818.519.8357
DEBORAH(dotted)KERNAHAN(at)COMPASS(dotted)COM
818.519.8357
Phone Number 818.519.8357
Address 2945 Townsgate Rd., #300
Westlake Village, CA 91361 150 S Rodeo Dr. Suite #100,
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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    Main Content

    Home Staging Tips

    bedroom

    EXTERIOR: CURB APPEAL

    • Take down any past seasonal items, including holiday decorations.
    • Take a look at your property from across the street and identify things you can do to make your home more presentable.
    • Clear away children’s items and store them.
    • Put away gardening tools, home improvement equipment, and materials.
    • Mow the lawn and clear it of clippings. Be sure to remove any dead or decaying plants.
    • Dispose of any litter.
    • Remove any animal droppings.
    • Put down fresh mulch or pine needles in flower beds.
    • Sweep driveways, decks, porches, sidewalks, walkways, etc.
    • Ensure your lawn, walkways, flowerbeds, and driveways have a clean line with edging.
    • Clear out any moss/algae or even pollen from the roof, gutters, siding, eaves, etc.
    • Open up the view, invite more sunlight in, and make sure walkways aren’t obstructed by trimming trees, shrubs, and bushes.
    • Clean light fixtures.
    • Paint the front door and trim if it is tired or chipped. A buyer’s eyes.
    • Find the front door immediately upon arriving at the property.
    • Update doorbells, house numbers, and knockers; they should be coordinated and appear new, not tarnished.
    • Consider front door accessories such as a kick plate and new hardware.
    • Fix sticky door handles or locks. They make it difficult to enter and do not make a good first impression.
    • Clean light fixtures.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any items that do not lend themselves to a simplified, showcased environment.
    • Window screens and screened doors.
    • Boats, RVs, watercraft, ATVs, etc.
    • Children’s Toys

    INTERIOR: FRONT ENTRANCE

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.
    • Dust all surfaces.
    • Keep wall hangings and pictures at eye level.
    • Remove window treatments.
    • Ensure furniture does not hinder traffic flow.
    • Hang coats on similar hangers arranged in the same direction, and hide small items in baskets.
    • Determine if there are any odors to get rid of. Ask someone who doesn’t live in your home to help.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any fixtures not intending to stay in the property upon its sale.
    • Any valuable items or collectibles.
    • Personal items, such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Area rugs.
    • Any signs of pets.
    • Any catch-all tables and shelves.
    • Boots, shoes, ball caps, and any seasonal items.
    • Children’s toys.

    INTERIOR: FAMILY ROOM/GREAT ROOM

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.
    • Dust and clean all surfaces.
    • Dust any TVs, stereo equipment, etc.
    • Keep wall hangings at eye level.
    • Clean every detail of the fireplace to show care.
    • Arrange a limited number of neutral pillows to add a warm look and feel to the room.
    • Play soft music, if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity. They should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room. If they do so, take them down to depersonalize a room, open up the room, and/or maximize sunlight.
    • Children’s toys and games.
    • Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.
    • Two-thirds of everything is stored on bookshelves. Display the remaining items in an organized and attractive way.
    • Any valuable items and collectibles.
    • Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Any items stored under furniture.

    INTERIOR: FORMAL DINING ROOM

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpet.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until shining.
    • Clean and tidy table and chairs.
    • Arrange any electronics.
    • Rotate square tables so they are at an angle from the wall, to make the room feel more spacious and maximize traffic flow.
    • Display a fresh flower arrangement in the center of the table.
    • Keep wall hangings and pictures at eye level.
    • Create a small vignette of a bottle of wine, a few wine glasses, and a carafe on a hutch (if available).
    • Open window treatments for every showing (if drapes remain).
    • The window treatment should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room; otherwise take them down to depersonalize the space, open the room, and maximize sunlight.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity.
    • Any valuable items and collectibles.
    • Any fixtures not intending to stay in the home after the sale.
    • Buffet off the hutch, to open up space.
    • Table leaves and additional chairs.
    • Area rugs.
    • Wall hangings and pictures (set aside only one large picture per wall or a group of three smaller pictures).
    • Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

    INTERIOR: KITCHEN

    • Clean and polish floors, stainless steel, reflective surfaces, and/or tiles.
    • Ensure every detail of every appliance sparkles.
    • Wipe down walls and baseboards.
    • Ensure all glass, fixtures, faucets, and windows glisten.
    • Dust and clean the top of all cabinets.
    • Renew the wood surface by applying appropriate products.
    • Clean all hardware, especially cabinet doorknobs and drawer pulls.
    • Clean the backsplash; if tiled, bleach and reapply the sealer.
    • Keep the kitchen sink clean and empty on a daily basis.
    • Prevent odors by emptying trash and disposal daily.
    • Keep the inside of cabinets clean and tidy.
    • Arrange any square or rectangular table on an angle so it appears to be the smallest it can be to create more space.
    • Display a fresh flower arrangement on the table or a fruit bowl on the counter.
    • Open drapes for every open house or showing, if you choose not to put them in storage.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any window coverings (if view permits), to maximize natural light in the room.
    • Any valuable items and collectibles.
    • Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Area rugs, with the exception of using one to distract from dated or unsightly floor patterns.
    • Anything you normally wouldn’t find in a kitchen.
    • Any signs of pets such as food dishes, toys, or litter boxes.
    • Trash cans and compost bins.
    • Cleaning supplies (store securely and out of reach).
    • Any items kept on any surfaces, such as items on tables, window ledges, countertops, etc.
    • Knives and other sharp objects (store high and out of sight).
    • Any cooking ingredients.
    • Refrigerator stuff; should be clear of magnets, children’s art, etc.
    • Any fixtures not intending to stay in the home upon sale.
    • Any added shelving or cabinets. It may give the impression that there is not enough storage space in kitchen cabinets and/or pantry.

    INTERIOR: FORMAL LIVING ROOM

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.
    • Dust and clean all surfaces.
    • Keep wall hangings at eye level.
    • Clean every detail of the fireplace to show care.
    • Arrange a limited number of neutral pillows to add a warm look and feel to the room.
    • Open window treatments for every showing (if drapes remain and the view is becoming not unsightly).
    • Play soft music, if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity. They should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room. If they do so, take them down to depersonalize a room, open up the room, and/or maximize sunlight.
    • Children’s toys and games.
    • Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.
    • Two-thirds of everything is stored on bookshelves. Display the remaining items in an organized and attractive way.
    • Any valuable items and collectibles.
    • Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Any items stored under furniture.
    • Anything you wouldn’t normally find in a living room, such as a treadmill.
    • Any fixtures not intending to stay in the home upon sale.
    • Any signs of pets such as food, dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

    INTERIOR: HOME OFFICE

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.
    • Dust and clean all surfaces.
    • Arrange electronics and/or computers in an orderly fashion. Ensure cords that are in use are arranged neatly.
    • Keep wall hangings at eye level.
    • Ensure personal information is kept out of sight (keep the computer turned off).

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Two-thirds of everything is stored on bookshelves. Display the remaining items in an organized and attractive way.
    • Any work-related items not used daily.
    • Any electronics not used daily.
    • Any valuable items and collectibles.
    • Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Any signs of pets such as food dishes, toys, or litter boxes.
    • Any items stored under furniture.
    • Any fixtures not intending to stay with the house after it sells.

    INTERIOR: BONUS ROOM/REC ROOM/GAME ROOM

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.
    • Dust and clean all surfaces.
    • Keep wall hangings at eye level.
    • Clean every detail of the fireplace to show care.
    • Keep any computer areas clean and free of clutter and wires.
    • Arrange furnishings to display a lifestyle of fun and leisure.
    • Arrange a limited number of neutral pillows to add a warm look and feel to the room.
    • Open window treatments for every showing (if drapes remain and the view is becoming not unsightly).
    • Play soft music, if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any items not lending themselves to a simplified, showcased environment.
    • Any special collections, or any expensive or personal items, such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity. They should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room. If they do so, take them down to depersonalize a room, open up the room, and/or maximize sunlight.
    • Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.
    • Two-thirds of everything is stored on bookshelves. Display the remaining items in an organized and attractive way.
    • Anything sitting on tables, except a lamp and one discreet item.
    • Any signs of pets such as food, dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

    INTERIOR: LAUNDRY ROOM

    • Clean floors, walls, windows, baseboards, trim, light switches, fixtures, and hardware.
    • Do the laundry, and place dirty laundry in the washer or hidden in a nice hamper to clear the area.
    • Clean the dryer lint tray to indicate good care and not imply any fire hazards.
    • Keep both the washer and dryer clean and look as new as possible.
    • Keep the workspace clear of any clutter, clothes, and/or garbage.
    • Arrange appliances and create a workspace to appear like a laundry room. if the laundry room is an unfinished basement, ensure it feels like a room and not just a washer and dryer placed in the basement.
    • Light area well, it opens up space and buyers feel more comfortable.
    • Empty garbage bin.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any empty containers that are not currently being used or are almost empty.
    • All items from countertops.
    • Any excess laundry supplies (keep out of sight).
    • Any remaining laundry that needs to be put away.
    • Anything not usually found in a laundry room.
    • Anything hanging on a laundry line.
    • Any signs of pets such as food, dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

    INTERIOR: BEDROOMS

    • Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.
    • Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.
    • Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.
    • Dust and clean all surfaces.
    • Decorate the bed to display a plush and luxurious look. Display bed linens (turned down neatly) to display ease of lifestyle.
    • Pick a monochromatic color scheme (if you can), because it evokes serenity. Add a limited number of neutral pillows to add warmth to the bedroom.
    • Make sure the bedroom is immaculate before every show.
    • If window treatments are a necessity, they should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room, (otherwise take them down to open up the room and maximize sunlight).
    • Play soft music, if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.
    • Any and all dirty laundry (even if stored in a hamper).
    • Books, bibles, and magazines.
    • Valuables and collectibles.
    • Children’s toys and games.
    • Anything you wouldn’t normally find in a bedroom, such as a treadmill.
    • Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.
    • Two-thirds of everything is stored on bookshelves. Display the remaining items in an organized and attractive way.
    • Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.
    • Any items stored under furniture.
    • Any signs of pets such as food dishes, toys, litter boxes, or pet beds.

    INTERIOR: BATHROOMS

    • Clean walls and floors.
    • Clean all countertops and surfaces.
    • Clean the toilet, sink, tub, and/or shower.
    • Clean shower curtains or doors and ensure there is no sign of soap residue.
    • Ensure windows, mirrors, fixtures, chrome, and brass fixtures glisten.
    • Ensure the grout is like new.
    • Eliminate any rust spots from the shower, tub, and/or sinks.
    • Display window coverings if required.
    • Display fresh flower arrangement in a vase on the counter.
    • Display the shower and/or tub by opening the curtain or shower doors by one-third.
    • Display a set of luxurious towels (to be specifically for open houses and/or showings).
    • Keep the Toilet Seat Down.
    • Ensure there are no odors.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Decorative rugs and covers.
    • Non-matching and/or extra towels.
    • Personal things and those things you need daily (store in baskets and place under the sink or in a cabinet).
    • Trash cans, cleaning products, and plunger (placed under the sink or elsewhere).
    • Reading material (placed in a magazine rack or elsewhere).

    INTERIOR: CLOSETS AND LINEN SPACES

    • Clean shelving, interior walls, doors, and hardware.
    • Keep floors vacuumed and clear with the exception of neatly arranged footwear.
    • Hang clothes on hangers, with all items facing the same direction (wooden hangers if possible). Distribute clothing evenly along the rod to give the impression of spaciousness.
    • Tidy small items you use daily by storing them in baskets placed on shelves.
    • Store bedding inside its matching pillowcase for neatness and ease of use.
    • Coordinate linens by color.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE:

    • Items you haven’t used within the past year (and pack those you haven’t used within the last six months).
    • All items are stored in a closet that doesn’t normally belong in a closet.

    INTERIOR: GARAGE

    • Sweep and clean the floors.
    • Ensure walls are relatively clean.
    • Store garbage neatly and remove any odors.
    • Ensure windows, doors, hardware, light switches, and fixtures are clean and functioning properly.
    • Arrange required items neatly on shelves and in containers for a neat appearance.
    • Remove any spider webs or telltale signs of insects of any kind.
    • Ensure all chemicals are properly stored in bins, high on shelves.
    • Keep the door into the house closed (if possible).
    • Keep the garage doors down.

    SELL, DONATE, OR STORE

    :

    • Any items not being used on a daily basis, such as sports equipment or seasonal items.
    • Any items not usually stored in a garage, such as Aunt Susan’s old tea cart that you promised to refinish one day.
    • Tools and equipment that can’t be displayed to add to the lifestyle you wish to portray.
    • Any toxic supplies (put in plastic storage bins with lids, and put high on a shelf out of harm’s way). Empty paint cans and/or other toxic containers can be taken to your local environmental depot.
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