NECESSARY

• Remove all vehicles from driveways and your yard. (also includes: RVs, bikes, trailers, etc.)
• Close all exterior doors, including garage doors. Remove all garbage and recycling containers from sight.
• Remove seasonal decorations and put away miscellaneous items such as garden hoses or other yard tools.
• Mow the lawn, remove or trim overgrown shrubs, rake leaves or remove snow from driveway/walkways (seasonal.)
• Remove old or broken outdoor furniture.

SUGGESTED

• Edge and mulch your beds. "Dress" the front door area with a wreath or potted flowers.
• Spruce up landscaping and plant flowers (in season.)

NECESSARY

• Remove magnets and all other items on the refrigerator surface and items stored on top of the refrigerator.
• Clear as much as possible off the kitchen counters, including toasters, coffee makers, cutlery blocks, dish towels, other “gadgets.”
• Remove storage items on top of cabinets. Put the cleaning sponges, detergent, and garbage can out of sight.
• Remove items from sink, clean stove top, wipe down all surfaces, especially reflective or glass surfaces.

SUGGESTED

• Fresh bowl of fruit

NECESSARY

• Remove all “fluff” - i.e., rugs, toilet tank covers, and seat covers.
  
• Neatly fold your best towels on towel bars. Make sure your tub area is sparkling clean. Remove robes hanging on doors.
  
• Follow the 3-items rule for vanity top (decorative.) Clean bathroom mirrors, remove plungers and toilet scrubbers.
  
• Remove shampoo, conditioners, lotions, soap dispensers, toothbrushes, and other personal grooming products.
  
• Close the toilet lid and remove all items from top of the toilet tank.

NECESSARY

• Very neatly make your beds and confirm that nothing shows under the bed (such as under bed storage containers or electric cords for bedside lamps).
  
• Remove stuffed animals and toys.
  
• Follow the 3-items rule for bedside tables and dresser tops (decorative).
  
• Remove tissue boxes, books, and other personal items from nightstands.

SUGGESTED

• If possible, remove your children’s names from walls and other visible locations.

NECESSARY

• Remove excess clutter from furniture.
  
• Remove all toys, dog beds, etc.
  
• Turn off the TV. If TV is located in a cabinet, close the door.
  
• Remove overgrown or dying plants.

SUGGESTED

• Put photos, memorabilia, and collections out of sight.
  

NECESSARY

• Clear clutter from the dining table.
  
• Remove high chairs and booster seats.
  
• Straighten chairs and put excess chairs out of sight.
  
• Remove items from the top of china cabinet.
  

SUGGESTED

• Have a nice centerpiece or vase of fresh flowers on dining room table.
  
• Follow the 3-items rule for buffet or sideboard (decorative.)