How Should I Prepare My Home for Showings?

Preparing your home for showings starts with a simple goal: make it easy for buyers to see the home clearly, understand how the space works, and picture themselves living there. A clean, comfortable, well-maintained home gives buyers the opportunity to focus on its features rather than distractions.

You don't need to make your home look like nobody lives there. You do need to keep it reasonably clean, put away personal belongings, address noticeable maintenance issues, and make arrangements for people and pets to be out of the house during scheduled showings.

The good news is that most of the work can be done before your home goes on the market. Once you have a routine in place, preparing for individual showings becomes much easier.

1. Start Preparing Before Your Home Goes on the Market

One of the most useful things you can do is complete the bigger cleaning and organizing projects before your listing becomes active.

Once buyers begin requesting appointments, you may have less time to tackle projects that require several hours or an entire weekend.

Start by walking through your home as though you're seeing it for the first time. Pay attention to the entryway, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and main living areas.

Look for anything that could distract a buyer or make a room feel difficult to use.

Declutter without emptying your home

Decluttering doesn't mean removing everything that makes your house comfortable. It means creating enough open space for buyers to appreciate the rooms.

Focus on:

• Clearing kitchen and bathroom countertops.

• Removing excess furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.

• Organizing closets, cabinets, and storage areas.

• Putting away personal photographs and highly personalized decorations.

• Removing unnecessary items from hallways and entryways.

• Packing seasonal decorations and belongings you won't need before moving.

Pay particular attention to furniture placement.

A living room with too many chairs or an oversized sectional may feel smaller than it actually is. Removing one or two pieces can help buyers understand the room's dimensions and possible furniture arrangements.

You don't need to purchase new furniture or completely redecorate. Work with what you already have.

Complete the deeper cleaning ahead of time

Before your first showing, take care of cleaning projects that are difficult to fit into a busy weekday.

These may include washing windows, cleaning carpets, wiping down baseboards, removing dust from ceiling fans, and thoroughly cleaning bathrooms and kitchen appliances.

If your home has pets, pay special attention to flooring, upholstery, and areas where odors may linger.

Once these larger projects are finished, you'll have a much shorter list to complete before each appointment.

2. How Should I Prepare Each Room for a Home Showing?

Buyers will look at your home as a whole, but they'll also pay attention to individual rooms.

The kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas deserve particular attention because buyers need to understand how these spaces will accommodate their daily routines.

Here's how to prepare each area without creating unnecessary work.

Kitchen: Keep the counters clear and the surfaces clean

A kitchen can feel crowded when countertops are covered with appliances, dishes, mail, and everyday household items.

Before a showing:

• Wash and put away dirty dishes.

• Wipe down countertops, the sink, and appliance surfaces.

• Remove unnecessary items from the refrigerator door.

• Put away dish towels, sponges, and cleaning supplies.

• Empty the garbage if necessary.

• Clear the kitchen table or island of paperwork and clutter.

You don't need to remove every countertop appliance. A coffee maker or another frequently used item is perfectly reasonable.

The goal is to make the available counter space and kitchen layout easy to see.

Bathrooms: Focus on cleanliness and personal items

Bathrooms should be clean, dry, and free of unnecessary clutter.

Wipe down sinks, faucets, mirrors, and countertops. Clean the toilet, lower the toilet seat, and remove visible soap residue from showers and tubs.

Put away toothbrushes, medications, personal care products, and used towels.

A clean shower curtain, neatly arranged towels, and an uncluttered vanity can make the bathroom feel well cared for without requiring expensive updates.

If you have a bathroom with limited counter space, consider keeping a small basket for everyday toiletries. You can quickly put everything away when a showing is scheduled.

Bedrooms: Make the space feel comfortable and functional

Make the beds, put away clothing, and clear unnecessary items from nightstands and dressers.

If a bedroom has become a temporary storage area, consider moving boxes and extra furniture into a designated storage space before listing.

Buyers should be able to see how the room functions as a bedroom.

You don't need matching bedroom sets or expensive bedding. Clean linens and an organized room are enough.

Living areas: Create room to move around

Arrange furniture so buyers can comfortably walk through the room.

Keep pathways open, straighten cushions, fold blankets, and remove unnecessary items from coffee tables.

If you have a fireplace, built-in shelving, or large windows, make sure furniture and decorations don't unnecessarily block those features.

A buyer should be able to appreciate the room itself rather than spend the showing trying to see around your belongings.

Closets, basements, and storage areas

Buyers may look inside closets, cabinets, and storage spaces to understand how much room is available.

You don't need perfectly organized shelves, but avoid packing storage areas so tightly that buyers cannot see their size or access them safely.

Keep basement stairs, utility equipment, electrical panels, and other important areas accessible.

If you're already packing for your move, stack boxes neatly in a designated area rather than spreading them throughout the house.

3. Make Sure Buyers Can See the Home's Best Features

A showing is an opportunity for buyers to experience the home beyond what they've seen in listing photographs.

Good lighting, a comfortable temperature, and clear access to the property's features can make that experience easier.

Let in natural light

Open blinds and curtains before showings whenever privacy and weather conditions allow.

Natural light helps buyers see the rooms, windows, and views.

Turn on interior lights, particularly in hallways, bathrooms, basements, and rooms that don't receive much daylight.

Replace burned-out light bulbs before your home goes on the market.

If a showing takes place in the evening, exterior lighting can also help buyers approach the home safely and see its entrance.

Keep the temperature comfortable

Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature for the season.

In Minnesota, this is especially important during winter and summer, when outdoor temperatures can be significantly different from indoor conditions.

You don't need to make the house unusually warm or cool. Buyers should simply be comfortable enough to focus on the property.

If your home has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, leave it off unless its use has been specifically arranged for the showing.

Address odors without covering them up

Strong fragrances can be just as distracting as unpleasant odors.

Avoid using heavily scented candles, air fresheners, or fragrance sprays immediately before a showing.

Instead, address the source of any odor.

Empty the garbage, clean pet areas, remove dirty laundry, and make sure bathrooms and kitchens are fresh.

If you notice a persistent musty smell in a basement or another part of the home, investigate the cause rather than attempting to cover it with fragrance.

A clean home with neutral indoor air is preferable to one that smells strongly of cleaning products or artificial scents.

4. Don't Forget the Exterior, Garage, and Outdoor Spaces

The showing begins before buyers walk through the front door.

The condition of your driveway, walkway, entrance, and yard contributes to their first impression of the property.

For homes in East Central Minnesota, exterior preparation also needs to account for changing weather conditions.

Keep the entrance clean and accessible

Before a showing, check that the driveway and walkway are clear of unnecessary obstacles.

Sweep the front steps, remove cobwebs near the entrance, and make sure the front door opens easily.

During the warmer months, keep the lawn reasonably maintained and remove fallen branches or debris.

In the fall, clear excessive leaves from walkways and steps.

During winter, remove snow and ice from the driveway, steps, and primary walking paths. Apply appropriate traction materials when necessary.

Buyers and their agents need to reach the home safely, especially when arriving during or shortly after a Minnesota snowfall.

Prepare garages and outbuildings

If your property has a garage, detached workshop, storage shed, or other outbuilding, make sure buyers can access the areas included in the showing.

You don't need to remove every tool or storage container.

However, buyers should be able to see the space, understand its layout, and move through it without encountering unnecessary hazards.

For rural properties or homes with acreage, discuss access arrangements with your REALTOR® before showings begin.

For example, if you own a home outside Cambridge with a detached garage and a separate storage building, confirm which structures buyers will be able to enter and how their agents will access them.

If a building is locked or contains equipment that should not be handled, establish those instructions ahead of time.

The same applies to gates, alarm systems, and other property-specific access requirements.

Clear instructions help buyers see the property's features without creating confusion or unnecessary security concerns.

5. Protect Your Valuables, Personal Information, and Pets

When your home is listed for sale, unfamiliar people will be entering the property during scheduled appointments.

Most showings are straightforward, but it's still important to take reasonable precautions.

Secure valuables and personal information

Before showings begin, identify items that should not be left accessible.

These include:

• Jewelry, cash, and other valuable belongings.

• Prescription medications.

• Passports, identification documents, and financial records.

• Mail containing personal information.

• Firearms and other potentially dangerous items, which should be securely stored and inaccessible.

• Small electronics or other easily removed valuables.

For particularly valuable or irreplaceable belongings, consider removing them from the property entirely while your home is listed.

If you have a home office, put away confidential paperwork and secure computers or other devices containing sensitive information.

You should also discuss your home's security system, smart locks, and interior cameras with your REALTOR® before the first showing.

If you use cameras or audio-recording devices, obtain appropriate guidance about applicable privacy and recording requirements rather than assuming recording is permitted.

Make a plan for your pets

Pets should be safely secured or, preferably, removed from the property during showings.

Even a friendly dog may become anxious when unfamiliar people enter the home.

A buyer may also be uncomfortable around animals or have allergies.

If possible, arrange to take your pets with you when you leave.

For cats, clean the litter box before the appointment and make sure doors and windows are secured.

If removing a pet isn't possible, discuss the situation with your REALTOR® in advance so appropriate showing instructions can be established.

Do not assume a buyer or showing agent will know how to handle your pet.

Take personal belongings with you

Before leaving, gather your keys, wallet, phone, medications you may need, and anything else you don't want to leave unattended.

Keep a small bag ready so you don't have to search for essential items when it's time to leave.

This is particularly helpful when you're managing showings around work, school, or family schedules.

6. Establish a Showing Schedule That Works for Your Household

Keeping a home ready for showings takes some planning, especially when you're still living there.

The goal is to make your property reasonably accessible to interested buyers while maintaining a schedule your household can manage.

Discuss showing instructions before listing

Talk with your REALTOR® about your availability, preferred notice period, pets, work schedule, and any circumstances that could affect appointments.

For example, if you work from home and need time to arrange another workspace, you may want to discuss advance notice for showings.

If you have young children, you may need a plan for leaving the house during nap times or other parts of the day.

Your REALTOR® can help establish appropriate showing instructions and communicate them to agents requesting appointments.

Keep in mind that more restrictive showing arrangements may make it harder for some buyers to schedule a visit.

The right approach is one that balances reasonable access with your household's actual needs.

Plan to leave during showings

It's generally best for sellers to leave the property during a scheduled showing.

Buyers need an opportunity to look around, discuss the layout, and ask their agent questions without feeling that they're inconveniencing the homeowner.

If you're present, buyers may feel uncomfortable opening closets, discussing concerns, or spending additional time evaluating the property.

Arrange to leave a little before the scheduled appointment and return after the showing has finished.

If you have pets, bring them with you whenever possible.

What if a buyer requests a last-minute showing?

You may occasionally receive a request with less notice than expected.

If you can reasonably accommodate it, that's helpful. If you can't, communicate with your REALTOR® so an alternative appointment can be discussed.

You don't need to abandon an important commitment or leave your home in an unsafe condition to accommodate a showing.

However, having a simple preparation routine can make unexpected requests much easier to manage.

7. Create a Simple Routine Before Every Showing

Once your home is thoroughly cleaned and organized, most appointments should require only a quick check of the main living spaces.

Instead of cleaning the entire house from top to bottom every time, focus on the areas that change during everyday use.

Your Pre-Showing Checklist

Use this checklist before leaving for each scheduled appointment.

• Make the beds and put away clothing.

• Wash or put away dishes and wipe kitchen counters.

• Clean bathroom sinks and toilets; lower toilet seats.

• Put away mail, medications, valuables, and personal documents.

• Vacuum or sweep visible debris from floors.

• Straighten furniture, cushions, and blankets.

• Open blinds and curtains; turn on appropriate lights.

• Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

• Empty garbage and clean pet areas if needed.

• Secure or remove pets and gather essential belongings.

• Check the front entrance, walkway, and driveway.

• Turn off or secure devices and cameras as appropriate, and leave before the showing.

You may find it helpful to keep a laundry basket or storage bin in a convenient location for items that need to be put away quickly.

Just remember that buyers may open closets and storage areas, so avoid moving clutter from one visible location into another space that buyers are likely to inspect.

If several people live in the home, assign a few simple responsibilities. One person might handle the kitchen while another checks the bathrooms or takes care of the pets.

A consistent routine is easier to maintain than trying to remember everything before each appointment.

8. A Common Mistake: Trying to Make Every Showing Perfect

One of the biggest misconceptions about preparing a home for showings is that every room must look exactly like it did during professional photography.

That isn't realistic for most households.

Your home is still your home while it's listed for sale. You're going to cook meals, do laundry, work, and carry on with everyday life.

The important thing is to distinguish between normal signs of living in a home and conditions that could distract buyers or make it difficult to evaluate the property.

A neatly folded blanket on the sofa isn't a problem. A living room filled with laundry, toys, and boxes may make it harder to appreciate the space.

A coffee maker on the kitchen counter is perfectly reasonable. Dirty dishes, food scraps, and clutter covering the available workspace are worth addressing.

You also don't need to spend money on new decorations, expensive furniture, or unnecessary improvements simply to prepare for showings.

If you're considering a larger project, such as replacing flooring, repainting several rooms, or updating fixtures, discuss it with your REALTOR® before committing to the expense.

The potential value of an improvement depends on the property, its condition, and how it compares with other homes buyers may be considering.

Amy Grafenstein has been helping Minnesota buyers and sellers since 2001. An important part of preparing a home for sale is identifying which improvements deserve attention and which ones are unlikely to be necessary.

A well-prepared home should allow buyers to focus on its condition, layout, and features without requiring you to maintain an unrealistic standard of perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How clean should my house be for a showing?

Your home should be clean enough that buyers can comfortably walk through the rooms and focus on the property's features.

Prioritize clean kitchens and bathrooms, clear floors, organized living spaces, and the absence of noticeable odors.

You don't need to deep-clean every room before each appointment if you've already completed that work before listing.

Should I leave the lights on for a home showing?

Yes. Turning on appropriate interior lights can help buyers see the home clearly, especially in darker rooms, basements, and hallways.

Open blinds and curtains to allow natural light into the home when appropriate.

During evening showings, exterior lighting can also make the entrance easier to see and access.

Can I stay home during a showing?

It's generally better to leave during a scheduled showing.

Buyers may feel more comfortable discussing the property, looking inside storage areas, and asking questions when the homeowner isn't present.

If you have circumstances that make leaving difficult, discuss them with your REALTOR® before appointments are scheduled.

What should I do with my pets during a showing?

Whenever possible, take your pets with you when you leave the property.

If that isn't possible, make arrangements with your REALTOR® ahead of time so the showing agent knows what to expect.

Don't leave pets loose in the home or assume that buyers will be comfortable interacting with them.

Do I need to prepare my home differently for winter showings in Minnesota?

The basic cleaning and presentation routine remains the same, but winter weather requires additional attention.

Clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways, and steps. Make sure the entrance is accessible, exterior lighting is working, and the home is comfortably heated.

If you have a detached garage or outbuilding included in the showing, provide a safe and accessible route to it whenever conditions allow.

Make Showing Preparation Easier from the Start

The most effective way to prepare your home for showings is to do the larger projects before listing and establish a manageable routine for everyday appointments.

You don't need a perfect house. You need a clean, accessible, comfortable home that allows buyers to see its features and evaluate the property without unnecessary distractions.

If you're preparing to sell a home in Cambridge, Isanti, North Branch, or the surrounding East Central Minnesota area, Amy can help you determine which preparations deserve your attention before your home goes on the market.

Let's Talk

Amy Grafenstein, REALTOR®

RE/MAX Results

Call or Text: 612-363-0934

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.amygrafenstein.com