When you sell your home it means opening it to strangers. Unfortunately, you run the risk that not everyone who enters will do so because they're interested in buying. Most people are trustworthy, but it doesn't hurt to protect yourself from theft by making sure that credit-card bills, financial statements, chequebooks etc. are not accessible. Your computer, which may have sensitive information on it, should be shut off and password protected.
Your home can also reveal personal information about you that buyers can use as a bargaining tool. Keep divorce papers, Comparable Market Analysis and listing information indicating your price could be lower, well out of sight.
Don't assume buyers won't read personal documents that you leave in the open or awards, graduation certificates or family photos that are hanging on the wall. Keep sensitive documents locked away in a filing cabinet or at another location. Buyers do look in closets and cupboards, not necessarily being nosey but to check out storage space.
It's not unknown for buyers to form prejudices based on what your home reveals about you, such as your profession or religious beliefs as an example.
Pack up what you can. You will be moving it anyway.
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