In all the stress of selling and moving home it is sometimes difficult to remember that your children are also facing change. However, if they are old enough, you will need their help when showing your home to best effect.
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1 The same basic rule applies to children's rooms as to other areas of your property; clear out the clutter. Many children are expert hoarders and love to have all their possessions around them. If you have small children, pack all toys away in boxes, keeping one or two out and storing the rest. Bring different boxes out of store in rotation, every week or so. Older children should be asked to make choices and keep no more than half a dozen of their favourites on display. Whatever you do, get them involved so they do not feel that you are invading their space without permission.
2 Many parents are wary of cleaning teenager's rooms too thoroughly. Go for a once-and-for-all spring clean just before you put the property on the market and then keep it as clean as possible afterwards.
3 Children like to express their developing personalities in the decor of their rooms. However, orange walls and black ceilings may not be to everyone's taste. If your children have "distinctive" rooms it may be time for a serious conversation about redecoration. Some bribery may be required.
4 Many teenagers have posters stuck to their walls and doors. Not only does this distract the eye, but it can look untidy. Keep posters and stickers off doors and mirrors. Reduce their number to a minimum and frame them. This can be achieved inexpensively using clip frames. Even items like football strips can look good if framed.
5 The flooring in children's rooms is often pretty abysmal. Over the years carpets can become stained and tatty. If you do to wish to go the expense of replacement, buy a bright, but plain, rug to cover the worst.
6 Themed rooms have been popular over the years, with curtains and bedding sporting a range of TV and sporting characters. While a bedroom decorated in Manchester United colours will appeal to a fan, it will not create a positive impression if your potential purchaser's children support City. Likewise, a teenage boy's room will have less appeal if your potential purchasers have only daughters. Bedspreads in a pale, neutral colour will quickly and temporarily cover any partisan bedding. Change themed curtains for something more mundane.
7 Make sure clothes, shoes, and games are tidied away before you have visitors. Cupboards should also be tidy inside; potential purchasers may want to inspect storage space.
8 Keep pets out of children's rooms when showing your property. It would be just awful if the hamster escaped at just the wrong moment.
9 Although family houses tend to sell to families, you will create a calmer atmosphere in your property if your children are not around when visitors call.
10 Last but not least, don't be too hard on your children and turn their rooms into an impersonal desert. There must be some compromise between show house and home. They can have fun finding an outlet for their creative ability in your next home.
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