08/18/2026
If youāre planning to sell, hereās what Iād do if I were listing my house in 4 weeks: š”
WEEK 1: Declutter + Clean
First, Iād get rid of STUFF. Closets, cabinets, pantry, garage, bathroom drawers, countertops⦠if I donāt use it or need it, itās going.
Then:
⢠Clean/paint baseboards
⢠Wash windows + screens
⢠Clean vents, doors + frames
⢠Clean lights + ceiling fans
⢠Scrub grout
⢠Clean cabinets + drawers
⢠Degrease cabinets + appliances
⢠Remove cobwebs
⢠Touch up scuffed walls
⢠Clean switches + outlet covers
And Iād start packing. Youāre moving anyway, so why move things twice?
WEEK 2: Fix the Little Things
Iād walk through like a buyer and fix the things Iāve stopped noticing:
⢠Dripping faucets
⢠Loose handles
⢠Doors that donāt close right
⢠Stuck windows
⢠Burned-out bulbs
⢠Damaged screens
⢠Dirty/missing caulk
⢠Chipped paint
⢠Beat-up walls
Iād keep paint neutral and light bulbs consistent. 2700K is a good starting point.
WEEK 3: Curb Appeal
Buyers form an opinion before they walk inside.
⢠Freshen mulch
⢠Pull weeds + dead plants
⢠Trim bushes + trees
⢠Cut + edge grass
⢠Clean porch + front door
⢠Replace the old sad doormat
⢠Clean exterior lights + mailbox
⢠Power wash house + driveway
⢠Clean gutters + garage door
⢠Hide hoses, trash cans + clutter
You want, āOh, this is cute.ā Not, āWell⦠weāll have to fix that.ā
WEEK 4: Deep Clean + Photo Ready
Deep clean bathrooms, kitchen, appliances, floors and those ignored corners. Have carpets professionally cleaned.
Then:
⢠Clear countertops (again)
⢠Put away personal items
⢠Make beds + fluff pillows
⢠Open blinds
⢠Turn on lights
Iād do a final walk-through
Your home is ready for photos and videos in good natural light. You spent four weeks getting your house ready. Make sure the pictures show it off.
Four weeks. Four priorities.
Declutter. Repair. Curb appeal. Deep clean.
Save this for when youāre ready to sell, or send it to a friend who needs the list. ā