Thinking about moving, it’s time to clean

With Christmas over we now sail into the uncharted waters of 2011. This is traditionally the time of year when the nomadic impulse starts to rise and we think about moving house. With prices predicted to be fairly static throughout 2011, we can start prospecting areas and prices and talking to lenders about how much of a mortgage we might qualify for.

Of course, the first step in moving house is finding a buyer for your own home. Let’s face it, a good tidy up could be in order. For the past few weeks our homes have had to put up with parties, families at home all the time, presents, wrapping paper and all the other bits and pieces that go to make up Christmas time. Now, with the decorations down our homes are left slightly shell shocked and in need of some tender loving care.

Prospective buyers will be attracted or put off your home within the first minute. For maximum effect you therefore need to concentrate on the outside appearance together with the hall and either lounge or kitchen, whichever comes first on the guided tour. Giving the windows a really good clean will pay off as will shining up the door bell or knocker.

When it comes to the hall, living room or bedrooms, de-clutter them as much as possible. Then give them a really good clean. This will include wiping down woodwork and skirting boards, polishing furniture or wooden doors and sprucing up the floor. Carpets generally benefit from a good steam clean to remove deep down dirt and smells.

Take a good hard look at your kitchen. Whilst keeping coffee jars, sugar, bread etcetera on the work surface is handy; having cluttered work surfaces makes the kitchen look small. Tidy kitchen cupboards and learn to live with clear work tops and the kitchen will give a great impression. Back this up with a good steam clean to remove ground in grease and dirt and help your kitchen to sparkle. Bathrooms also benefit from the same type of treatment as kitchens.

Smells also play a part in subliminally selling houses. Whilst always brewing coffee when a prospective purchaser is expected has become a bit of a cliché, paying some attention to background scents is important. This means opening windows and thoroughly airing the house if you cook lingering foods such as cabbage or chips. Don’t go overboard with artificial air fresheners though; these can also put purchasers off.

Finally, don’t be tempted to splash out on major redecoration. The person buying your home will probably have different tastes so redecoration will generally not pay. A clean and obviously cared for home will sell itself. Time to get out the vacuum.