If you are trying to depersonalise and declutter your home, it can be time-consuming. Add kids or pets to the mixture, and you definitely can have a challenge on your hands. Do you need to stage and declutter to make your home a clean slate and appealing to buyers? Here are some Ottawa staging ideas that may help you declutter and pack more quickly with kids and pets in mind.
1. Keep one area of the home as a “play zone” that can be easily cleaned up in the case of a showing. Whether it is the child’s bedroom or playroom, keep toys to a minimal and have a hamper handy where you can pick up toys quickly and store in a cupboard.
2. Pack toys that aren’t being used in a boxes or totes. Label each with the child’s name, so it is easy when you move to organise the children’s bedrooms or toy room.
3. If your child has a themed bedroom, you can take any posters or artwork from the walls and store them somewhere safe until your home is sold. Any pirate or princess-themed items that are easily removed should also be stored away.
4. If you can get away with keeping at least one bathroom completely staged and off limits, it will make cleaning up easier. Keep good towels on the towel racks and get children to use their own towels on hooks behind the bathroom door. This also makes for an easier cleanup and less stress for everyone.
5. If your basement is configured for small children, try to pack away any riding toys, video games, kitchen sets, etc. With large toys around, this may make your basement or play room appear smaller than it is.
6. If you have pets, make sure any bowls, food or litter boxes are put away. As with the children, keep a hamper for your pet toys that can be stored away at a moment’s notice. If possible during showings take your pets with you or have a family member watch them for a couple of hours.
7. Keep safety in mind when it comes to your children. Keep any items with their names, school schedules or sports schedules out of view. Buyers don’t need to know any personal information about your kids.
8. If your child’s room is painted entirely with darks colours of pink, purple, etc. you may wish to tone the colour of their rooms to a more neutral décor. This way the buyer can see the room as an office or guest room also.
9. Keep a hamper or tote for last minute items that may be lying around but need to be removed to keep the staged look or your home. You can quickly store your hampers in the trunk or your car or mud room cupboard until the showing is done.
We hope these tips can make your journey to selling and staging your home a little easier. If you still are not sure where to start, talk to the Winch Walton Team to get expert advice on Ottawa staging and real estate.