Quick DIY Staging Tips

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. Professional staging is a game-changer, and these simple DIY tricks can complement the process. With just a little effort, you can add a polished touch to help homes look their best and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Why it matters: Cluttered and overly personalized spaces make it hard for buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

Quick fix: Provide the homeowners with a checklist to pack away personal items like family photos, kids’ artwork, and collectibles. Encourage them to donate, discard, or store excess items to create a clean, neutral space.

2. Freshen Up with Paint

Why it matters: Neutral walls appeal to a broader audience and make rooms appear brighter and larger.

Quick fix: Suggest repainting bold or outdated walls with soft, neutral colors like warm whites, light grays, or beige. If a full repaint isn’t feasible, focus on touch-ups to eliminate scuffs and chips.

3. Maximize Natural Light

Why it matters: Light, airy spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Quick fix: Open all curtains and blinds for showings or photos. If the home has heavy drapes, consider removing them to allow more sunlight in. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use daylight bulbs to mimic natural light in darker areas.

4. Create Inviting Focal Points

Why it matters: Buyers are drawn to features that make a home memorable.

Quick fix: Arrange a simple centerpiece on the dining table—like a bowl of fresh fruit, a vase of flowers, or a decorative tray with candles. In living rooms, toss a cozy throw blanket and some textured pillows on the couch to create a welcoming vibe.

5. Rearrange Furniture

Why it matters: Furniture placement impacts flow and function.

Quick fix: Pull furniture away from the walls to create defined conversation areas. Remove oversized or unnecessary pieces to make rooms feel more spacious. Ensure pathways are clear to help buyers visualize an easy flow through the space.

6. Add Pops of Greenery

Why it matters: Plants and flowers bring life and warmth to a home.

Quick fix: Place a small potted plant in the kitchen or a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway. Low-maintenance options like succulents or faux greenery can also do the trick.

7. Appeal to the Senses

Why it matters: Buyers connect emotionally with spaces that feel and smell inviting.

Quick fix: Diffuse light, fresh scents like lavender or citrus before showings. If time permits, bake a batch of cookies or simmer cinnamon and vanilla on the stove for a cozy aroma.

8. Focus on Curb Appeal

Why it matters: The exterior is the first thing buyers see.

Quick fix: Sweep walkways, trim overgrown bushes, and add a seasonal wreath or welcome mat to the front door. If possible, place potted flowers near the entryway for an extra touch of charm.

9. Stage the Key Rooms

Why it matters: Buyers prioritize certain spaces when evaluating a home.

Quick fix: Focus your efforts on the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. Make these spaces clean, functional, and appealing while minimizing distractions in less important areas.

10. Leverage Mirrors

Why it matters: Mirrors create the illusion of more space and reflect light to brighten rooms.

Quick fix: Hang a mirror opposite a window to maximize natural light or place one in a small room to make it feel larger.

Final Tip: Capture It All for Marketing

Once you’ve implemented these DIY staging tricks, hire a professional photographer or use high-quality camera equipment to showcase the results. Beautifully staged homes deserve to shine in online listings, which is where most buyers begin their search.

Do you have a favorite staging trick? Share them with us!