Realtor's Guide to Quick Household Clean-up

You have just walked in the door from work. Your Realtor just called with a last minute house showing call. Your house is a mess. You have bags of groceries to put away. Of course, prospective buyers will look everywhere. And naturally, no one else is home to help. Do not panic. I am going to tell you what to do, in 10 fast easy action verbs. Here is my game plan.

Keep the groceries in the car if it's cold enough. If not, bring in only what needs to be refrigerated or frozen. Stick the food in bags in the refrigerator and frozen stuff in freezer. Leave the other stuff in bags in the car, or closet if you've brought them in.

Grab two boxes or bags (one for items that belong in another room and the other for trash), a dust mop, a vacuum (handheld if possible), a container of clean up wipes or damp rag and a can of air freshener. Take these things with you to each room. Follow these steps in each room starting in a central room, the room people will see first.

Empty trash cans and gather all the trash laying around and toss in the trash bag.

Pick up all the out of place stuff that goes in another room and put it in the bag. Stash this bag in a closet to sort and put away later.

Straighten/Tidy anything that's askew: decorations, pictures, curtains, blinds, throw rugs, pillows, stuffed animals etc. Shelve all books and toys laying around. Put DVDs, VHS tapes and CDs in their cases and put them away. Hang up or put clean clothes away. Hang up coats, outdoor wear. Put shoes in closets. Put unfolded clothes in a closet. Put away any stuff lying about. Push chairs in; straighten furniture. Close open doors, cupboards, drawers, making sure nothing is hanging out. Make beds and/or fold visible blankets neatly.

Wipe down with a clean-up wipe or rag, any sticky or messy surfaces: mirrors, toilets, sinks, showers, appliances, countertops, tables, desks or furniture. Use wipes or rag to pick up any visible pet hair on couches or chairs. Flush all toilets (gross, I know, but all parents know just what I'm getting at!)

Gather dirty clothes, towels, washcloths or dish towels, and put in room bins or laundry area.

Put dirty dishes in dishwasher (wash them quickly if you have no dishwasher).

Vacuum carpet, rugs and anywhere needed (around pet areas, desks, craft or sewing areas, etc.).

Dust mop or use a clean dry rag to wipe down visibly dusty areas, like the entertainment area, TV screens,

Spray some air freshener in each room.

Good job; you can breathe now! Relax and unwind!