The phone rings. Your estate agent has a last-minute viewing. You’ve got 30 minutes. Panic stations? Not with this handy guide.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or a mountain of laundry, preparing your home for viewings doesn’t have to mean an all-day cleaning spree. In fact, just 10 minutes of targeted tidying can leave buyers with the kind of first impression that leads to serious offers.

This last minute viewing checklist is your secret weapon for getting your home looking its best with minimal fuss. Perfect for sellers short on time but big on impact.

Why first impressions matter (especially on short notice)

Buyers form their opinion within seconds of walking through the door. According to research by Zoopla, presentation is one of the top three factors that influence a buyer’s decision to offer – and homes that are clean, tidy, and smell fresh tend to stick in buyers' minds for all the right reasons.

Rightmove data shows that well-presented homes not only photograph better but also sell up to 26% faster. And if a buyer is seeing several properties in one day, you want yours to stand out.

So even if you don’t have time for a full deep clean, this quick tidy-up will help you get your home ready to sell fast.

Your 10-minute tidy-up checklist: room by room

We’re not aiming for spotlessness. We’re aiming for "clean enough to impress". Ready? Let’s move fast and think smart.

1. Start with the scent

Your nose is your first viewer. If your home smells clean, it feels clean – even before anyone sees a thing.

• Open the windows – even for five minutes. Let fresh air flow through the house.
  
  
• Take out the bins, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
  
  
• Hide pet bedding and bowls if possible.
  
  
• Light a reed diffuser or spritz a light room spray in the hallway and living areas. Avoid strong candles or overpowering air fresheners.
  
  

Smells evoke emotions. Aim for "just-cleaned" rather than "trying too hard".

2. Declutter like a pro (in under 3 minutes)

You don’t need to organise the sock drawer. Just remove what doesn’t need to be seen.

• Grab a laundry basket and do a quick sweep of clutter: toys, shoes, dishes, post, chargers, coats.
  
  
• Clear surfaces – kitchen counters, dining tables, coffee tables, bedside units.
  
  
• Tuck away personal items, like toiletries, photo frames, or pet toys.
  
  
• Hide laundry baskets and drying racks.
  
  

Stick the full basket in a cupboard or your car boot – anywhere out of sight.

3. Focus on floors and surfaces

Clean floors make a big difference in how a space feels, especially in open-plan homes.

• Vacuum main walkways (hallway, living room, stairs). Don’t worry about under furniture.
  
  
• Wipe kitchen counters and splashbacks with a damp cloth.
  
  
• Polish taps and bathroom sinks quickly for a sparkle.
  
  
• Smooth out throws and fluff cushions on the sofa.
  
  

Even 2 minutes here gives the impression of a well-loved home.

4. Let there be light

Light makes rooms feel bigger, warmer, and more inviting.

• Open all curtains and blinds fully.
  
  
• Switch on lamps, especially in corners or darker rooms.
  
  
• Clean any obvious window smudges at eye level.
  
  
• Replace any dim or dead lightbulbs if time allows.
  
  

Avoid harsh overhead lighting – soft, warm tones work best.

5. Quick bathroom reset

Buyers will check bathrooms carefully – so give them a quick spa-style refresh.

• Flush the loo and close the lid.
  
  
• Wipe the mirror and tap handles.
  
  
• Roll or fold towels neatly and hang them evenly.
  
  
• Hide personal products (toothbrushes, razors, shampoo bottles).
  
  
• Spray a light bathroom scent, if needed.
  
  

A clean bathroom says: "This home is well cared for."

6. Bedroom basics

This isn’t a hotel, but it should feel calm and uncluttered.

• Make all beds. Pull covers tight, fluff pillows, and remove extra cushions.
  
  
• Hide laundry in wardrobes or baskets.
  
  
• Clear bedside tables of phones, books, and glasses.
  
  
• Open the windows for a short burst of fresh air.
  
  

Bonus points if you straighten the curtains and add a throw.

Final checks before they arrive

You’re nearly there! Here are a few last touches that elevate the experience.

• Step outside. Check the front door, sweep the path, and hide bins if possible.
  
  
• Wipe down the doormat and shake off loose debris.
  
  
• Turn on heating (if it’s cold) or open a few windows if it’s warm.
  
  
• Hide pet food bowls, litter trays, and toys.
  
  
• Pop the toilet roll neatly onto the holder.
  
  
• Leave the lights on in key rooms for a welcoming glow.
  
  

Then... take a deep breath. You’re done.

Bonus tip: Create a “viewing basket” to save time next time

Here’s a genius hack from seasoned sellers: keep a basket or tote packed with everything you need for a fast tidy-up.

In it, include:

• A multi-surface spray and cloth
  
  
• Vacuum or handheld dustbuster
  
  
• Room spray or reed diffuser
  
  
• Laundry bag or empty basket
  
  
• Glass wipes for mirrors and taps
  
  

When a viewing is booked, you won’t scramble to find supplies — just grab and go.

Why this works: Buyer psychology and tidy homes

Buyers aren't just looking at square footage or wall colours — they’re imagining their life in your home. A clean, fresh-smelling, well-lit space helps them picture moving in and settling down.

According to a study by Barclays Mortgages, over 60% of UK buyers said they would pay more for a property that felt “move-in ready”. That doesn’t require a full renovation — just attention to detail.

Quick fire checklist recap:

Your 10-minute tidy-up at a glance:

• Open windows, take out bins, add scent
  
  
• Basket up clutter from surfaces
  
  
• Vacuum main walkways and wipe key surfaces
  
  
• Switch on lights and open blinds
  
  
• Reset the bathroom: loo lid, towels, taps
  
  
• Tidy beds and hide laundry
  
  
• Hide pet gear, check the front door
  
  

Stick this list on the fridge or keep it on your phone for fast access.

Final thoughts: Fast doesn’t mean fake

You don’t need a spotless home to win buyers over. You just need a calm, fresh, and welcoming one.

Using this last minute viewing checklist can help you feel confident and in control, even when your agent calls with short notice. And with more and more buyers expecting homes to be photo-ready during viewings, these quick habits help you stay ahead of the game.

At EweMove, we know how busy life can be, especially when you’re trying to move. That’s why our local personal estate agents work with you to make every viewing count — from professional photos to flexible bookings that fit your routine.

Thinking of selling? Want to know what your home might be worth? Book a free, no-pressure valuation with your local EweMove agent today and discover how we make moving feel easier (and maybe even a little fun).