How to Prep for a Weekend of Showings Without Losing Your Mind

🧹 How to Prep for a Weekend of Showings Without Losing Your Mind

The call comes in:

“We’ve got five showing requests for Saturday. Can we confirm?”

Exciting? Yes.
Stressful? Also yes.

If you’re selling a home in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford County, weekends are prime time for showings—and keeping your house spotless for multiple buyers can feel like a full-time job.

The good news? You don’t have to go crazy to make a great impression. With the right strategy, you can keep your home show-ready and keep your sanity.

🛋️ 1. Live in “Showing Condition” (At Least Temporarily)

Remember the difference between Living Condition vs. Showing Condition?

Living condition = real life (mail on the counter, shoes by the door).
Showing condition = clean, neutral, distraction-free.

On showing weekends, aim to keep things closer to “hotel clean”:

Beds made
Counters cleared
Lights on, blinds open
Toilet lids down (trust me on this one)

It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to look like a buyer could move in tomorrow.

🧺 2. Create a “Stash-and-Dash” Plan

Every seller needs one. Pick a laundry basket or storage tote and use it to scoop up last-minute clutter. Toss in:

Toys
Mail
Pet supplies
Random counter items

Then stash it in your car trunk or a closet before showings. Instant clean.

🐾 3. Have a Pet Plan

Pets are family—but not every buyer feels the same. For showings:

Take dogs on a walk, to a park, or to a friend’s
Hide litter boxes, crates, and food bowls
Vacuum up pet hair
Avoid heavy pet odors (buyers notice immediately)

If boarding for the weekend is an option, it can save you a lot of stress.

🕯️ 4. Keep Scents Subtle

Buyers don’t want to be hit with artificial perfume when they walk in. Aim for “fresh and clean,” not “tropical candle aisle.”

Best bets:

A light citrus or linen spray
Freshly cleaned surfaces
Baking cookies (bonus points if you leave them out!)

🧠 5. Prep in Advance—Not at the Last Minute

The key to a smooth showing weekend is prep before the weekend.

Deep clean midweek
Mulch and mow the yard Thursday or Friday
Declutter common areas Friday night

Then you’ll only need quick touch-ups before buyers arrive.

📋 6. Keep a Showing Checklist Handy

Before you head out, run through this quick list:
✅ Lights on
✅ Curtains/blinds open
✅ Trash cans emptied
✅ Kitchen counters clear
✅ Bathrooms wiped down
✅ Thermostat set comfortably

Having a list reduces stress—and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Show Weekends Don’t Have to Be Stress Weekends

I’ve helped hundreds of sellers manage busy showing schedules, and I always remind them:

Buyers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for potential.

With the right prep and a smart routine, your home will shine—and the offers will follow.

Thinking about listing your home? I’ll share my full Showing vs. Living Conditions Guide and help you put together a plan that works for you.

📞 309-200-5480
🌐 CallDuvall.com

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