Walk around your property pretending you're a buyer inspecting it. Jot down those things that could be improved or need repairing.
Categorise them into jobs you can do or jobs that require an expert. Get in contact with tradespeople early because you may have to wait for them to be available.
For the jobs you are going to manage, draw up a schedule of when you're going to do them. There's nothing worse than a mad rush at the end.

Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your property. It's easier for them to do this if your personal items are minimised. This doesn't mean making the home feel sterile, just pare back. Consider removing large pieces of furniture that can make rooms look small.
Pack up those items going with you to your new home and are not needed for home opens. Consider hiring a short term storage facility or ask family or friends if they have somewhere you can store those items.
You may consider organising a council pick up or hiring a skip bin for those items you're going to throw out. Or Facebook Market Place or your local suburb Buy Nothing Facebook page is a great way to sell or gift unwanted items.

Showcase your outdoor space particularly if selling in summer. Buyers look at decks, verandahs, courtyards and gardens as an extensions of the home.
Fertilise the lawn early and keep the water up to it and the garden beds. Weed the garden beds, plant new plants in any empty spots and spread dark mulch into them. Leave the mulching until just before the home opens because weeds will quickly grow through.
If you have a pool, give it a good clean and make sure the water is sparkling. Any old outdoor furniture may need upgrading or consider hiring some.
If you don't have a green thumb it may be worth hiring a professional gardener.

A gleaming clean property is a must when selling. Cleaning every corner of your home is time well invested and does include inside cupboards and draws because serious buyers take a look inside.
Dust and clean every room. Check the grout in wet areas, clean soiled carpets, clean the windows both inside and out and if you have inside animals clean away animal hair.

A welcome exterior helps to create a great first impression and sets the tone. It's important to maintain this look throughout the sales campaign as people drive by. At night keep the home well light from the street.
Sweep all the paths and keep them swept for the duration of the sales campaign. High pressure hose paths and fences, clear out the letterbox and make sure the house number is clearly visible.

Now the property has been decluttered and cleaned the next step is about styling it to sell.
Presentation is critical. If you have an eye for home decorating you may not need a professional stylist.
We think professionally styling a property can add up to 5% - 10% to the sale result.

Walk through your property again, from the street into each and every room. Once again note anything you may have missed. This step is about pulling it all together and tying off any loose ends.