I had an inspection today that I pretty much called off due to inaccessibility issues. Of course, I let the client make the final choice, but I strongly recommended that we not proceed with the inspection. After all, the home was completely filled up with stuff. The electrical panel was behind three or four stacks of boxes and a book case. Above that was the garage side attic access. The furnace and water heater were from my best estimates in a bi-fold closet behind the couch which was pushed snugly against the closet doors.  The house side attic access was blocked from access by a closet full of personal effects.  Additionally the house was crammed full of boxes and furniture.  About 40% of wall space was visible. About 25% of floor space was visible and nearly all electrical receptacles were inaccessible.  We all want this process to go as smoothly as possible, so what can be done?

How about handing the following info (ripped with permission from The National Association of Home Inspectors's website) to your sellers as they get ready for an impending inspection:

1. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
2. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
3. Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
5. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
6. Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
7. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
8. Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
9. Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
10. Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.