7 Items Not to Leave Out During an Open House

Hosting an open house is a crucial step in showcasing your home to potential buyers. While you may have already tackled the big tasks like staging and decluttering, it's easy to overlook small details that can make a big impact. Here are seven specific items you should not leave out during an open house:

Personal Documents: It's important to safeguard your personal information during an open house. Avoid leaving out any documents containing sensitive information, such as bank statements, bills, or personal letters. Secure these items in a locked drawer or cabinet.

Work Documents: If you work from home, your office may have confidential items. Be sure to remove all open documents, turn off computers, and depersonalize as much as you can.

Medication: Keep prescription medications out of sight and reach during an open house. Potential buyers may explore your home, including cabinets and drawers, and it's best to prevent any accidental access to medications.

Valuables: Remove valuable items such as jewelry, electronics, and collectibles from plain sight. Store them in a secure location, like a safe or locked closet, to minimize the risk of theft during the event.

Weapons: If you own firearms or other weapons, ensure they are safely stored and out of sight during the open house. This includes guns, knives, or any other potentially dangerous items that could pose a safety risk to visitors.

Sensitive Electronics: Avoid leaving out electronic devices that may contain personal information, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones. If you have these items on display for staging purposes, consider temporarily storing them in a secure location during the open house.

Personal Photos and Memorabilia: While it's natural to have family photos and personal mementos in your home, consider temporarily removing them during the open house. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space without distractions.

Pet Supplies: If you have pets, make sure to stow away their food bowls, toys, and other supplies during the open house. Not only does this minimize clutter, but it also prevents any potential allergic reactions or disturbances from pets during the event.

By keeping these specific items out of sight during your open house, you can create a welcoming and safe environment for potential buyers to explore your home without distractions. Remember, attention to detail can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression and ultimately securing a successful sale.