hassle of moving it to your next house.

Keep Your Surroundings Clean

A stack of dishes in the sink can be a major buyer turnoff. So instead of putting your laundry on a bed, put it away.

Keep your cleaning supplies in one place to make it easier to clean quickly. Make cleaning a game if you have children. Reward them for cleaning their rooms. As a family, let them know that you are involved in this selling adventure.

Place Your Pets In A Safe Place

Prepare a plan of action for your pets if you have to cancel an open house or a showing. For example, keep your yard free of animal waste and toys and ensure that the cages and boxes are regularly cleaned. Your house can be used as an excuse to take your pet for a long, pleasant walk.

Although you can coordinate with your agent to determine when potential buyers will be coming over to view your home, sometimes they may surprise you. You will need to be ready to show your home for last-minute viewings. This means that you will have to do a lot of cleaning.

Last-Minute Checklist

Before potential buyers arrive for a showing, do a quick sweep of the house:

• Turn off your computer and make sure that your valuables are safely stored. Also, be sure to keep your mail out of reach.

• Cleanse the counters in the bathroom and kitchen.

• To make your home appear brighter, turn on all lights and open shades.

• Fluff pillows for the beds and couches.

• Perform a last-minute sweep on tile or hardwood floors.

• It can be difficult to live in a home for sale, but it is possible.