30-Day Home Prep Checklist for DeSoto County Sellers

DeSoto County MS Real EstateSelling Your Home

Nov 20

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be a full-time job or a six-month project. With a focused plan, most DeSoto County sellers can make a big impact in about 30 days.

This checklist breaks the work into simple daily and weekly tasks so you’re not scrambling the night before photos or showings.

Use it whether you’re in Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, Nesbit, or anywhere else in DeSoto County, MS.

How to Use This 30-Day Checklist

Work through it in order, one chunk at a time.
If you’re short on time, focus on the tasks marked ★ High Impact.
Plan to have everything finished 2–3 days before photos so you’re not exhausted on photo day.

You can print this page and physically check items off, or just keep it open on your phone while you work.

Week 1: Declutter and Decision-Making

Goal: Create space so buyers see your home, not your stuff.

Days 1–2: Main Living Areas

[ ] ★ Remove extra furniture that makes rooms feel cramped
[ ] Clear off coffee tables, end tables, and TV stands
[ ] Thin out decor (fewer knick-knacks, bigger impact pieces)
[ ] Put away stacks of magazines, papers, and mail
[ ] Corral remotes, chargers, and small items into one basket/container

Days 3–4: Kitchen and Dining

[ ] ★ Clear kitchen counters to just daily essentials (coffee maker, maybe one decorative item)
[ ] Put away small appliances you don’t use every day
[ ] Edit open shelving or glass-front cabinets to a few neat items
[ ] Clean out fridge and pantry so they’re tidy if buyers peek
[ ] Simplify the dining table (one runner + simple centerpiece)

Days 5–6: Bedrooms and Closets

[ ] ★ Clear nightstands and dressers of clutter
[ ] Put seasonal or rarely used clothing into storage bins
[ ] Aim for closets that are about 70–80% full, not stuffed
[ ] Remove extra furniture that makes rooms feel small
[ ] Put away laundry baskets and visible piles of clothes

Day 7: Bathrooms and “Catch-All” Areas

[ ] Clear bathroom counters of daily clutter (toothbrushes, bottles, etc.)
[ ] Use small baskets under the sink for daily items
[ ] Remove old or worn towels; keep 1–2 fresh sets for showings
[ ] Tidy entryway, mudroom, or drop zone (shoes, coats, bags)

Week 2: Repairs and Touchups

Goal: Fix the small things that make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.

Days 8–10: Walls, Paint, and Fixtures

[ ] Patch nail holes, dings, or obvious wall damage
[ ] ★ Touch up paint where needed (especially high-traffic areas)
[ ] Tighten or replace loose door handles and cabinet hardware
[ ] Make sure all doors open and close smoothly

Days 11–12: Plumbing and Electrical Odds and Ends

[ ] Fix leaky faucets or dripping showerheads
[ ] Make sure all toilets flush properly and don’t constantly run
[ ] Replace burnt-out bulbs (consider brighter, warm-white bulbs)
[ ] Confirm all light switches and outlets work properly

Days 13–14: Bigger Picture Review

[ ] Walk through inside and make a list of anything that still looks “tired”
[ ] Talk with your agent before doing any big-ticket items (roof, HVAC, etc.)
[ ] Decide what will be handled as-is vs. what is worth addressing now

Week 3: Deep Cleaning and Curb Appeal

Goal: Make the house feel clean, fresh, and well cared for.

Days 15–17: Deep Clean Inside

[ ] ★ Clean kitchen thoroughly (appliances front and sides, backsplash, sink)
[ ] Deep clean bathrooms (toilets, tubs, showers, grout, mirrors)
[ ] Dust baseboards, vents, window sills, and ceiling fans
[ ] Wipe down doors, light switches, and high-touch areas
[ ] Wash interior windows and glass doors

Days 18–19: Floors and Soft Surfaces

[ ] Vacuum and mop all hard floors
[ ] Shampoo carpets or hire a pro if they’re stained or dull
[ ] Wash or refresh area rugs if needed
[ ] Launder curtains or at least dust/blow them off

Days 20–21: Exterior and Curb Appeal

[ ] ★ Mow, edge, and clean up the yard
[ ] Trim overgrown bushes and trees away from windows and walkways
[ ] Pull weeds and refresh mulch or pine straw where needed
[ ] Sweep porch, steps, and sidewalks
[ ] Clean or repaint the front door if it’s faded or chipped
[ ] Check that house numbers, porch light, and door hardware look neat and working

Week 4: Staging, Styling, and Photo Prep

Goal: Make your home shine in photos and showings.

Days 22–24: Room-by-Room Styling

[ ] Simplify furniture layout for good flow and clear walkways
[ ] Assign a clear purpose to each room (office, guest room, etc.)
[ ] Use neutral or simple bedding in bedrooms
[ ] Add a few plants or greenery to brighten spaces
[ ] Remove highly personal or polarizing decor

Days 25–26: Final Details and “Hotel-Style” Touches

[ ] Set out fresh, coordinated towels in bathrooms
[ ] Use matching lamps or bedside tables where possible
[ ] Hide trash cans for photos and showings when practical
[ ] Make sure every light fixture has a working bulb

Day 27: Photo Day Checklist

[ ] ★ Clear all kitchen and bathroom counters
[ ] Put away pet beds, bowls, and litter boxes
[ ] Remove visible cords and chargers where possible
[ ] Open blinds/curtains to let in natural light
[ ] Turn on all lights for a bright, inviting look
[ ] Park cars out of the driveway if exterior photos are planned

Days 28–30: Showing-Ready Routine

Create a quick pre-showing routine you can do in 15–20 minutes:

[ ] Make beds and straighten pillows/throws
[ ] Clear counters and put dishes away
[ ] Empty visible trash cans
[ ] Do a fast sweep or vacuum in main living areas
[ ] Take pets with you if possible or secure them safely
[ ] Turn on lights and adjust blinds before you leave

Want a Custom 30-Day Plan for Your DeSoto County Home?

Every home is different. A brick home on acreage outside Hernando may need a different focus than a subdivision home in Southaven or Olive Branch.

If you’d like a custom 30-day prep plan based on your specific property, timeline, and budget, I’d be happy to walk through it with you.

I’m Lori Philley, a REALTOR® based in Hernando, MS. I help DeSoto County sellers prioritize what really matters, avoid wasting money on the wrong projects, and present their homes at their best.