Tips and tricks to prepare for home staging

• Minimise
  • Less is more. Remove enough so there is some space in closets, shelves, and cabinets.
  • Remember “One will do”. When accessorizing surfaces, for staging purposes, one item is better than two or more. One vase on a fireplace mantle is enough.

  Clear

  • Remove or hide all small kitchen appliances.
  • Remove unneeded furniture to make rooms look larger.
  • Remove dated or worn furnishings and accessories. Replace, if needed at all.
  • Rent a storage space. 

  Depersonalise

  • Remove all refrigerator art, family photos, school schedules, magnets, calendars, etc.
  • Remove personal toiletries from the bathroom and enclosed showers: shampoo, toothpaste, hairbrushes, used towels, etc. Put out fresh soap.
  • Have a minimum number of towels on bathroom racks. 

  Enhance visual appeal

  • Use mirrors. A mirror at the end of a hallway makes the home look larger and less cramped. A mirror opposite the vanity makes small bathrooms look larger.
  • Enhance the fireplace/firebox with candles or decorative logs.
  • Remove some furniture and accessories to open up rooms. 
  • Inside, use fresh flowers in vases. Decorate the outside with planters and potted plants.
  • Furnish covered porches, patio, or desk with small outdoor tables and chairs to turn them into usable living spaces.

  Clean 

  • (We hate doing this too, but it has to be done.)
  • Deep-clean entire house, oven, fireplace, garage, laundry sinks, etc.
  • Wash the windows, inside and out. Remove unnecessary screening.
  • Air the home by opening windows and doors

  Repair/Maintenance 

  • Replace worn, stained carpeting, and cracked floor tiles. Make sure there are no odours in the remaining carpets, drapery, or upholstery.
  • No drips! Repair all plumbing, faucets, running toilets.
  • Clean or repair/replace worn caulking around tubs, sinks, counter-tops.
  • Paint the interior of the house and the front door.
  • Repair, paint, or wash all exterior walls, doors, and trim.
  • Power-wash exterior concrete and other hardscapes.