How to Manage Holiday Stress While Your Home is on the Market

 

Stressed?

Let’s face it listing your house to sell is stressful. Getting ready for the holidays is stressful. So, trying to do both at the same time is…doubly stressful! With that in mind consider making a few changes this year. Perhaps, the obvious choice would be to skip the holiday decorations . However, in the real world skipping Christmas may not be an option. Why?

*Kids like decorations.

*You are hosting the family gathering.

*You want to throw one last holiday party before moving!

If you’re Planning to Deck the Halls…

Decorating requires time, energy and patience while decorations require space. Trees, garland and collectibles take up a great deal of both physical and visual space, potentially “shrinking” the perceived size of your home in the eyes of buyers. Use that point to counter any push back from the family about not pulling out the Christmas village! So, before you begin adding holiday items subtract everyday accessories, chotchkies as well as smaller pieces of furniture. Declutter!

(Everyday Decorative Items) + (Holiday Decor) =Less Space

. Instead of decking out the entire house, put your energy into doing a few things well. For example:

*Hang a beautiful evergreen wreath on the front door.

*Decorate a tree thoughtfully.

*Carefully wrap your staircase with garland.

*Add a vase of fresh evergreen and flowers.

*Hang a piece of fresh mistletoe (always fun)

A fraction of your holiday decor will do this year and as a bonus your beautiful tree may even help potential buyers to envision their own holiday celebrations in your space.

Manage Your Time

Additionally, in order to manage the stress of holiday preparations while at the same time being prepared for a last-minute showing, subtract a few items from your holiday “to do” list.

(Holiday “To Do” List) – (Some “To Dos’)= Less Stress

Do you really have to…

*Bake cookies?

*Host the holiday meal?

*Send Christmas cards?

Instead…

*Visit a bakery or skip the calories.

*Ask a family member to host or hire a caterer.

*Send a photo card with a your change of address after you move.

Kiss

In short, this is the year to K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) and while you’re at it, steal a kiss under the mistletoe.