HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR VIEWINGS (WITHOUT LOSING THE PLOT)

Staging Your Home to Sell: Simple, Stress-Free Tips for Viewings

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or relocating for a fresh start, there’s one big moment that can make or break your sale: the viewing. It’s when your home needs to work a little magic, showing potential buyers that this could be their perfect place. No pressure, right? 😅

I’ve helped lots of clients lately get their homes viewing ready—some who were still living in the chaos of kids and dogs, others who had already emotionally moved out. And what I’ve learned over 20+ years in the home organisation and house moving world is this: you don’t need perfection, you need calm, clarity and a bit of strategic styling.

Some of my suggestions may not be feasible for you but do what you can. I look at this as chances are you home is your biggest asset, therefore this is a job! Live differently to get the most amount of money for your home and then reap the rewards after.

I had one family who had a house full of young children and dogs with toys everywhere. They opted for an "Open House" weekend with their agent, put many items into short term storage, moved in with family for a week, got the house cleaned and then had the Open House. House sold that weekend for above the asking price - worth the upheaval in my opinion! Other options were not as feasible for them so this worked.

Here’s how to prepare your home for viewings without turning your life upside down in the process (except example above 😂.)

1. Declutter Like You're Moving (Because You Are!)

Viewers need to see your space - not your stuff. So start by decluttering key areas:

• Clear off kitchen worktops as much as possible (yes, even the air fryer)

• Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel more spacious

• Edit what’s on your shelves - leave just a few lovely, styled items

  
  

This is the perfect time to think, "Do I want to pack this and take it to my next home?" If not, out it goes.

2. Clean Like Someone's Mother-In-Law Is Coming Over

You don’t need to scrub the skirting boards with a toothbrush (unless that sparks joy, in which case crack on), but the basics matter:

• Windows clean and sparkling

• Floors vacuumed and mopped

• Bathrooms fresh and streak-free

• Kitchen sink gleaming (bonus points for a bowl of lemons nearby)

  
  

Smell matters too. A reed diffuser, a spritz of linen spray, or just opening the windows for a bit can make a huge difference.

3. Create an Instant First Impression

That first 30 seconds matters - a lot. When buyers step through the front door, you want them to feel welcome, calm, and like your home has been well cared for.

So:

• Clear and tidy the entrance

• Pop a rug down if it helps define the space

• Add a mirror to bounce light around

• A vase of fresh flowers or a leafy plant never goes amiss

  
  

4. Make Each Room Make Sense

Every room should have a clear purpose. If your spare room is currently a part-time office / laundry dumping ground / yoga space... pick one.

Buyers want to see how they might use the space. So stage rooms simply:

• Make beds properly (tight corners and fluffed pillows)

• Set the dining table or breakfast bar

• Clear out under beds and on top of wardrobes

  
  

Storage is a biggie - buyers will look in your cupboards. Now is the time to fold, box and label like your sale depends on it. (Because it just might.)

Remember, if you have items on top of kitchen cupboards or wardrobes because you don't have room elsewhere, then buyers will then realise there isn't enough storage and may not be keen themselves.

5. Don't Forget Outside Spaces

Even if you only have a small patio, balcony or front garden, give it a little love:

• Sweep paths and clean outdoor furniture

• Add a potted plant or two

• Hide the bins (or at least line them up neatly)

  
  

A few minutes outside can add thousands to perceived value.

6. Leave the House (And Take the Dog With You)

Viewings are always better when the owners aren’t in. It helps buyers imagine themselves living there without feeling watched. If you have pets, take them for a walk or arrange for them to stay with a friend. Not everyone loves a friendly Labrador sniffing their shoes.

7. Keep a '5-Minute Dash' Basket

Let’s be real - you’re still living there and life is messy. So keep a basket by the front door for a last-minute tidy before viewings:

• Loose toys, post, wires, and random clutter - chuck it all in and hide it in the boot of your car if needed. No judgement here.

• Whatever you do - don't leave laundry drying over radiators or on an airer - no one wants to be looking at your underwear!

  
  

Final Thought:

Preparing your home for viewings isn’t about creating a show home. It’s about letting buyers see the potential of the space, feel at ease, and picture their life unfolding there.

It’s one of my favourite parts of the process to help with, and it often makes clients feel so much better about their move, too. Because once your home feels calm, everything else starts to follow.

Need help getting ready for your move? Here is my home moving bundle which you can download and print to use.

Buy Home Moving Bundle Here

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.

Please share this blog with anyone you think may also enjoy it 💞