8 Tips to Staging Your Home like a Pro

As we roll into fall, you may be thinking about selling your home before the holiday season fully kicks in. The question is—are you truly prepared to stage your home? Staging helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space you’re trying to sell. With a few strategic updates and a little effort, you can create a welcoming, polished environment that may lead to faster—and even better—offers. Here are some practical tips you can do on your own, without needing a professional designer.

It Starts with Cleaning

Before rearranging or decorating, make sure your home is spotless. Buyers notice the little things: dusty baseboards, smudged mirrors, or any signs of neglect. A deep clean helps your home feel cared for and move-in ready. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where cleanliness is especially important.

Declutter and Depersonalize

When buyers tour your home, they want to envision themselves living there—not be reminded that it’s yours. That means reducing personal items such as family photos, collections, or bold décor. Of course, not everything can be hidden, so try arranging or covering personal items in a way that keeps them from being front and center. Clear countertops and surfaces to make rooms appear larger, and organize everyday items for a tidy, connected feel. Even something simple, like neatly stacking towels in the bathroom, can give the impression of order and care.

Create a Cohesive Look

Consistency is key. While each room can have its own personality, using a unified color palette and design style helps the home feel intentional and appealing. Avoid jarring transitions or dramatically different themes from one room to another. A home that feels like a cohesive canvas is far more inviting to buyers than one that comes across as a fixer-upper.

Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions start before buyers even walk through the door. Do a little yardwork to make the front of your home inviting—trim overgrown landscaping, power wash walkways, and consider adding potted plants or a fresh welcome mat. The exterior sets the tone for the rest of the showing, so give it the attention it deserves.

Use Soft Light and Neutral Color

Bright walls or bold color schemes might reflect your personal style, but they can distract buyers. If you’ve painted rooms in strong colors, consider repainting with softer neutrals such as beige, gray, or light taupe to create a calming atmosphere. Neutral walls allow buyers to imagine their own décor more easily. For rooms lacking natural light, add floor or table lamps to create a warm, inviting glow.

Rearrange Furniture for Flow

You may need to make small adjustments to your layout to highlight your home’s best features. With staging, less is more—remove bulky or excess furniture to create a sense of space and easy movement. Arrange seating to draw attention to focal points like a fireplace, large windows, or a view. If you’re already in the process of moving, this is a great opportunity to transition some furniture to your new home while freeing up space for staging.

Add Simple Touche

The finishing touches can make a big impact. Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a lightly scented candle can instantly brighten and freshen a space. Adding folded towels in the bathroom or subtle air fresheners throughout the home creates a sense of cleanliness and comfort. This is the fun part of staging—small details that enhance the overall experience during an open house.

Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

What was it that first drew you to this home—the picture windows, the built-ins, or the cozy fireplace? Make sure to showcase those same features during staging. Think back to what stood out to you as a buyer, because chances are, prospective buyers will notice and appreciate those elements too.

Staging isn’t about hiding flaws—it’s about helping buyers see the full value and potential of your home. With these simple tips, you can make your property more appealing and market-ready. As your real estate agent, I’m always here to answer questions or share ideas to help you prepare your home for a successful sale.

_{Original Article by Michel Smith}