Home Staging 101: Simple Tips to Prep Your Home for Sale
Selling your home can be an exciting yet stressful process. One of the best ways to make a great first impression and stand out in a competitive market is through home staging. You don’t need to hire an expensive professional to stage your home. With a few simple, cost-effective tweaks, you can create an inviting space that will attract potential buyers.
Here’s a basic guide to help you prep your home for sale with simple staging ideas—and where to find materials, supplies, and furniture no matter where you live in the United States.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
The first step in staging your home is to clear out the clutter. Remove excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal items that may distract potential buyers from imagining themselves in the space. Personal photos, memorabilia, and items that reflect your personality should be packed away. The goal is to create a neutral, clean slate that allows buyers to see the home’s potential.
- Tip: Go room by room and ask yourself, “Is this space functional and open?” If not, remove or rearrange items to create more space and flow.
- Where to Buy: You can find storage bins, boxes, and shelving units at retailers like Walmart, Target, or The Container Store for affordable organizational solutions.
2. Deep Clean Your Home
A spotless home makes a huge impact on buyers. Clean every surface—windows, baseboards, and floors. Pay attention to areas that might be overlooked, like light fixtures, vents, and behind appliances. Consider hiring professional cleaners if you’re short on time or want to ensure everything shines.
- Tip: Don’t forget about odors. If your home has pets or is cooking heavy meals regularly, use air fresheners, bake cookies, or simply air out the house before showings.
- Where to Buy: Purchase cleaning supplies and products at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Amazon. For odor control, check out scented candles or essential oils at Bed Bath & Beyond or Target.
3. Neutralize the Color Palette
Bright, bold colors may be fun, but they can also turn off potential buyers. Opt for neutral shades—think whites, grays, beiges, or soft pastels. Neutral colors make rooms appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. If you don’t want to repaint the whole house, focus on high-impact areas like the living room and kitchen.
- Tip: Add color with accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork, but keep the walls neutral.
- Where to Buy: You can pick up paint and supplies at Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot, or Lowe's. For accessories, visit Target, IKEA, or Wayfair for budget-friendly options.
4. Make Small Repairs
Buyers notice the little things—cracked tiles, leaky faucets, and chipped paint. Before putting your home on the market, take care of small repairs. Fix any broken appliances, replace light bulbs, and patch holes in walls. If something is in disrepair, buyers may assume the home requires more costly work, which could deter offers.
- Tip: A fresh coat of paint in high-traffic areas can go a long way in making your home look refreshed and well-maintained.
- Where to Buy: For repairs, visit Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ace Hardware for tools, paints, and supplies. You can also find affordable light fixtures and bulbs at Amazon or Walmart.
5. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light is one of the most sought-after features in a home. Make sure your home is well-lit by opening curtains, blinds, or shades. Clean your windows to allow as much light in as possible. If your space doesn’t get a lot of natural light, consider using strategically placed lamps to brighten up the rooms.
- Tip: Light-colored curtains or sheer fabrics will allow more light to filter through without sacrificing privacy.
- Where to Buy: Purchase curtains, blinds, and lighting fixtures from Target, IKEA, or Wayfair. For additional lamps and lighting, check out Home Depot or Amazon.
6. Highlight Key Features
Every home has features that make it unique, whether it's a cozy fireplace, large windows, or beautiful hardwood floors. Make sure these features are highlighted by arranging furniture to showcase them. For example, place a comfy chair near a fireplace, or position the couch so that the view from the window is the focal point of the room.
- Tip: Keep furniture arrangements simple and avoid overcrowding. The goal is to emphasize the space and layout.
- Where to Buy: For small pieces of furniture and accessories, you can find budget-friendly options at Wayfair, Target, or Amazon. For larger furniture, IKEA is a great option for both quality and affordability.
7. Create a Welcoming Entryway
First impressions matter, so make sure your entryway is inviting. A clean doormat, a few potted plants, or a fresh coat of paint on the front door can make a huge difference. If your entry is cluttered, clear it out and add a welcoming touch, like a stylish bench or some decorative accessories.
- Tip: A well-lit, organized entry will make buyers feel immediately at home.
- Where to Buy: You can find doormats, potted plants, and small furniture pieces at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, or Walmart. For decorative pieces, try Wayfair or Amazon.
8. Stage the Outdoors
Don’t forget about your yard! A well-maintained exterior can increase the appeal of your home. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, and plant colorful flowers to create a warm and inviting curb appeal. If you have a porch or patio, arrange furniture to make it look cozy and functional.
- Tip: Add some outdoor lighting or lanterns to give the space a warm glow, especially for evening showings.
- Where to Buy: Outdoor furniture and garden supplies are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Target. For outdoor lighting, check out Amazon, Wayfair, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
9. Appeal to the Senses
When staging, think about how the home feels, smells, and sounds. Soft music in the background can set the right mood, while fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit can create an inviting atmosphere. Just be careful not to overdo it with scents—strong perfumes or air fresheners can be overwhelming.
- Tip: A lightly scented candle or baked goods can create a welcoming, homely feel without being overpowering.
- Where to Buy: Scented candles, fresh flowers, and decorative items can be found at Target, IKEA, HomeGoods, and Amazon.
10. Consider Temporary Furniture Rentals
If you’ve already moved out, your home may look empty and uninviting. Renting furniture can be an easy fix. A few key pieces—like a couch, dining table, or bed—can help potential buyers visualize how the space can be used. Plus, it’ll make the home feel more lived-in and comfortable.
- Tip: Keep the furniture minimal and in proportion to the room’s size.
- Where to Rent: Consider furniture rental companies like CORT or Brook Furniture Rental, which offer short-term rentals and a variety of styles to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Home staging doesn’t need to be an expensive or overwhelming task. With a little time, effort, and a few small improvements, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for a good price. The goal is to create a space where buyers can envision themselves living, so focus on making your home clean, organized, and neutral.
By following these simple home staging tips and knowing where to find your materials and supplies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a welcoming and attractive space that buyers won’t be able to resist.
About Frank Campobasso
With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Frank Campobasso is an award-winning realtor with Century 21 Circle. Recognized for his expertise and commitment to excellence, Frank has been featured in renowned publications like Top Agent Magazine, Crain’s Chicago Business and The Chicago Tribune, as well as on popular radio talk shows. His reputation for providing exceptional service and delivering results has earned him consistently positive reviews from clients. Whether you’re buying or selling, Frank’s experience and personalized approach make him a trusted advisor in today’s competitive real estate market.
