Lillian Montalto Explains How to Keep The Kids In Mind During Your Home Sale

ANDOVER, Mass. - Aug. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- In my last blog, I wrote about trying to search for a home when you have to bring your kids along. It’s not always easy, but there are strategies that you can employ to cut down on the stress of the situation.

Selling your home when you have children – particularly small children – can also be difficult. But if you play it right, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you might think. There are ways to streamline your life so that your kids won’t have a negative impact on your mental health or your sale – and you can keep them happy during the process.

Strip it Down!

If toy clutter is a problem or your kids are generally untidy, you’ll need to eliminate clutter, dirt, and mess when home showings are on the horizon. Stow away unused, older, and generally messy toys (Play-Doh or finger paint, for example) if potential buyers might be dropping by to see your home. Store excess clutter at a friend’s or family member’s house – and opt instead for outdoor activities or quieter pursuits like reading to keep the mess to a minimum. If you have a grandparent or other family member who is willing, offload messy activities to a different house.

Keep meals simple. If you can freeze a few dishes after the kids go to bed at night, you’ll have some go-to meals that won’t leave your kitchen in disarray. Or opt for no-cook meals with fresh bread and cheese and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. If it’s nice out, eat al fresco and keep the disorder to the patio. Paper plates are your best friend!

Get Out and About

The neighborhood park, local YMCA, and story time at the library can provide off-site distractions for kids when you have a house showing – or just to keep them from messing up your clean house between showings. If the weather is cold or rainy, older kids can enjoy the movies or bowling, while younger children can take advantage of a nearby tumbling gym.

Create Some Structure

Craft a fun routine of making beds, emptying trash, and straightening rooms. Make it a contest with a small but appealing reward. Who can make his bed the fastest? Who will be the first to put her folded laundry away? If kids get into the groove of tidying up, it will help you show your house – and better yet, possibly translate into helpful housework habits in the future!

Give Yourself a Break

Selling a home is stressful. Selling a house with kids in the mix is even more so. Schedule time for yourself and make sure you are eating right, sleeping enough, exercising, and enjoying your children! Maybe a shopping excursion, golf outing, or date night would take the pressure off. If friends and family are willing to help, routinely take yourself (and the kids!) out of your house for a break.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Remind yourself and your kids of why you’re selling your house and what your life will be like in your new home. Involve your kids in choices and decisions about your new home so that they can share in the excitement and mitigate the anxiety and lack of structure that moving homes can cause.

Finally, take a deep breath and smile. Once your home sells, you are free to move on to the next step in your life. And your kids will love it, too.