Selling your home is never an easy task, but it can become even more complicated when you have little ones around. Children are sensitive and can pick up on your emotions very quickly. If you are stressed, they can also feel it even though they may not have the words to tell you.
While you’re busy packing up and preparing your home for sale, remember that children may be frightened and distressed at the thought of moving away. How can you enjoy a successful move while helping your children process the flurry of emotions that go along with it?
Here are some tips to help you.
Give Yourself Time
It’s not always possible to plan ahead, especially if you’re moving on short notice due to work or family reasons. However, the more time you allow for the process, the easier it will be. An early start makes everything less overwhelming and gives you a cushion in case of any unexpected hiccups.
If that time is not available, staying organized and creating a step-by-step plan will help you make the most of what you do have.
Speaking of planning, have you seen our before, during, and after series? This is the perfect resource to help you plan:
- What To Do Before You Sell Your Home
- What To Do While Your Home Is For Sale
- Your Home Is Sold. Here’s What To Do Now
Communicate Every Step
Change is scary at any age, but knowledge will help ease much of the tension.
For children old enough to understand, try to communicate what is happening and why every step of the way. For example, explain why everything must be packed up and kept tidy for the new family who will live there.
If your child expresses sadness about moving away, talk about your new home often, highlighting all of the exciting parks and amenities that will be close by that they can look forward to. You can show pictures if you have them so your child can start to feel excited about their new home.
Turning your move into a thrilling new adventure may even motivate your child to help you get the house ready!
Cleaning and Decluttering With Children
You always want your home to be as clean and decluttered as possible when showing it to a potential buyer. Of course, this is easier said than done when young children are involved.
Sippy cups, diapers, toys, and stuffed animals are a fact of life, but you need to be able to put them aside at a moment’s notice.
This can be hard on children, who may act out if they don’t understand why their favourite toys are disappearing or being stuffed into boxes. How can you make this process easier for both of you?
Start by removing the items that haven’t been used in a long time. Keep only your child’s favourite toys in their room or a shared play area. When a potential buyer makes an appointment to walk through, explain that you want the house to look its best, but they can play with their toys again later. Use decorative storage boxes to keep well-loved items away but easily accessible.
If possible, turn cleaning into a fun game, full of songs and laughter. If you can pull this off, your house will appear clean and decluttered, and no tantrums are required!
What About Repairs?
If you want the best results from selling your home, you almost certainly have to make minor renovations and repairs. Even a fresh coat of paint can increase the perceived value and help you command a better price.
As you walk through your home, you may notice more extensive repairs to take care of before the “for sale” sign goes up. Safety can sometimes be a concern if contractors are working with tools. Getting your child out of the house may be the best course of action.
Try scheduling repairs during school hours when children aren’t home, or have them stay with a friend or a relative. If there is no way to keep your child away from the house, it might be the perfect time to play games in the backyard or another room where work isn’t being done.
Have you thought about where you want to move after your house sells? Here are a few of the neighbourhoods you might want to know more about:
- Roncevalles Homes: What You Can Expect
- The Ultimate Bloor West Village Real Estate Guide
- What You Should Know About High Park/Swansea Real Estate
Everyone Gets A “To-Do” List
The job of keeping your things clean and organized can be never-ending and should never fall to one person. Everyone should have a list of daily and weekly chores so the house always looks show-worthy, even with short notice. When everyone does their part, no one has to feel stressed or overwhelmed.
When delegating tasks, don’t forget the youngest members of your family. You should never underestimate the value little hands can bring to the table. They can take the pressure off you by having a routine of making their bed and putting things away when they’re no longer using them.
Being involved and feeling needed can help children process the wide range of emotions moving may bring.
Here are a few items for your daily checklist:
- Sweeping the floors
- Clearing the table and counters and wiping down all surfaces
- Putting all dirty clothes into the hamper
- A quick cleanup of the bathroom to ensure the sink is free of toothpaste and there are no streaks on the mirror.
- Making the beds and clearing away clutter from dressers and nightstands.
Call In The Professionals
When getting ready for a sale, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a skilled, local real estate agent will help take a world of stress off your shoulders, especially when you have children involved. Many will even arrange to have much of the work done for you. They can take care of cleaning the windows, removing junk and making the minor repairs that make your home show beautifully to buyers.
In addition, a professional can help you earn more money from your sale by knowing how to stage and market your home for maximum impact.
Do you have questions about selling your Toronto home in the current market? We can point you in the right direction. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with us right here.
