🏡 Getting Ready for Every Showing
Once your home is on the market, showing requests can sometimes come with very little notice. While that may feel overwhelming at first, having a simple routine in place can make preparing for each showing quick, manageable, and far less stressful.
The goal isn’t to make your home perfect every time. Instead, we’ll focus on the small details that help buyers feel welcome and allow them to picture themselves living in your home. A little preparation before each showing can often make a big difference in the overall impression your home leaves.
This guide will walk you through simple checklists, helpful tips, and real-world advice I’ve learned over the years to help make each showing as smooth and successful as possible.
💗 A Note From Karyn
I know that leaving your home for a showing isn’t always convenient. You may have pets, children, work responsibilities, or simply enjoy being home. That’s completely understandable.
Just remember that every showing is an opportunity. Every person walking through your front door could be the one who falls in love with your home.
The good news is that once you develop a simple routine, preparing for showings becomes much easier. My goal is to help you spend less time worrying about the process and more time focusing on what matters most—getting your home sold for the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.
Together, we’ll take it one showing at a time.
— Karyn
💡 Karyn’s Insight: Create a Showing Bin
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress before a showing is to create a dedicated Showing Bin.
Instead of rushing around trying to hide everyday items one at a time, simply place them in one container and store it neatly until the showing is over.
Your Showing Bin can be kept in:
✓ The garage
✓ The basement
✓ The laundry room
✓ A utility room
✓ A storage area
✓ Or anywhere that’s out of sight and still looks neat and organized.
Items you might place in your Showing Bin include:
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Hair dryers and curling irons
• Tissue boxes
• Small bathroom trash cans
• Pet bowls
• Pet toys
• Charging cables
• Kitchen sponge
• Dish soap
• Paper towels
• Everyday countertop clutter
After the showing, simply put everything back where it belongs.
It’s much easier than hiding items throughout the house and trying to remember where you put them later.
Download Printable Showing Bin Checklist
⏱️ Your 10-Minute Showing Routine
One of the biggest concerns sellers have is, “Will I have enough time to get everything ready?”
The answer is usually yes.
The key is having a simple routine instead of trying to remember dozens of little things. Once you’ve gone through it a few times, preparing for a showing often takes less than 10 minutes.
Remember, you’re not trying to create perfection. You’re simply creating a clean, welcoming environment that helps buyers picture themselves living in your home.
✔️ Your 10-Minute Checklist
The checklist below is designed to help you prepare your home quickly and consistently before each showing. Not every item will apply every time, but following these simple steps can help create a welcoming first impression while reducing stress for you.
💡 Lighting & First Impressions
☐ Turn on all lights.
☐ Turn off ceiling fans.
☐ Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
☐ Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
🛋️ Living Areas
☐ Fluff pillows and straighten blankets.
☐ Put away everyday clutter.
☐ Empty the kitchen sink.
☐ Wipe kitchen counters if needed.
☐ Straighten dining chairs.
🛏️ Bedrooms & Bathrooms
☐ Make all beds neatly.
☐ Hang fresh towels neatly.
☐ Close toilet lids.
☐ Put away visible toiletries.
☐ Empty small bathroom trash cans if needed.
🐾 Pets & Personal Items
☐ Take pets with you whenever possible.
☐ Secure medications, valuables, and important documents.
☐ Put away pet bowls, toys, and litter boxes if possible.
🚪 Before You Leave
☐ Do one final walkthrough.
☐ Lock all doors.
☐ Leave the driveway clear whenever possible.
📄 Download Printable Showing Checklist
Keep a printable copy of your 10-Minute Showing Checklist on your refrigerator, pantry door, or in your laundry room for a quick reminder before every showing.
💡 Karyn’s Insight: Keep Your Washing Machine Fresh
Front-loading washing machines can sometimes develop a musty odor, even when they look clean.
A simple habit can make a big difference: leave the washing machine door or lid open whenever possible while you’re home or away at work. This allows the inside to dry between loads and helps prevent unpleasant odors from developing.
It’s a small detail, but buyers notice fresh, clean-smelling homes.
💡 Karyn’s Insight: Be Careful with Air Fresheners
Many sellers think a strong scented candle or air freshener makes a home smell cleaner. Surprisingly, it can have the opposite effect.
Some buyers may wonder if you’re trying to cover up pet odors, smoke, or another issue.
If you’d like your home to have a pleasant scent, light a candle a couple of hours before a showing, then blow it out before leaving. The result is a light, welcoming fragrance rather than an overpowering smell.
When in doubt, clean and fresh is always the best impression.
💡 Karyn’s Insight: Keep Valuables with You
Before leaving for a showing, place medications, jewelry, cash, passports, checkbooks, and other valuables in a small container or tote and take it with you.
While real estate professionals work hard to protect your home, it’s always a good idea to keep personal valuables with you whenever strangers are touring your property.
It’s a simple habit that provides peace of mind.
💗 One Last Thought From Karyn
Showings can sometimes feel disruptive, but each one is an opportunity for the right buyer to discover your home. Try not to stress over making everything perfect. Buyers understand that real people live in real homes.
Focus on creating a clean, welcoming space, follow your routine, and let your home do the rest. Every showing is another opportunity to help buyers fall in love with your home.
While no one can guarantee when the right buyer will come along, presenting your home well can help it stand out from the competition and create a lasting first impression.
Thank you for trusting me to guide you through the process. Together, we’ll take it one showing at a time.
— Karyn Murphy