10 Quick and Easy Hacks for Self-Staging Your Home
Did you know that staged homes sell up to 30 times faster?
And that staging can increase the sale price by an average of 20%?
Your home is your biggest investment. Naturally, you’re looking to get the highest possible return. Staging is an incredible way to do that. It makes your house look expensive, and taps into the daydreaming sector of the buyer’s brain.
But professional staging services are expensive. In Kentucky, the average hourly rate for professional stagers is between $76-106/ per hour.
It’s not hard to DIY a staging project. Here’s what to do:
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Declutter for a fresh, minimalistic look
If you’re still living in your home when it’s on the market, it can be difficult to keep your home clutter-free. But it’s paramount. Make sure your surfaces are free of magazines, mail, cups, personal photos, or anything else that is reminiscent of daily life. And don’t just stuff everything in a closet (potential buyers will be looking in these spaces too!). Your home should look feel fresh and minimalist.
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Deep Clean
Clean your house like it’s never been cleaned before! Get into the grout. The top of your cabinets. That secret space behind your fridge. Remember that many people have aversions to chemical smells. Use cleaning supplies with all-natural scents (like Mrs. Meyers or Method) if possible.
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Paint using neutral, warm tones
We’re always amazed at how a fresh coat of paint can transform a space. Opt for neutral colors that compliment your flooring and lighting. Tones of light grey are always a safe option. They look great with white trim and almost all flooring options.
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Move furniture away from walls
It may seem counterintuitive, but this makes your rooms look bigger. Pulling furniture together can make your living rooms seem more conversational and intimate. Pay attention to the balance of furniture, and don’t cover up any windows. Natural light is everything.
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Hide Cords
It’s easy to become blind to cord clutter. In every home, there is a tangled web of cords behind TV and computers. Use zip ties or cord sleeves to organize your plug-ins. Run them along the side of the furniture to hide them as best as possible. And don’t forget to give them a proper dusting beforehand! Cords are one of the most easily forgotten dirt collectors.
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Add decorative pillows to your bed
Check Pinterest for pillow configurations. Then add some luxurious flair to sleeping spaces.
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Remove pet stuff
Potential buyers should not know you have a pet. Hide the food bins, toys, brushes, pet beds, and water bowls. If your animal sheds, make sure to remove dander from every piece of furniture.
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Use simple accessories.
Decor accessories must be both simple and strategic. Add a colorful bowl of fruit to the kitchen island. Set a beautiful table in the dining room. Place tasteful bouquets of fresh flowers around the home.
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Don’t forget your outdoor spaces
Set up your outdoor spaces in a way that makes them a continuation of the indoor living space. The buyers should be able to envision themselves throwing fabulous garden parties and holiday cookouts. Add string lights and comfortable furniture. In the front of your home, add curb appeal. Make sure your lawn is mowed and edged. Add pots of flowers and window boxes. Ensure that flower beds are lush, yet tidy.
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Remember- less is more!
Staging should have a balance between minimalism and style. The home should be empty enough so that anyone touring the home can envision themselves in the space while also being stylish enough so that they see how the home will be a step up in their lives. This can feel hard to achieve. But when in doubt, less is more.
Cost-Saving Ideas for Self-Staging
Consider virtual staging
Virtual staging is a much cheaper option than traditional professional staging. Some companies will deliver virtual staging for as little as $35 per room. Virtual stagers use photoshop to spruce your home up. Virtual stagers can:
- Change paint colors
- Change flooring
- Remove existing furniture
- Add in new photos and artwork
- Change lighting and views from the windows
The final product will certainly help entice buyers to see the property in person. The finished product is typically very impressive. The only downside is that they won’t get the same decor “wow” factor in person.
Schedule a consult with a stager
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by a project like this. It’s hard to envision your home with a designer’s eye. You see it every day, and you’ve outfitted your home in a way that is comfortable for you. Seeing beyond this is tricky. If you’re feeling lost, consider paying a local stager for a one-hour consultation. It’s cheaper than using full staging services, and they’ll give you color ideas, furniture arrangement ideas, and teach you to emphasize your best spaces.
Don’t Stage Every Room
If staging your entire home feels overwhelming, just pick a few key focal points. The living room, kitchen, dining room, and master bedroom will be the most important spots. And any room that you don’t stage, just empty it completely and deep clean it. This can feel like a big project. But you’re moving anyway. It’ll have to be done sooner or later! Pack up and empty those rooms, and put the furniture in a temporary storage unit until you’re ready to move into your next home.