5 Practical Cleaning Tips When Selling a Home With Pets

Selling your home while living with pets can be a challenge — but with the right approach, you can keep your space clean, inviting, and ready for showings any time of year. Whether you share your home with dogs, cats, birds, or other animals, buyers notice cleanliness and freshness. These tips help you maintain a welcoming environment that appeals to more potential buyers in Truro, Bible Hill, Valley, Salmon River, North River, and across Colchester County.

1. Stay Ahead of Pet Hair and Dander

Pet hair and dander can accumulate fast, especially on floors, furniture, and fabric surfaces. Vacuum regularly and consider using a vacuum with a pet-specific attachment. For hard floors, sweep or mop frequently so hair doesn’t build up in corners. Keeping hair under control not only reduces allergens, it also makes your home look well cared for.

2. Clean Pet Bedding and Belongings Often

Pet beds, blankets, and toys can hold odours and shed hair even when the rest of your home looks clean. Wash or refresh these items frequently and consider storing them out of sight during showings. Rotating items through a regular laundry routine helps keep smells at bay and keeps your space looking tidy.

3. Tackle Odours Before They Become Noticeable

Smells can be one of the biggest concerns for buyers. Regularly clean litter boxes, cages, crates, and feeding areas. Change litter frequently and keep bowls and feeding stations clean. Using natural odour absorbers like baking soda in carpets or open doors for fresh air can help keep indoor scents pleasant and neutral.

4. Focus on High-Traffic Pet Areas

Identify where your pets spend most of their time — entryways, living rooms, mudrooms — and give those areas extra attention. Wipe down surfaces, clean rugs and mats, and touch up spots where wear shows most. Small fixes like cleaning baseboards or spot-treating flooring can make spaces look fresher and more cared for.

5. Declutter and Store Pet Items for Showings

Before a showing, take a few minutes to store pet items such as leashes, toys, carriers, and food dishes. Place them in a closet, garage, or another room so buyers can focus on your home, not the presence of pets. A clutter-free space feels larger and more appealing to visitors.

Living with pets and selling your home at the same time takes a bit of extra effort, but it absolutely doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying on top of cleaning, odour control, and presentation, you can help buyers see the best features of your home — and not get distracted by the everyday realities of pet-ownership.

Selling in Truro or Colchester County With Pets?

If you’re selling your home and want help preparing it so it shows its best — even with furry or feathered family members — I can guide you through simple, practical steps that make a big difference in buyer appeal.

Contact us anytime:

Joanne Bouley
Owner / Managing Associate Broker, REALTOR® – 902-899-2588

Sharon Corcoran
REALTOR®/Broker – 902-899-3501

📍 Truro Home Team – RE/MAX Fairlane Realty – 902-893-7500