Published July 10, 2025

Moving With Kids

Written by Mark Waldhoff

Moving With Kids: Prepping Your Home (and Your Sanity) While Still Living In It

Let’s be honest. Selling your home while raising children is not for the faint of heart. Toys multiply overnight, snack crumbs are inevitable, and someone always needs a juice box five minutes before a showing.

But here's the good news: you can do this, and your home doesn’t need to be spotless perfection at all times. Buyers know you live there. The key is creating a sense of calm and cleanliness without burning out.

Whether you're juggling toddlers, teens, or a mix of both, here are some practical tips to help prep your home, manage showings, and keep your sanity.

1. Start With a Mini Declutter (Emphasis on Mini)

Now is not the time for a full-on purge. Instead, focus on clearing visual clutter in high-traffic areas.

-Use a laundry basket to do a daily sweep through the living room

-Tuck away big toys, extra shoes, and gear in bins or under beds

-Keep one or two baskets labeled “stuff to hide fast” near the main spaces for quick pickups

Let your kids help choose a few favorite toys to keep out so they feel involved.

2. Create a 10-Minute Tidy Routine

If deep cleaning daily isn't realistic, focus on the areas buyers notice most.

-Wipe down counters and bathroom sinks

-Close toilet lids

-Empty trash cans

-Open blinds to let in natural light

Consider assigning your kids simple tasks like turning on lights or fluffing pillows to get them involved.

3. Prep a “Showing Go-Bag”

Treat showings like impromptu field trips. Keep a bag packed with:

-Snacks and water

-Diapers, wipes, and extra clothes

-Coloring books, small toys, or tablets

-Small incentives or activities for motivation

Keep your car ready, too, with anything you might need for a quick getaway.

4. Laundry Baskets Are Your Best Friend

Need to clean fast? Toss everything cluttering counters or floors into laundry baskets and place them in your car trunk. It’s the quickest way to clear a space without losing your mind.

5. Aim for “Lived-In, But Loved”

Your home doesn’t need to look like a model home. It just needs to feel welcoming.

-A playroom with toys neatly on shelves is perfectly fine

-A cozy blanket on the couch and a few children’s books in sight is comforting

-A nursery with a crib and well-loved stuffed animals shows the home works for families

Buyers are not expecting perfection. In fact, they often connect more when they can see how real families live in the space.

Final Thought: Give Yourself Grace

Managing showings while parenting is no small task. If every drawer isn’t organized or there are crumbs in the backseat, that’s okay. Buyers are focused on the home’s potential, not your day-to-day parenting routine.

If you need help navigating the process, our team is here with real solutions and a steady hand. We’ve helped many families sell their homes while still living in them, and we’re ready to help you, too.

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