7 Items Not to Leave Out at an Open House

An open house can bring buyers, neighbors, other agents, and people you’ve never met through your home in the span of a few hours. Before the doors open, it’s worth taking a few minutes to remove or secure anything valuable, private, dangerous, or unnecessarily personal.

Unlike a private showing, where a buyer tours the home by appointment with their agent, an open house allows multiple visitors to walk through without a scheduled visit. Since you may not know everyone who comes through the door, it’s smart to secure the items below before the first visitor arrives.

Weighing the Pros and Cons First

Before you prepare your home for visitors, it’s worth deciding whether an open house is the right move in the first place. They can bring real benefits, more exposure, direct feedback from buyers, and a chance to generate leads, but they also come with tradeoffs like unqualified visitors, security exposure, and no guarantee of an offer.

For the full breakdown, see the pros and cons of holding an open house, or who actually shows up and whether it leads to a sale. If you decide to move forward, the checklist below will help you prepare.

7 Items Not to Leave Out at an Open House

1. Cash, Jewelry, and Other Valuables

• Jewelry: Valuable pieces, including family heirlooms, should be kept safe, ideally in a safe-deposit box.
• Cash and Cards: Cash, checks, and credit cards should be kept in a secure location, preferably a locked safe.

2. Prescription Medications

Store prescription medications in a secure, locked location. Beyond the obvious theft risk, an unattended visitor going through a medicine cabinet is one of the more common concerns sellers overlook.

3. Personal Documents and Sensitive Information

Your home may contain documents and personal information you don’t want accessible to strangers. Protect your identity and finances by storing or locking away:

• Passports and Social Security Cards: These contain sensitive personal information and shouldn’t be left in view.
• Bank Statements and Tax Returns: Store these in a safe or locked file cabinet.
• Personal Letters and Correspondence: Diaries, mail, and written correspondence should be tucked away as well.

4. Electronics and Devices

Electronics can be tempting for visitors to take or accidentally damage. Consider the following:

• Laptops and Computers: Secure these and make sure devices are password protected.
• Tablets and Smartphones: Lock these away and keep them out of sight.
• Gaming Consoles and High-Value Electronics: Disconnect and store these safely.

5. Personal Photos and Private Belongings

Personal photographs and memorabilia add character, but they can also distract buyers from picturing the space as their own. Consider removing:

• Family Photos: Removing these helps depersonalize the space.
• Valuable Artwork: High-value pieces should be protected or stored away.
• Personal Collections: Collectibles and memorabilia can be both distracting and tempting to take.

6. Firearms and Other Weapons

Safety matters just as much as security during an open house. Keep firearms and other weapons stored securely and out of reach, in accordance with local laws and regulations.

7. Keys, Garage Remotes, and Access Information

This is one of the most overlooked categories, and one of the most important. Anything that gives access to your home, vehicles, or another property should be locked away or removed entirely, including:

• Spare Keys: House keys, car keys, and any labeled spare keys left in drawers or on hooks.
• Garage Door Remotes and Codes: Physical remotes as well as written down keypad or smart lock codes.
• Alarm Codes: Any paperwork or notes referencing your security system.

Don’t Forget These

A few other items are easy to miss but worth a second look before visitors arrive: mail and packages left by the door, work documents or client files if you work from home, children’s school papers with personal information, and passwords written down on paper or sticky notes.

None of these are dramatic on their own, but together they add up to more personal information exposed than most sellers realize. It’s also worth doing a quick general declutter, since putting away everyday items like toiletries, laundry, and dishes helps buyers focus on the home itself rather than your belongings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I leave security cameras on during an open house?
Talk to your agent before deciding. Depending on how a camera is set up, it may capture audio as well as video, and recording private conversations can raise legal and privacy concerns. Your agent can help you determine what is appropriate for your situation before you decide whether to leave cameras active.

Is it safe to leave the home unattended during an open house?
No. An agent should be present the entire time to greet visitors, answer questions, and keep an eye on who is moving through the home, especially if more than one visitor is there at once.

What should I do with pets during an open house?
Pets are usually better off out of the home. Doors opening and closing repeatedly can give a nervous pet a chance to slip out, and some visitors may have allergies or be uneasy around animals. Removing pets protects both their safety and the buyer’s comfort.

Final Thoughts

Having an open house when selling a home can be tempting, but it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before committing to one. If you decide to move forward, take the time to secure the items above first. Most visitors at an open house are genuine buyers who mean no harm, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. A little preparation goes a long way toward giving you peace of mind on the day of the event.

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About the Author

Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “7 Items Not to Leave Out at an Open House”

Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.

Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.