What’s the Best Way to Prepare for Showings in Phoenix With Kids, Pets, or Remote Work?

Valle Home Group’s Real-Life Survival Guide

Preparing your home for showings is stressful enough — add kids, pets, or remote work into the mix, and it can feel nearly impossible. The good news? With the right systems in place, you can keep your living space show-ready without losing your mind. At Valle Home Group, we help Phoenix sellers navigate this exact challenge every day, and we’ve created a realistic, family-friendly guide to help you do the same.

Why a “Show-Ready” System Matters in Phoenix

Phoenix buyers move quickly — especially in family-friendly neighborhoods like Norterra, Union Park, Desert Ridge, and North Central. A clean, calm, and welcoming home helps your listing stand out and encourages stronger offers.

But expecting perfection 24/7? Not realistic.

Instead, the goal is manageable routines that keep your home presentable even with real-life chaos happening.

1. Create a 15-Minute Clean-Up Plan (Kid-Friendly Edition)

Kids make messes — that’s life. But buyers don’t need to see every puzzle piece and crayon.

Make it easy with a fast clean-up plan:

• Keep decorative baskets in each room for quick toy sweeps

• Pre-pack a “showing day” bag with essentials (snacks, tablets, homework)

• Limit toys to one main area during the listing period

• Use beds with storage drawers to hide bulkier items

Pro Tip: Make kids part of the “show prep team.” Turning it into a fun, timed game works surprisingly well.

2. Have a Pet Game Plan

Pets are lovable — but buyers shouldn’t smell or trip over them.

For dogs:

• Keep a go-bag with leash, treats, and waste bags by the door

• Identify a fast exit route for last-minute showings

• Vacuum and Swiffer high-traffic areas daily

For cats:

• Hide litter boxes behind plants or furniture

• Scoop twice daily

• Keep pet beds and scratching posts minimal

For all pets:

• Remove food bowls, toys, and bedding before every showing

• If possible, take pets with you — or arrange short-term help from a neighbor or family member

3. Create a “Showing Stash Zone”

Designate one place — a laundry room cabinet, hall closet, or garage shelf — for items that clutter the home quickly:

• Mail

• Kitchen counter items

• Random toys

• Pet supplies

• Electronics

• Shoes

When your agent texts “showing today at 4,” everything gets tossed into the stash zone fast.

4. Keep Your Kitchen and Bathrooms “Show-Ready Light”

These two rooms matter most to Phoenix buyers.

Quick habits that make a big difference:

• Run the dishwasher nightly

• Keep counters cleared EXCEPT 1–2 decorative pieces

• Use a single large basket under the sink for daily items (toothpaste, hairbrushes, makeup, etc.)

• Wipe down mirrors and sinks each morning

• Hang fresh-looking towels (only used for showings)

5. If You Work From Home, Set Up a Rapid Breakdown System

Remote work is the toughest challenge during showings — but still manageable.

Try this:

• Use a mobile laptop stand or foldable desk

• Keep a tote for office supplies to disappear instantly

• Turn your workspace into a simple reading nook for showings

• Keep headphone chargers and cords hidden in a drawer

Buyers want to see a calm, flexible living space — not an active work zone.

6. Build a Realistic Showing Schedule With Your Agent

Your agent should make your life easier, not harder.

At Valle Home Group, we create custom showing schedules based on:

• Kids’ nap times

• Work meetings

• Pet routines

• School pickups

• Weekly commitments

You shouldn’t have to drop everything at a moment’s notice — showing windows should work for your household.

7. Keep a “Pre-Showing Checklist” on the Fridge

A 3–5 minute checklist helps you avoid last-minute panic.

Example:

• Turn on all lights

• Open blinds

• Empty trash cans

• Hide pet supplies

• Clear counters

• Fluff pillows

• Turn on soft background music

• Set AC to a comfortable temperature (Phoenix buyers hate a warm house!)

8. Remember: Buyers Aren’t Expecting Perfection

This is real life — families live here. Buyers aren’t judging you for having children, pets, or a job. What matters is that the home feels bright, clean, and well-maintained.

A welcoming home beats a perfect home every time.

Let Valle Home Group Make Showings Easier

We’ve helped countless Phoenix sellers — families, pet owners, remote workers, and busy professionals — prepare their homes without stress.

When you work with us, you get:

• A custom showing plan

• Professional prep guidance

• Access to cleaning and staging resources

• A dedicated agent who protects your schedule

Selling should fit your life — not the other way around.