So you are ready to sell your home and are hoping that your prior investment will turn into a healthy profit.  Welcome to the American dream.  You need to get your ducks in a row so the selling experience will be a smooth one. Remove the clutter. This includes tables. bookshelves, closets, and garage.  Staging is not necessary.  It is a complete waste of money.  Renting furniture makes little sense. A serious buyer can easily envision where their furniture will go. Get rid of all smells. This does not mean covering up the smell with sprays and candles.  The scent of your home is extremely important. Not having a scent at all is best. Clean like your home has never been cleaned before. If you do not have time call a professional to give it a white glove wash. Clean all cabinets, baseboards, light fixtures, and crevices.  Windows should sparkle. Your floors should sparkle.  Get down and dirty while cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms. Clean up the outside. You want curb appeal. Mow the lawn and rake those leaves. Remove all that crap from the gutters. If you don’t the home inspector will point this out.  Unless it is so new and fashionable that it looks like part of a glossy magazine spread, store your patio furniture. Dilapidated lawn chairs and greasy barbecues are as unsettling for buyers as food-encrusted kitchen appliances. Remove any fixtures you plan on taking with you.  When your home is on the market you should remove all valuable personal items and medications.