Home Staging Tips

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.