The Bedroom Checklist

by Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty

The bedroom is the inner sanctuary of the home. Let’s go through the process to make Buyers see it as their personal sanctuary. Start by removing any excess furniture and arrange the remaining pieces neatly. This applies to all bedrooms in the house not just the master. This will open up the rooms and give a feeling of space. If your TV is not in an armoire with doors to put it away, I do suggest removing it from the bedroom. Tough for many but it will increase the feng shui of the room. Every day you need to do the basics of making the bed and putting all the clothes away. You will find tackling the bedrooms easier than most rooms because you are going to pack most of it up. Take this opportunity to move along those clothing items you no longer wear so you can make space for new clothes!

Furnishings

  • How does your bed look? Is it inviting - add small decorative pillows.
  • Do the sheets and comforter match? Do they fit?
  • Do they co-ordinate with the window treatments? 
  • Remove all personal items from on top of the dresser.
  • Clean the mirrors.
  • Remove electronics.
  • Hide any valuables from view.

Walls & Ceiling

  • Are there any cob webs in the corners? on the ceiling?
  • Look for scuff marks, picture holes, etc. Should you paint?
  • If you paint - please do the trim and the ceilings too.
  • Go easy on the borders - make sure tehy are removable.

Floors

  • Does the carpet need to be cleaned or does it need to be replaced?
  • If you do replace the carpet choose a neutral color.
  • Polish hardwood flooring.
  • Add small colorful scatter rugs.
  • Keep the floor vacuumed or swept every couple of days.

Closets

  • Does the closet door open and close easily? 
  • Pack and store and seasonal clothing to increase space. Box and put away as much as possible.
  • Neat and tidy closets give the impression of lots of storage space
  • Keep only what you absolutely need - box up the rest and put into storage, after all you are moving.
  • Can you install closet organizers to make the space work better?
  • Corral those shoes - put a shoe rack in the closet.
  • In a child’s room you can use colorful baskets to collect toys and hanging net hammocks to catch the stuffed animals.

Lighting

  • Increase the wattage in all fixtures to 100W
  • Do all the switches turn something on?
  • Clean the ceiling fan blades
  • Clean all glass lighting covers
  • Replace switch plates for outlets and switches

Windows

  • Do the window treatments need to be cleaned or maybe replaced?
  • Do they co-ordinate with the bed linens?
  • Clean the mini blinds. 
  • Clean thoroughly inside and out
  • Open the curtains and blinds for all showings
  • Replace/Repair any torn window screens

Other

  • Dead plants simply have to go.
  • Fake plants should go - they are just dust catchers.
  • Reduce the family pictures. Buyers read the story of your life from your walls. We want them to imagine their life not yours.

See - that wasn’t so tough. Big plastic totes are your best friends when packing clothes to storage. So now we have ready to go the living room, kitchen, bathroom and garage along with the bedrooms. The more you get done now the easier your move will go along after the sale.

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