5 Tips for Selling a Home During the School Holidays

- Wed 06 Aug 2025

Selling your home is never a small task - but throw in the school holidays and it can feel like a juggling act between viewings, entertaining the kids, and keeping your property spotless. However, with a few smart strategies (and a bit of creativity), you can still make a great impression on potential buyers while keeping the family happy.

Here are some practical tips to help you strike the right balance:

1. Set a 'One Toy Room' Rule

Kids need to play - and that’s okay! But when your home is on the market, too many toys scattered throughout the house can be off-putting to viewers. Set a clear rule: only one room (ideally a playroom or their bedroom) can have toys left out. This creates boundaries for tidying and helps keep the rest of the home looking organised and clutter-free.

2. Make Tidying a Game

Let’s be honest: asking children to tidy up isn't always met with enthusiasm. Turn it into a challenge by playing “Who Can Tidy the Fastest?” or “Who Can Spot What Doesn’t Belong?” Offer a small reward - like a sweet treat or extra screen time - for the winner. It’s a simple but effective way to make them feel involved and motivated to help.

3. Schedule Viewings Around Outdoor Time

If possible, try to schedule house viewings while you’re out with the kids - for example, during a trip to the local park, soft play, or library. Not only does it remove the stress of having everyone home during a showing, but it also helps keep the house in a clean, untouched state for potential buyers.

4. Keep a 'Grab and Go' Basket

Have a laundry-style basket ready for last-minute tidy-ups. Before a viewing, do a quick sweep of any rogue toys, clothes, or clutter, toss them into the basket, and store it out of sight - like in the boot of your car. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time.

5. Embrace the Quiet Moments

Use nap times, screen time, or independent play to give yourself a window to tidy up, prep the home, or respond to estate agent calls. Even 20 minutes can make a difference in maintaining that show-home feel.

Selling a home during the school holidays can feel like a balancing act, but with the right mindset and a few helpful rules, it’s entirely doable. Involving your children in the process in fun, structured ways can also ease stress and help maintain a welcoming environment for viewings.

Looking to sell this summer? Bradleys Estate Agents are here to help. With local expertise, family-friendly advice, and a track record of success across the South West, we’ll guide you through every step of your home-selling journey - holidays and all.

5 Tips for Selling a Home During the School Holidays

More Stories