Blog > How to Prep Your Home for Post-Thanksgiving Showings
The days right after Thanksgiving might seem quiet, but they’re actually a strong window for motivated buyers—especially those hoping to move before the new year or lock in a property ahead of the spring rush. If you’re planning to list your home during this period, making sure it’s warm, polished, and welcoming is key.
Here’s how to get your home showing-ready after the holiday weekend.
1. Clear Out the Holiday Clutter
Thanksgiving often means gatherings, decorations, and lots of extra items on display.
Before showings begin, pack away any leftover seasonal décor, store unused kitchen items, and reset your home to a neutral, open look. Clean counters, visible surfaces, and simplified tabletops make the space feel bigger and buyer-ready.
2. Refresh the Kitchen and Dining Areas
These rooms likely saw the most action during the holiday—so give them attention.
Deep-clean appliances, wipe down cupboards, clear counters, and swap out heavy table settings for simple, elegant pieces. Buyers love kitchens, and a fresh one leaves a strong impression.
3. Remove Food Odors and Bring in Fresh Scents
Holiday meals can leave lingering smells.
Air out the home, empty trash bins, and use light, seasonal scents like pine or citrus. Subtle fragrance makes a home feel clean and inviting—but avoid anything overwhelming.
4. Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas
Entryways, living rooms, bathrooms, and hallways get the most foot traffic during gatherings.
Vacuum rugs, wash floors, wipe baseboards, and clean windows. A crisp home shows beautifully in winter light.
5. Add Cozy Seasonal Touches
The goal isn’t holiday décor—it’s warmth.
Think soft blankets on sofas, warm lighting, or a lit (safe) candle during showings. Buyers visiting in colder weather want your home to feel like a welcoming retreat.
6. Address Exterior Details
Outdoor spaces matter—even in late fall.
Clear leaves, sweep walkways, add fresh lighting for darker evenings, and make sure the entryway is clean and inviting. A neat exterior signals that the home is well-maintained inside, too.
7. Keep the Heat Comfortable
When buyers walk in from the cold, they should instantly feel at home.
Don’t try to save on heating during showings—comfort matters, and a warm interior helps buyers linger instead of rushing through.
Bottom Line
Post-Thanksgiving may be a quieter time socially, but it’s a powerful moment for sellers. Motivated buyers are still out there—often with clear goals and fewer homes to choose from. By refreshing your space, highlighting warmth, and removing holiday clutter, you position your home to stand out and shine during an often-overlooked selling window.
