If you’re gearing up to list your home here in Idaho—whether you’re in Boise, Meridian, or a quiet town tucked near the mountains—one thing's for sure: first impressions matter. Buyers are looking for a place they can picture themselves in. And let’s be real—if your place looks and feels clean, fresh, and put together, it’s going to stand out.

Here are 4 home-cleaning tips that’ll help you sell your home faster—without losing your mind in the process.

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1. Start with the Clutter (Yep, All of It)

I know… decluttering sounds like one of those “someday” tasks. But when you’re getting ready to sell, it’s one of the best things you can do to make your home feel more open and inviting.

Walk through your house like a buyer would. What’s on the counters? What's in plain sight? Is your hallway closet bursting with winter coats you haven’t worn in years? Let’s fix that.

A few simple rules to follow:

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  The 90/90 Rule – Haven’t used it in the last 90 days? Won’t use it in the next 90? Donate it or toss it.

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  The Four-Box Method – Grab four bins and label them: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate. Work through one drawer, one shelf, or one room at a time. You'll be amazed how quickly the space opens up.

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  The One-In, One-Out Rule – Every time something new comes into the house, something old should leave. Great habit to start now and use in your next home.

You don’t need to be a minimalist—you just want each room to breathe.

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2. Clean from Top to Bottom… Literally

Here’s a little pro tip that works wonders: always clean top to bottom, left to right. Start with the ceiling fans, shelves, and top of the cabinets. Then work your way down to the baseboards and floors.

Why? Because dust falls. No sense cleaning the floor first if you’re just gonna re-dirty it later.

Also: don’t try to clean the whole house in one go. Start at the back of the house or upstairs and work your way forward. One room at a time. That way you see real progress, stay motivated, and you’re not re-tracking dirt through freshly cleaned areas.

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3. Keep It Consistent

Once you’ve decluttered and deep cleaned, keeping your house “showing ready” doesn’t have to be a full-time job. The key? Build a simple routine.

Here’s what I recommend:

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  Set a daily timer for 15–20 minutes to pick up, wipe down surfaces, and fluff up the spaces you’ve already cleaned.

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  Keep a bin in each bathroom or bedroom for last-minute “toss and hide” items.

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  Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels—they pick up way more dust and save you money in the long run.

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  Rotate through your home during the week—Monday kitchen, Tuesday bathrooms, etc.—so nothing builds up.

And if you’re using store-bought cleaners, keep it Idaho-friendly: look for natural or eco-friendly brands, or make your own with vinegar and lemon juice. Your nose—and your buyers—will thank you.

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4. Don’t Forget the Outside

Here’s the deal: curb appeal can make or break a buyer’s first impression.

You don’t need to do a full exterior renovation, but:

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  Power wash the siding and walkways (or rent a washer from your local hardware store for the weekend).

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  Clean the windows so they sparkle (especially that front window—buyers notice).

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  Sweep the porch, pull weeds, and add a welcome mat or potted plant.

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  If it’s winter, keep the driveway clear and salted. If it’s spring or summer, mow the lawn and trim up anything overgrown.

Bonus: If your budget allows, touch up any peeling paint or faded trim. Those little details go a long way.

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Wrapping It Up

Prepping your Idaho home for the market doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a game plan and a little consistency.

If you need help knowing where to start, or if you’re looking for trusted local cleaners, organizers, or handymen, shoot me a message. I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.

When you’re ready to list—or even if you're just starting to think about selling—let’s chat. My job is to make this whole thing feel a little less stressful… and maybe even kind of fun.

Go Idaho. Go clean. Go sell.