Getting a House Ready to Sell After a Parent Moves
Once Mom or Dad is settled in their new home, the family house often still needs a lot of work before it can go on the market. This guide walks through the steps in order, from clearing out what’s left to the final walk-through before listing photos.
Talk to a realtor early
Before you start clearing, have a conversation with the realtor who’ll list the house. They know what buyers in your area expect, and they can tell you which jobs matter and which ones you can skip.
Questions worth asking:
It also helps to agree on a rough timeline with the realtor and the family together: when the house will be cleared, when cleaning and repairs will be finished, and when photos will be taken. Write the dates down and share them with everyone involved, including any siblings who live out of state. When everyone can see the plan, there are far fewer last-minute surprises.
Questions worth asking:
- When would you like to take listing photos?
- Should the house be completely empty, or would a few pieces of furniture help it show better?
- Which repairs are worth doing before listing, and which can be left for buyers?
- Are there any inspections or disclosures we should think about now?
- Do you recommend a cleaner, painter or handyman?
It also helps to agree on a rough timeline with the realtor and the family together: when the house will be cleared, when cleaning and repairs will be finished, and when photos will be taken. Write the dates down and share them with everyone involved, including any siblings who live out of state. When everyone can see the plan, there are far fewer last-minute surprises.
Clear everything that isn’t staying
Buyers have a hard time picturing their own life in a house full of someone else’s things. Clearing it out is usually the biggest single job, and the one that makes the most difference.
Work in this order:
This is where Junk Runner can help. Text us photos of what needs to go and we’ll send a free quote. On the day we text a photo of the crew before we arrive, handle all the lifting, set aside items in good condition to donate or rehome, sort recycling from trash and sweep up before we leave. Most jobs are finished the same day or within 48 hours, which helps when you’re working around a listing date. See our moving and transition cleanouts page for more.
Work in this order:
- Remove keepsakes, papers and valuables so nothing important is lost.
- Let family collect what they’ve claimed, by a set date.
- Donate usable items like furniture, kitchenware and linens in good condition.
- Clear the rest, including the basement, attic, garage and any shed.
This is where Junk Runner can help. Text us photos of what needs to go and we’ll send a free quote. On the day we text a photo of the crew before we arrive, handle all the lifting, set aside items in good condition to donate or rehome, sort recycling from trash and sweep up before we leave. Most jobs are finished the same day or within 48 hours, which helps when you’re working around a listing date. See our moving and transition cleanouts page for more.
Don’t forget the outside
First impressions start at the curb. Walk around the property the way a buyer would.
- Clear old flower pots, broken lawn furniture and piles of wood or brush.
- Trim overgrown shrubs and clear leaves from walkways and gutters.
- Empty and tidy the shed, or have it removed if it’s falling apart.
- Remove old play sets, hot tubs or above-ground pools if they’re past repair.
- Make sure house numbers are easy to read and the front door looks cared for.
Small repairs that make a big difference
You don’t need to renovate. A few small fixes often help a house feel cared for, and they’re the kind of thing buyers notice.
Older homes sometimes have little problems that nobody noticed for years, like a sticky window, a loose step or a slow drain. Walking through with fresh eyes, or with a friend who’s never been in the house, is a good way to spot them. Make a list as you go and tackle the quick ones first.
- Patch nail holes and touch up scuffed paint
- Replace burnt-out bulbs and missing outlet covers
- Fix dripping taps and running toilets
- Tighten loose handles, hinges and railings
- Replace stained ceiling tiles or worn carpet in small rooms if your realtor suggests it
Older homes sometimes have little problems that nobody noticed for years, like a sticky window, a loose step or a slow drain. Walking through with fresh eyes, or with a friend who’s never been in the house, is a good way to spot them. Make a list as you go and tackle the quick ones first.
Clean from top to bottom
Once the house is empty, a deep clean comes next. Empty rooms show every mark, so this matters more than you might expect.
Save the deep clean for after the cleanout crew and any repair work are finished. Dust and mess from carrying furniture or patching walls can undo a good clean quickly, so it’s worth doing in the right order.
- Wash walls, baseboards, windows and light fixtures.
- Clean inside cupboards, the oven, fridge and any appliances staying with the house.
- Shampoo or replace carpets if they hold odours.
- Air the house out, especially if it’s been closed up for a while.
- Clean the basement and garage floors once they’re cleared.
Save the deep clean for after the cleanout crew and any repair work are finished. Dust and mess from carrying furniture or patching walls can undo a good clean quickly, so it’s worth doing in the right order.
Handle the practical loose ends
A few tasks are easy to forget when the house is empty and nobody lives there.
- Keep utilities on for showings, inspections and the final walk-through.
- Check with the insurance company about cover for a vacant house.
- Set a schedule for someone to check the house, collect flyers and run the taps.
- Leave manuals and warranties for appliances that stay.
- Gather spare keys, garage door openers and any alarm codes for the realtor.
Make the move feel complete
Selling the family home is the end of a chapter, and it can be emotional for everyone, including your parent. Some families take a last walk through the empty rooms together, or take a few photos of the house and garden to give to Mom or Dad. A small goodbye can help.
If you’re still in the middle of the move, our guides on helping a parent downsize and clearing a house from out of state may help. And when you’re ready to clear what’s left, you can text us photos for a free quote.
If you’re still in the middle of the move, our guides on helping a parent downsize and clearing a house from out of state may help. And when you’re ready to clear what’s left, you can text us photos for a free quote.
Key takeaways
- Talk to your realtor first so you know which jobs matter before listing photos.
- Clear the house completely, including the basement, garage and yard, then deep clean.
- Do a few small repairs and keep utilities and insurance in place while the house is empty.
Need a hand?
Junk Runner is a family-owned team in East Berlin serving York County. Text us a photo for a free quote, or see our Moving & Transition Cleanouts.
Related
Common questions
It depends on the house and the market. Some realtors prefer an empty, clean house. Others like a few pieces to help rooms show well. Ask your realtor what works best for your home.
Most of our jobs are finished the same day or within 48 hours. Send photos for a quote and we’ll work with you on a date that fits your listing plans.
Yes, sheds and hot tubs are among the services we offer. Text us photos and we’ll let you know what’s involved.