Selling your home while you’re still living in it? Yep, it’s totally doable — and very common. But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Between laundry piles, dinner dishes, and the dog shedding like it’s his job, keeping your home “show-ready” every day can feel like a lot. The good news? With a little prep and a solid system, you can absolutely make it work.
Here’s what I tell my own clients who are in the thick of this situation:
Start by Thinking Like a Buyer
First impressions matter. Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within the first few minutes. So while no one expects your space to look like a model home, it should feel clean, cared for, and easy to imagine themselves living in.
That means decluttering and depersonalizing where you can. Clear off those countertops. Take a few personal photos down. Remove half the stuff from your closets and cabinets. Why? Because buyers open everything. A packed linen closet can give the impression that your home doesn’t have enough storage.
And don’t forget the outside! Curb appeal counts big time. A tidy front porch, trimmed hedges, or even just a cheerful doormat can make someone feel welcome before they even step inside.
Create a System for Daily Life
You still have to live in your home—but keeping it tidy will make showings so much less stressful. Designate a bin or basket where clutter can quickly be tossed before a last-minute showing. Make the beds each morning (I know, I know). Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters. Close the toilet lids. Little things go a long way.
If you have young kids, keep toys contained to one area—like their bedroom or a dedicated playroom. And if you have pets, think ahead about where they’ll go during showings. Buyers might love dogs, but they don’t want to step over dog bowls or be greeted with barking at the door.
Know Your Local Market
How often your home is shown depends a lot on where you live and what the market is doing. Here in Chicago—especially in highly desirable neighborhoods like Roscoe Village—it’s not unusual to get a flurry of interest right away.
Talk with your agent (hey, that’s me!) about what to expect: how many showings might come through, what times are common, and how to prep for a quick schedule. I always try to give my clients a heads up before a showing, but the more flexible you can be, the better chance you have of landing a great offer.
What to Declutter (And What to Do With It All)
When I say “declutter,” here’s what I really mean:
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Limit surfaces (like countertops, dressers, and coffee tables) to just 2–3 items.
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Reduce what’s in your closets and cabinets by about half.
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Remove furniture that’s bulky or blocks the flow of a room.
Now, what to do with all that extra stuff? If you have a garage, basement, or spare room, that’s often enough. Just keep boxes neatly stacked and out of the way. No need to run out and rent a storage unit unless your place really needs a deep purge. If you want to donate your purged housewares, The Honest Junk Company is the company to call.
Should You Stage?
Professional staging can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary—especially if your furniture is in good shape and the home is styled simply. You can make your space feel fresh and welcoming by adding:
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Cozy throw blankets and pillows
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A few plants or fresh flowers
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Light and neutral decor
If a room feels cramped or overly lived-in, consider removing one or two pieces of furniture. You want buyers to focus on the space—not your stuff.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home while you’re living in it isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about creating a warm, clean, and inviting space that helps buyers picture themselves living there. With the right strategy and a little bit of effort, you can make your home shine—without losing your mind in the process.
If you’re thinking about selling and want a personalized plan to make it as easy as possible, I’d love to chat. I’m happy to walk through your space with fresh eyes and help you get it market-ready—on your terms.
Let’s make it happen. Contact me anytime.
Megan
