Home cleaning might not exactly bring feelings of warm excitement; you might get a headache at the mention of the word. But this dreaded activity may add a few hundred dollars to the value of your home when you sell it. The other good news is that there are ways you can achieve brilliant results without expending as much time or energy as you think.
Have a cleaning plan
There is a saying that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Your current home cleaning routine may not be as effective because you approach the task without a clear plan. It doesn’t take much to create one, just a pen and a pad, or an iPad.
Do a thorough examination of your house inside-out, top to bottom and note down every little area that needs cleaning. From the grease-stained garage floor to the dust-coated bathroom window sills, jot it all down. After this, note down cleaning tasks that will effectively deal with the filth, grouping those that you might do in a single go. Arrange them into a sequence that will help you avoid doing double work.
Get the right tools
Next, note down which cleaning products and tools you need for each task and check if you have them ready. If not, or if you estimate that the remaining quantity won't suffice, create a shopping list of cleaning agents and instruments. For the best cleaning results, don't fall into the temptation of using a substitute product for a task just because it's available. Use the right tools and products for their designated function.
De-clutter
If you’ve lived where you are for a couple of decades, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of clutter. The trikes your kids learned to ride on, old baseball bats and gloves, broken toys, those trousers you no longer fit in; these items and more lie stashed in the corners of wardrobes and garages in most family homes. Spare a weekend to go through your house from attic to basement collecting all the junk you no longer use. If some of it is still in good condition, arrange a garage sale or pawn it off. The extra cash can help finance your relocation. Toss the remainder of the clutter in the trash.
Start now
Keeping your home clean as a daily habit will save you a lot of time and money when cleaning it when it’s time to sell. You won’t have to deal with stubborn mold or mildew in your bathroom, for instance, if you get into the habit of rinsing off your bathtub every time after use and keeping faucets and handles dry.Get cracking on your cleaning plan now if you intend to move house soon.