Staging Tips
Items to Clean
• Glass Surfaces:
Deep clean all windows, mirrors, and shower glass.
• Paint Touch-Up:
Repaint rooms with non-neutral colors to neutral tones like Benjamin Moore Ballet White or Sherwin Williams Alabaster.
• Seasonal Décor:
If you're decorating for Christmas or other holidays while selling, scale back the decorations so as not to overwhelm potential buyers. Have the listing photos taken before adding seasonal décor.
• Furniture & Woodwork Touch-Up:
Freshen up furniture and stained cabinets, windows, and doors with Old English scratch cover. This product comes in various shades, and a little goes a long way. Even though your furniture will go with you, taking care of it gives your home a well-maintained appearance.
• Laundry Areas:
Ensure all dirty clothes are stored in hampers or baskets in the laundry room.
• Aroma:
Make your home smell inviting with one subtle air freshener or candle.
• Appliances:
Get stainless steel appliances sparkling like new by cleaning with soap and water, then polishing with baby oil, rubbing it along the grain.
Items to Remove
• Window Screens:
Remove window screens from all windows. This will brighten up the home and make the windows appear cleaner. Store the screens in a storage room or attic.
• Dining Table Setup:
If you have a leaf in your dining table, remove it and set up fewer chairs around the table. Move any extra chairs to the corners near the table. This will make the space look larger and easier to navigate. You can add a decorative pillow to one of the spare chairs.
• Window Treatments:
Remove any style-specific drapes. Turn all blinds horizontally during showings.
Raise window shades to the same level for uniformity.
• Décor Limit:
Aim to have no more than three decorative items per surface (e.g., dressers, desks, counters, mantels). If the item is smaller than a golf ball, pack it up.
• Fake Florals:
Remove all outdated fake floral arrangements. Replace them with more current artificial plants or easy-care indoor plants (e.g., ZZ plant, monstera, ferns).
• Personal Items:
Remove all personal photos, diplomas, and personalized certificates. Buyers often get distracted by personal items and will feel more at ease visualizing themselves in the space without feeling like they’re intruding.
• Closets and Pantry:
Tidy and organize all closets and pantry, and whenever possible, get items off the floor. Group similar items in baskets for a clean, visually appealing look. The more organized the closet, the larger it will seem.
• Pet Items:
Remove all signs of your pets, including bowls, beds, toys, and kennels.
• Refrigerator Surface:
Clear everything from the surface of your refrigerator, as well as the top of the fridge.
• Counters and Cabinets:
Clean kitchen and bathroom counters thoroughly. The emptier the surfaces, the larger the space will feel. Clear the tops of kitchen cabinets.
Items to Add
Indoor:
• Lighting:
Replace all light bulbs to brighten up your home and create the illusion of more space.
• Bedding:
Change all bed linens to solid white for a fresh, crisp look.
• Greenery:
Add a large leafy plant (think philodendron, monstera, or palm) in a vase. It will last for weeks with minimal maintenance and adds a touch of greenery, making the space feel fresh.
• Rugs:
Use a light-colored rug to define areas in an open floor plan.
• Dual-Purpose Décor:
When purchasing décor or furniture for staging, choose items you love and will be happy to use in your new home. Opt for current pieces that appeal to a broad range of buyers.
• Throw Blankets & Pillows:
Add a soft, light-colored throw blanket to your sofa.
Place new, light-colored throw pillows on your seating.
• Master Bath Touches:
In the master bath, create a spa-like feel with a cute basket filled with rolled white hand towels. If there’s a garden or whirlpool tub, clean the sides and add a single candle and decorative soap.
Outdoor:
• Front Door:
Clean and paint your front door, and add a new welcome mat.
• Flower Beds:
Refresh flower beds by adding new mulch and removing weeds.
• Landscaping:
Prune plants and ensure all sidewalks are neatly edged. Remove any overgrown or unsightly plants.
• Pressure Washing:
Pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, patios, and any siding with mold or mildew. A pressure-washed driveway will make the concrete look as fresh as new construction!
Reminder:
If your home is starting to feel more neutral and less personal, you’re on the right track!