Preparing and packing for a move is a big job in itself, and when you’re doing it while you’re also trying to sell your home, it’s an even bigger job. The process of preparing for a move is inherently messy and unsightly, with half-full boxes sitting open in every room and tape, markers and packing materials all strewn about, and selling your home is all about putting your best foot forward and making the best possible impression. The two processes are very different, and it can be incredibly difficult to resolve the two. And that’s exactly why we’ve come up with these expert tips to help you successfully prepare for your move and sell your home at the same time:

#1. Tackle one area at a time.

When you’re not trying to impress anyone, you can attack your whole home in stages. First, you might go through each room separating the junk from the stuff you want to keep; second, you might start putting things in boxes, and third, you might start cleaning up. However, when you’re trying to keep your house looking as nice as possible, you may have an easier time if you go through each of these stages at once for smaller sections of your home rather than tackling one stage at a time for a bigger area. Choose a new area of your home to work on every night, and make sure it’s completely clean and buyer-friendly when you’re done.

#2. Get rid of what you don’t want or need.

Decluttering is hugely important for any move, but when you need your home to look as nice as possible throughout the packing and preparing process, it’s even more important. Decluttering will help to cut down on the amount of stuff in your home, and it will make it easier for you to keep it looking clean when potential buyers come to view your home.

#3. Rent a self-storage unit.

The last thing you want is for there to be boxes scattered all around your house when people come to walk through it in viewings or during open houses. And while you may be able to store some boxes in closets, your crawl space, your attic or your storage shed, this isn’t ideal, because potential buyers are going to want to be able to fully see those spaces. If they’re full of your stuff, they won’t be able to get a great idea of how big they are. Instead, you’re better off renting a storage unit until moving day comes.

#4. Pack personal items first.

Some items can and should be left out until your home is off the market. These items help to set the stage, making your house feel like home and demonstrating its potential to future buyers, and they include candles, art, throw pillows, throw blankets, mirrors, towels, lamps, area rugs, etc. These types of items are the last items you should pack up before your move. That means that, when you start packing, you’ll want to start with your personal items that you don’t want to use for staging your home, like family photos and knickknacks that may be important for you, but that won’t’ make your home more attractive to buyers.

#5. Clean up before any viewings.

Regardless of if you’re in the process of moving or not when you’re trying to sell, you want your home to be as clean as possible for viewings. However, when you’re in the midst of moving, this can be easier said than done. Although you may not have prior knowledge of every single viewing of your home, when you do, it’s incredibly important that you make sure that your home is clean and ready to be viewed beforehand. This includes removing any stray boxes, keeping moving supplies hidden away and removing any and all clutter from the room you’ve been working on.

Turn to Skyline Moving Company for expert help with every aspect of your move.

At Skyline Moving Company, we know how much work preparing for a move can be, especially when you’re also in the process of trying to sell your home. We offer a full range of moving and packing services, and we’re here to help reduce the stress of your move. Get your free estimate today!