FREE
HOME STAGING SUGGESTIONS

GENERAL TIPS

• Begin with a walkthrough: Stand in each doorway and look for crowded paths, dark corners, busy surfaces and what the camera sees first.
• Declutter and depersonalize: Pack personal photos, collections, paperwork and items you do not use daily. Clear counters, tables, shelves and visible floor space so buyers can focus on the home.
• Keep useful furniture: Remove extra chairs, dressers and small tables, especially pieces that block doors or windows. Leave enough furniture to show the purpose and scale of each room.
• Make the path obvious: Walk through each room as a buyer would. Rearrange or remove anything people must squeeze past; allow doors to open fully.
• Deep clean: Pay attention to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, baseboards, fans, switches and vents. Consider a professional deep cleaning if it will help you get everything ready.
• Brighten naturally: Clean windows, open curtains and blinds, replace burned-out bulbs and light dark areas. Use comfortable, consistent-looking light rather than harsh or mismatched bulbs.
• Keep finishes calm: Touch up scuffs and chips. If a very bold wall color distracts from the room, consider a light, neutral repaint; there is no need to repaint a clean, appealing home.
• Handle small repairs: Fix loose handles, sticking or squeaky doors, damaged trim, dripping faucets and other noticeable issues before photos.
• Store the overflow: Pack excess belongings early. If closets and rooms still feel crowded, use a storage unit or portable container where practical; avoid filling visible rooms with boxes.
• Skip unnecessary projects: Start with cleaning, editing and repairs. Large renovations and new staging furniture are rarely the first step.

FRONT YARD / ENTRYWAY

• Tidy the approach: Mow, trim, weed, sweep the walk and remove toys, tools and unused pots. Make the path to the door easy to follow.
• Refresh the entrance: Clean the front door, hardware, porch light and doormat. A simple healthy planter is enough if it suits the space.
• Clear the first view: Put away shoes, coats and piles of mail so buyers can step in and see the entry rather than the belongings.

LIVING ROOM

• Simplify the furniture: Remove extra seating and pieces that interrupt the route through the room. Keep a simple arrangement that shows where people can sit and highlights a window or fireplace.
• Show the floor and windows: Pull back window treatments, remove crowded side tables and consider taking up an undersized or worn rug if the floor looks better without it.
• Quiet the walls: Reduce family photos, collections and crowded artwork. A few well-placed pieces can make the room feel finished without making it busy.
• Balance the light: Turn on lamps where they help dark corners, and check the room in daylight and again at showing time. A mirror can reflect light if you already have a suitable one.

KITCHEN

• Clear work surfaces: Put away most small appliances, dish racks, papers and cleaning products. Leave just one or two simple items if the counters benefit from them.
• Clean the details: Wipe cabinets, backsplash, sink, faucet, appliance fronts and inside visible appliances. Remove grease, fingerprints and odors.
• Edit storage: Buyers may open cabinets and the pantry. Remove overflow and arrange what remains so storage feels usable.

BEDROOMS

• Make the bed the focus: Use clean, tidy bedding and a small number of pillows. Remove extra dressers, chairs or bulky pieces if they overpower the room.
• Keep bedside areas simple: Clear personal items and cords. Leave some open floor and wall space, and open curtains for photos and showings.
• Show closet space: Pack off-season clothes and extra items, then organize the rest. Keep closet floors and doors clear.

BATHROOMS

• Clear and clean: Remove toiletries, razors, medications and laundry. Scrub fixtures, mirrors, tile, grout and any soap scum or mildew.
• Keep the view open: Use clean, simple towels. Open the shower curtain when it reveals a clean shower; replace a worn curtain if needed.
• Finish simply: Empty the bin, close the toilet lid and leave counter space visible. One small accessory is enough.

DINING ROOM

• Show room to gather: Center or straighten the table and remove extra chairs or leaves if they crowd the space.
• Keep the table restrained: Use a small centerpiece or simple setting; leave enough visible tabletop and clear the surrounding floor.
• Check the light: Clean the fixture and replace dead bulbs. Make sure chairs can be pulled out and the room is easy to cross.

HOME OFFICE

• Protect privacy: Put away documents, mail, passwords and personal information. Tidy cables and office supplies.
• Show its use: Keep a clear desk, a chair and perhaps one lamp; edit shelves so the room reads as usable work space.

BACKYARD / OUTDOOR SPACE

• Clean and define the space: Remove debris, toys, tools and broken items. Mow and weed, tidy beds and clean patio or pool areas as applicable.
• Arrange what you have: Group clean outdoor furniture so buyers can see how to use the space without blocking paths or doors.
• Fix visible issues: Address loose pavers, broken fencing, damaged screens or nonworking exterior lights where practical.

FINAL PHOTO AND SHOWING CHECK

• Before photos: Finish the deepest clean, hide bins and cords, clear surfaces, make beds, open blinds and check each room from the camera angle. Keep photos accurate to the home.
• Before every showing: Do a quick reset: dishes away, counters wiped, beds made, lights on where useful and temperature comfortable. Remove trash and manage pets and pet supplies.
• Keep scents neutral: Solve odor sources instead of masking them with candles or heavy fragrances. Avoid strongly scented sprays.
• Secure private items: Put away medications, jewelry, cash, sensitive documents and personal devices. Use quick-clean tubs for daily clutter and store them out of sight.
• Take a last walk: Walk from the curb through each room once more. Buyers should see the rooms, their purpose and a clear path through the home.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE STAGING INFO