When buyers think of a dream home, the laundry room isn’t usually the first space that comes to mind. But don’t underestimate its importance! A clean, organized laundry room can be a hidden selling point that leaves buyers feeling confident in the home’s functionality. In this post, we’ll show you how to turn this often overlooked room into an organized and appealing space that looks great in real estate photos.
The Laundry Room Prep Checklist
- Clear Away Laundry (Both Clean & Dirty) It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often we see piles of laundry left out during a shoot. Whether it’s dirty clothes waiting for their turn in the wash or clean clothes waiting to be folded, everything needs to be out of sight. Clear countertops, baskets, and floors so the space looks organized and ready for action.
- Wipe Down Surfaces Laundry rooms see a lot of wear and tear, from spilled detergent to dust that accumulates on appliances. Wipe down all surfaces, including the tops of the washer and dryer, countertops, and any shelving. Clean surfaces will make the room feel newer and more polished.
- Organize Shelving and Cabinets If your laundry room has open shelving or visible cabinets, make sure they’re neatly organized. Remove any clutter and arrange items like detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning supplies in a tidy, attractive way. If possible, transfer products into neutral storage containers to create a more cohesive look.
- Brighten the Space Laundry rooms are often small and tucked away, which means they don’t always get the best lighting. Make sure all bulbs are working, and if you have a window, open it to let in as much natural light as possible. The brighter the space, the bigger and cleaner it will feel in photos.
- Clean Floors and Rugs Just like the rest of the house, the laundry room floor should be spotless. Sweep or vacuum to remove any dust or lint, and mop the floor if needed. If you have a rug in the laundry room, make sure it’s clean and free of stains.
Real-World Example: A Laundry Room Makeover That Impressed Buyers
We once worked with a seller who had a functional but cluttered laundry room. There were detergent bottles and cleaning supplies scattered everywhere, and the tops of the machines were covered with dust. After a quick decluttering session and some light cleaning, the laundry room looked brand new. In the photos, it became a bright, organized space that showed off the home’s utility. The seller later mentioned that several buyers commented on how much they loved the laundry room!
Activity: Laundry Room Declutter Challenge
Take 15 minutes to declutter your laundry room. Remove any piles of laundry, wipe down the machines, and organize the shelves. Once you’re done, step back and see how much cleaner and more functional the space feels. Now, imagine how this simple change will make the room look in photos!
Discussion Question: Why Do Buyers Appreciate a Clean, Organized Laundry Room?
The laundry room may not be glamorous, but buyers appreciate a functional, well-maintained space. Discuss why a clean, organized laundry room creates a positive impression and how it contributes to the overall feeling of a well-cared-for home.
Wrapping It Up
A well-prepped laundry room might not steal the show, but it can certainly help sell a home. By keeping the space clean, organized, and bright, you can show buyers that every corner of the house is functional and well-maintained. Next week, we’ll explore how to prepare basements for a real estate shoot—whether finished or unfinished, basements offer great potential in photos. Stay tuned!
