Room‑by‑Room Checklist: Getting Your Downtown Chicago Condo Market‑Ready in 30 Days
If you have about a month before listing your downtown Chicago condo, a focused room‑by‑room plan can keep you on track. Here’s a simple, practical checklist to get your home show‑ready without feeling overwhelmed.
Entry and hallways (Days 1–5)
-
Repair scuffs, touch up paint, and replace any burnt‑out bulbs.
-
Clear shoe racks, coats, and mail so the entry feels open and welcoming.
-
Add a simple, clean doormat and, if space allows, a small console or hook system to show functional storage.
Living and dining areas (Days 6–12)
-
Remove excess furniture and decor to open up the space and highlight windows or views.
-
Deep clean floors, windows, and baseboards; consider a professional cleaning if you have rugs or fabric sofas.
-
Style the room with a limited palette, a simple rug, and a handful of polished accents like throw pillows and plants.
Kitchen (Days 13–18)
-
Clear countertops of everything except a few attractive, functional items (like a coffee station or a bowl of fresh fruit).
-
Clean appliances inside and out, including the oven, fridge, and range hood; replace missing knobs or handles.
-
Organize cabinets and pantry; buyers often peek inside, so aim for neat, half‑full shelves instead of overstuffed storage.
Bedrooms (Days 19–23)
-
Remove personal photos and highly specific decor so buyers can imagine themselves in the space.
-
Use simple, hotel‑like bedding with neutral duvet covers and fluffed pillows to create a calm retreat.
-
Make sure closets are edited down by at least a third to showcase storage; consider matching hangers for a tidy look.
Bathrooms and final touches (Days 24–30)
-
Scrub tile, grout, glass, and fixtures until they sparkle; replace moldy caulk and discolored shower liners.
-
Add fresh white towels, a clean shower curtain, and minimal decor like a plant or a candle for a spa‑like vibe.
-
In the final days, schedule professional photos, do one more declutter sweep, and keep the condo showing‑ready with light daily tidying so you’re ready for buyers at a moment’s notice.
If you are planning to sell your Downtown Chicago condo in the next few months, let’s build a strategy that goes beyond cleaning and staging. The right preparation, pricing, and positioning make a measurable difference.
Pro Tips:
Highest ROI Pre-Sale Condo Upgrades in Downtown Chicago That Actually Pay Off
Budget-Friendly Condo Updates That Make a Big Impact in Downtown Chicago
Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Chicago Condo? When to Spend and When to Save
Staging Secrets for Small Downtown Chicago Condos: Make Your Space Feel Bigger
Top Buyer Turnoffs in Downtown Chicago Condos (And How to Fix Them Fast)
