Our house went up for sale today.

Did I mention there are children living here?

People do it every day.  Sell their homes.  Move to a new city.  It’s life.

I happen to think that the actual sale and move will be easier than it was to straighten up this joint for the broker Open House that took place today, or for the showings that will, prayerfully, be frequent and many.

My stress level has decreased enormously since finally finishing the “staging”.  In fact, coming home to a tidy house, tidier than it’s ever been, (EVER), was a relief today.

But, let’s face it.  I have a husband.  And two children.  A husband who tends to leave a trail of “stuff”.  And two children with toys, shoes, dirty underwear, and a science fair coming up.  What does one do with the fruit “mummification” science fair project that is sitting on the kitchen counter?

I’m leaving it there.  As long as it doesn’t start to smell.

Life simply can not STOP for showings. We have to live in this house.  And yet, I do realize that we must be mindful of how we leave the house each morning.  I don’t, however, want the experience of selling our home to become completely nerve-wracking for all involved.  I certainly don’t want this process to stress out the kids – for they will have enough adapting to do once we relocate.

So to help our family cope with the ongoing “stage”, without going completely anal on them, we’ve adopted the following manageable morning “to-do’s”:

• Open drapes and blinds: It’s winter.  It’s dreary, blah, and gray.  There’s nothing like letting some light in to help brighten up the atmosphere.

• Adopt a “Quick-Clean” mentality: Wipe down the kitchen counter, bathroom vanities, and mirrors with the help of a good microfiber cloth.  Stash all personal toiletries in the vanity or linen closest.  Out of sight.

• Clear the floor: Dirty clothes are brought to the hamper, shoes now live in the closet, towels are hung on racks, and toys get thrown in bins.

• Beds made: No further explanation needed.

• Toilet seats down: Really. It just looks better.

• Kitchen sink: Empty it.  A nice uncluttered kitchen can be a deal maker or a deal breaker.  Who really wants to look at my dirty breakfast dishes?

These are the daily morning chores that our family has adopted  in order to be ready for showings that may occur while we’re out for the day, or the one’s that happen to come up while we’re home, forcing us to vacate quickly.  They aren’t too overwhelming and the kids can help.

As I look at the list I can’t help but wonder why, up until now, I’ve not been able to handle these simple, daily chores.

I guess I live differently when I know I’m being watched!

Are you preparing to sell your home?  Moving?  How do you keep your house all spic and span with kids, husband, and a dog (forgot to mention the dog) scattering their lives through your staged rooms?

Photo by fortyseven