General: 

  • Switch on all lights
  • Open all blinds, curtains, trellis doors and sliding doors to the maximum
  • Vacuum carpets as well as sweep and mop floors
  • Hide all electrical cables and cords
  • Turn off all televisions, computers and dust the screens
  • Position furniture correctly
  • Store pet bowls, kid’s toys, and all clutter away (the less on view the better!)
  • Add some fresh flowers to dining room table and lounge side table
  • Light the fireplace during winter to create a warm and inviting ambience

Bathrooms: 

  • Close all the toilet lids
  • Empty the laundry basket and close the lid
  • Pack away all toiletries, bath toys, bath mats and any visible medications
  • Put out fresh and neatly hung neutral coloured towels

Bedrooms and Study: 

  • Make sure beds are neatly made up
  • Clear clutter from the bedside tables (lamp, flowers, book and/or a clock is fine to leave on the bedside table)
  • Gowns, robes and handbags should be removed from the hooks and packed away
  • Pack away all paperwork and sensitive documentation

Kitchen: 

  • Pack away all dish cloths, sponges, oven gloves, dish towels and cleaning products
  • Remove any dishes from the stove, sink or drying rack
  • Wipe stainless steel appliances
  • Remove magnets, photographs, drawings etc from the fridge
  • Clear all countertops and remove clutter
  • Leave a fruit bowl filled with fresh fruit on the counter

Garden and Exterior: 

  • Mow the lawn, trim shrubs and hedges and rake up any leaves
  • Remove pool cover (if applicable) and clear out any leaves
  • Do not leave any washing hanging on the line
  • Hide all garden tools and hose pipes
  • Clean braai and remove ashtrays (if applicable)
  • Park cars inside the garage or park them outside away from the property exterior
  • Turn off sprinklers