Selling your house is stressful enough — but trying to keep it pristine while you still live there? That’s a whole new level of challenge. Whether you’ve got kids, pets, or just a full schedule, the balancing act between normal life and home staging can feel impossible. Still, with the right systems in place, you can live in your home while keeping it ready for inspections and spontaneous viewings.
If you’re wondering how to sell my house Campbelltown style — without it looking like a war zone — this guide is for you.
Start With a Strategic Declutter
Before you think about fancy styling or scented candles, start with the basics: get rid of the visual noise. A buyer doesn’t want to feel like they’re intruding on someone else’s life. They want to imagine their own.
Tips:
- Pack away anything you won’t need for the next 6–8 weeks — think books, seasonal clothes, toys, hobby gear.
- Clear countertops, dressers, and other surfaces as much as possible.
- Use storage tubs, vacuum bags, and spare suitcases to hide items out of sight (under the bed is fair game).
You’re not just tidying; you’re creating breathing space for the buyer’s imagination.
Designate Drop Zones to Avoid Clutter Creep
One of the biggest issues when you live in a staged home is the slow return of clutter. The solution? Set up one or two “drop zones” where day-to-day items like mail, schoolbags, or laundry can temporarily live — ideally behind closed doors.
Ideas:
- A hallway cupboard for backpacks and umbrellas
- A spare room closet for random toys, shoes, or chargers
- A lidded ottoman or bench seat for stashing things just before a showing
If it’s easy to clean up, you’re more likely to keep the habit going.
Get Smart About Cleaning Schedules
You don’t need to deep clean every single day — but a basic rhythm will help prevent panic when your agent calls with a short-notice showing.
Try this:
- Daily: Dishes, bathroom wipe-downs, vacuum high-traffic areas
- Every 2–3 days: Empty bins, wipe windowsills, freshen up linens
- Weekly: Mop floors, dust surfaces, deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms
Pro tip: Keep an emergency cleaning caddy ready to go — include multi-surface spray, paper towels, a lint roller, and air freshener.
Keep Decor Simple and Flexible
You don’t need to live in a magazine spread, but you do want a polished and neutral look. Choose a few versatile pieces that are easy to rearrange or store temporarily.
Examples:
- One nice bowl of fruit or flowers for the kitchen bench
- A soft throw over the couch and neutral cushions
- Simple, artful wall prints instead of anything too personal
You want the home to feel lived-in, not lived-on.
Create a Last-Minute “Go Bag” System
If you’ve got kids or pets, showings can mean scrambling to get out the door. Having a pre-packed bag with essentials can make the whole process feel less rushed and chaotic.
Suggestions:
- Snacks, water bottles, wet wipes
- Pet leash, collapsible water bowl, small toy
- A tablet or book to keep kids occupied while you wait
Keep this bag in a hallway cupboard or by the door so it’s always ready when you need it.
Make Scents (But Keep It Subtle)
Scent is powerful — it can instantly make a space feel fresh or off-putting. Stick with neutral, clean smells and avoid anything too strong or artificial.
Go-to options:
- Open windows regularly to let fresh air in
- Use a diffuser with lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oil
- Bake a quick tray of cookies if time allows before a showing
Just avoid plug-ins or overpowering sprays, which can feel like they’re hiding something.
Leave Room for Real Life
It’s okay if your home doesn’t look perfect 24/7. Buyers aren’t expecting you to live in a museum. They’re looking for a space they can see themselves in — and sometimes that includes a little authenticity.
A few toys on a shelf, a kettle on the counter, or a pet bed in the laundry are perfectly fine — as long as the home feels cared for and tidy overall.
What to Do Right Before a Showing
A 15-minute pre-showing routine can work wonders. Consider printing this checklist and taping it inside your pantry or hallway cupboard.
Quick checklist:
- Open blinds and curtains for natural light
- Turn on a few lamps for warmth
- Tuck away clutter into designated drop zones
- Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Do a fast vacuum or sweep
- Take out the bins
- Leave soft music playing quietly in the background
Even if the rest of your day feels chaotic, this short burst of effort can make your home shine.
Your Lifestyle Doesn’t Have to Be on Pause
Living in a home that’s for sale is about compromise — but it doesn’t mean sacrificing your sanity. By putting smart systems in place, getting a little help from everyone in the household, and working with a real estate agent who respects your lifestyle, you can get through the process smoothly.
Remember, it’s temporary. And the better your home shows, the faster you’ll be done with the stress and on to your next chapter.
