What Really Happens the Week Before You List Your Home

Listing your home is kind of like throwing a wedding. There’s a lot of prep, a lot of emotions, and someone will probably cry over flowers — except in this case, it might be your baseboards.

Most people picture the “HGTV version” of listing a house: candles glowing, pillows fluffed, a photographer snapping Pinterest-worthy shots. And yes, that happens. But the week before you list? That’s when things get real.

Here’s what I’ve learned after helping clients through this stage again and again:

1. Clutter Suddenly Becomes Visible

That stack of magazines you swore you’d recycle. The mystery drawer that eats pens. The treadmill that doubles as a coat rack. Suddenly, it’s all glaringly obvious. The good news? Decluttering is one of the fastest, cheapest ways to add value to your home. Think of it like packing early — future you will thank you.

2. The “Five-Minute Fixes” Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to renovate your entire kitchen, but you do need to fix the leaky faucet, tighten the loose doorknob, and replace the burnt-out lightbulb in the hallway. Buyers notice the little things, and these small fixes add up to a home that feels well cared for.

3. Cleaning Day Feels Like a Bootcamp

There’s cleaning…and then there’s “my home is about to be photographed” cleaning. This is the week to channel your inner neat freak. Floors, windows, bathrooms — and yes, even the oven. (Photographers will capture that detail shot, and the internet will notice.)

4. The Great Hide-and-Seek Game

You’ll quickly discover that some household items just don’t belong in photos. Trash cans, toothbrushes, pet bowls, and — my personal favorite — the countertop toaster. (Sorry, toast lovers, but your appliance isn’t making the listing photos.)

5. You’ll Feel a Mix of Excitement and Panic

It’s normal to feel like your home is almost ready… but never quite perfect. Trust me: it doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be inviting, well-presented, and priced strategically.

Bottom line: The week before you list is a whirlwind, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I help my clients prioritize what actually matters, keep things manageable, and make sure the big day (listing day!) feels like a celebration — not a meltdown.