Once your home is on the market, you never know when a real estate agent will bring potential buyers by. You could have a week’s notice or just a couple of hours. Regardless of the time frame, if you are living in your home with “occupied staging,” you will need to reset the home every day to make it showing-ready.
If you worked with a stager, they may have given you a checklist. But if you are staging yourself, these daily reset routines and practical tips can help your home look its best for every showing.
Step 1. Establish Your Daily Reset Routine
The easiest way to keep your home show-ready is to make tidying part of your daily rhythm.
After every meal prep: Reset the kitchen by wiping counters, sweeping floors, and clearing clutter.
Before bed each night: Reset the living room, family room, bedroom, and playroom so everything looks fresh for the next day.
Vacuuming should be part of that reset, even daily if possible. No one loves vacuuming, but remember that you only get one shot to wow a buyer. They have likely viewed your home online eight to ten times. The in-person visit must match or exceed what they have seen in photos and videos.
Your goal is to create a seamless experience where your home looks, feels, and smells just as beautiful in person as it does online.
Step 2. Clean the Kitchen
Take time to deep-clean the kitchen at the beginning of your listing period, then maintain it daily.
- Keep countertops clear and sanitized.
- Load or remove dishes after every meal; do not leave them in the sink.
- Sweep or vacuum floors daily.
- Avoid strong cooking odors and air out the space when needed.
Pro tip: Keep a basket or tote nearby for clutter. If you get a last-minute showing, stash items quickly and take them with you.
Step 3. Fluff the Living Room
Your living room sets the tone for the home, so keep it photo-ready.
- Straighten furniture and fluff couch pillows after each use.
- Fold throws neatly or store them in a decorative basket.
- Clear coffee tables; just one or two stylish accent pieces are enough.
Pro tip: Vacuum high-traffic areas daily. Fresh vacuum lines signal a clean and cared-for home.
Step 4. Refresh the Family Room
Buyers imagine family life here with movie nights, game time, or relaxed weekends. Keep it inviting and uncluttered.
- Store remotes, games, and electronics in baskets or ottomans.
- Dust shelves and wipe smudges from screens.
- Use balanced lighting to create warmth.
Step 5. Make the Bedrooms Show-Ready
Your bedroom should feel restful and serene, not personal.
- Make the bed each morning with crisp, layered bedding.
- Use decorative pillows and shams for a clean, luxurious look.
- Keep nightstands clear except for one accent like a lamp or book.
Pro tip: Hide laundry baskets and personal items. Simplicity sells.
Step 6. Polish the Bathrooms
Bathrooms should look spotless and smell fresh.
- Keep toiletries stored out of sight in a small travel bag.
- Wipe mirrors, faucets, and counters daily.
- Empty trash and close the toilet lid before showings.
Pro tip: Use a subtle, neutral air freshener that is never overwhelming.
Step 7. Straighten the Playroom
A well-organized playroom can help sell your home because it shows functionality.
- Store toys in labeled bins or baskets.
- Display just a few items for a tidy, intentional look.
- Rotate toys weekly to keep it fresh.
Pro tip: Make cleanup part of the family’s nightly routine. Ten minutes is all it takes.
Step 8. Keep the Laundry Room Neat
Even small laundry areas can feel stylish with organization.
- Wipe appliances daily.
- Keep supplies hidden or neatly contained.
- Add a plant, basket, or folded towels for a touch of charm.
Step 9. Stage the Basement
Basements often make a big impact, especially if they are clean and well-lit.
- Organize storage bins along one wall.
- Brighten the area with fresh light bulbs or a floor lamp.
- Run a dehumidifier to keep the air fresh.
If finished, stage it as a second living area, gym, or home office. If unfinished, focus on cleanliness and open space to showcase potential.
Final Thoughts
Living in a home that is for sale takes patience, but your daily reset routine makes it manageable. A clean, neutral, and consistent presentation builds buyer confidence and helps your home stand out in a competitive market.
Buyers fall in love first online and then in person. Make sure your home exceeds expectations when they step through the door.
Ready to Prepare Your Home for Sale?
I offer detailed pre-listing consultations designed to help sellers maximize their home’s appeal and equity. From pricing strategy to professional staging support, I help you present your home at its very best.
Visit www.NicoleStromRealtor.com to learn more about selling your home in Colorado Springs and El Paso County.
