Selling your home is an exciting time. Moving on to a new place, whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, is always a great adventure.

But there’s no doubt that it can also be a stressful process as you attempt to make everything come together. Selling your house, getting your new mortgage, finding somewhere else to live and all the paperwork — the list can seem exhausting.

But with some careful planning and preparation, you can take some of the sting out of selling and make the process run a little more smoothly. You need to get your house in tip-top condition before you even think about putting it on the market. This can feel a little strange, as you’ll be putting in the effort for results you won’t enjoy for long, but it will pay off in the long run.

Freshen everywhere with a new coat of paint. Try to avoid anything too bright and stick to neutrals, even if this isn’t your chosen decor. It’ll help viewers to see the property as more of a blank canvas, and they will want to put their own mark on it. Pay particular attention to the front door, porch area and hallway, as these will be the first places to catch their attention.

Give the whole place a thorough detox. This means clearing out the clutter and keeping it that way. Once you’ve done a big clean-up, it’ll be easier to manage week by week, and this will help you out in the long run as you’ll have less stuff to pack.

Before viewings, make sure everywhere is scrupulously clean, but still comfortable-looking. There’s a fine line between clinical and cosy.

If you’re a pet owner, keep them away before a viewing and remove all traces of them, such as bedding and food dishes. Not everyone loves pets, and some people have allergies so won’t be impressed if your cat’s hair sets them off.

Keep the place sweet-smelling at all times, and especially before a viewing. This means avoiding cooking things such as fish or curry the day before and keeping everywhere well aired with windows open. Fresh smells are always nicer than synthetic ones, so avoid using cloying air fresheners.

It’s all good common sense, but in the heat of trying to move house along with everything else in everyday life, it can be easy to lose focus. Make sure your place looks and feels the best it possibly can, and you’ll be receiving offers before you know it.

If you are thinking of selling your house, speak to Keywest. We will offer sound advice throughout the process, and we’ll help you achieve a fast sale and get the best price available for your property. You can reach Keywest on 0116 254 4555 or sales@keywest-estateagents.co.uk.