Selling

Build a ten-minute routine for showings

A small repeatable routine makes it easier to leave the house when a showing is on the calendar.

Rehearse once

Set a ten-minute timer and walk from the bedrooms to the front door. Pick three jobs you can finish comfortably, such as smoothing beds, wiping the kitchen counter and gathering pet supplies. Leave bigger cleaning jobs for another time.

Choose a landing place

Set a tote near the exit for the things that have to travel with you. Keep your keys beside it. If two people share the routine, assign rooms ahead of time so nobody spends those last minutes checking the same counter twice.