Staging Your Home: A Thoughtful Preparation Guide

Preparing your home for sale isn’t about perfection — it’s about helping buyers clearly see the space, flow, and potential. We’ll guide you through what matters most and help you decide what’s worth doing (and what isn’t).

Create visual breathing room

• Clear countertops and surfaces so rooms feel open and usable
• Remove or store items that crowd walkways or block natural flow
• Consider temporarily relocating highly personal displays (photo walls, collections, fridge items)

Bathrooms: clean, simple, fresh

• Ensure surfaces are clean and clutter-free
• Make sure shower curtains and doors hang neatly
• Fresh towels and bath mats can subtly elevate the space
• Floors should feel clean and well cared for

Walls & finishes

• Check for nail holes, scuffs, or marks that may draw attention
• Neutral walls photograph best — we can advise if repainting is worthwhile
• Remove wall items that overpower the room or distract from size and layout

Floors

• Carpets should be clean and free of noticeable stains
• Hard surfaces should look polished and well maintained
• Area rugs can help define spaces when used intentionally

Windows & light

• Clean windows help maximize natural light
• Blinds and drapes should feel tidy and neutral
• Opening treatments during showings often makes rooms feel larger

Pets

• Buyers should notice the home before noticing the pet
• Store litter boxes, food bowls, toys, and bedding during showings
• A deep clean can help neutralize lingering pet odors

Aromas & atmosphere

• Fresh air goes a long way — airing out the home before showings is ideal
• If using scents, subtle is always better than strong
• Neutral, clean smells create the best first impression

Setting the tone

• Natural light + quiet background music can create a welcoming feel

• Small details (like a warm, lived-in ambiance) can help buyers linger

• Not everything needs to be done at once — we’ll help prioritize

Every home — and every seller — is different. We’ll walk through your space together and help you focus on the improvements that actually move the needle.

If you’d like hands-on help, our team can also coordinate professional staging services through our in-house staging partner, allowing for smoother communication and a more streamlined preparation process.