A major kitchen overhaul can cost a huge amount of money — money you probably will not fully recoup when you sell. Instead of going for a full-on remodel, consider what small changes you can make to update your kitchen. Paint rather than replace cabinets, swap out hardware and roll out a rug. If the appliances are extremely out-of-date and you decide to replace them, don’t feel pressured to go super high end. A clean, fresh, bright kitchen that makes the most of the space will attract buyers and does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Here are 15 tips to prep your kitchen before you sell your home.

Know your goals. Stage your kitchen with purpose by getting clear on your goals right from the start. A successfully staged kitchen:

• Looks, feels and smells clean and fresh
• Looks and feels spacious and light. There’s plenty of room inside cupboards and closets.
• Is tasteful and good looking — there are no glaringly bad or out-of-date features
• Looks welcoming; it’s easy to envision using and enjoying the space
• Shows signs of life but is not messy

1. Have your kitchen professionally cleaned. Having a pro thoroughly clean your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make when preparing your home to sell. Yes, you could clean it yourself, but would it really look as good? A sparkling-clean kitchen is one that looks its best.

2. Be hyperaware of odors. Make sure all garbage, recycling and pet-related items are removed before showing your home, and take the time to clean inside and under the containers themselves. Run a lemon down your garbage disposal. Nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than a bad smell.

3. Consider fresh paint. Aside from cleaning, painting will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Give your kitchen a new coat of paint in a hue that works with the color of your counters and cabinets — when in doubt, go with crisp white. Even if your kitchen was recently painted, take a close look at the walls and ceiling and touch up any imperfections, even tiny ones.

News flash: A staged kitchen is not a practical kitchen. Staging your home is the first step in letting go … which is not always easy. If you are preparing your home to put it on the market, it’s time to make the shift from thinking about it as your home to seeing it as a property that is about to be sold. Staging, when done well, can help make your home more appealing to buyers and help it sell more quickly, and maybe even for a bit more. Isn’t it better to make the best possible impression from the beginning, and not have to live through endless open houses before making a sale? Keep this in mind as you prep.

4. Keep windows clean and clear. Clean the kitchen windows, inside and out. If you have heavy window coverings, consider removing them — or at the very least, be sure window coverings are completely open when you show your home.