10 Tips for Living in a For-Sale Home

Of all the noteworthy things involved with selling a home, one thing people don’t talk about quite often enough is how truly weird it is to be living in a for-sale property. Your home doesn’t really feel like your own during this period, and it’s only natural that things will seem a little off. Living in a for-sale home means frequently have to leave at the last minute for showings as well as having to keep your place in tip top shape at all times. But while it’s a necessary evil of the home selling process, there’s no reason you can’t do a few things here and there to make it more comfortable and keep your sanity intact. Read the 10 tips below for the survival advice you’ll need to get through it.

Get packing before you go on the market

Toss or donate what you don’t need

Find a spot for safekeeping valuables

Keep it clean

Provide booties

Pack a “go bag”

Request two hours’ notice before showings

Have a plan for pets

Make a show prep checklist

Listen to feedback

Finally, take a deep breath. Nobody ever said that living in a for-sale home is fun, but it is part of the process you have to get through in order to sell your current home and move on to your next one. You’ll get there eventually, and in the meantime, the steps above should help mitigate some of the stress.