DIY
A DIY Staging Checklist for the Day Before Photos
If you are staging your own lived-in home, do these in order: clear every surface, remove extra furniture, fix the lighting, make the beds like a hotel, then walk the house with your phone camera. Photos show clutter that your eyes have stopped noticing.
Every room
- Clear counters, tables and shelves down to a few items.
- Take out one or two pieces of furniture per room. More floor makes rooms look larger.
- Remove family photos, kids' artwork and anything with your name on it.
- Open all blinds and curtains. Replace dead bulbs and match the bulb color within each room.
- Hide cords, bins, pet beds and bowls.
Kitchen
- Counters empty except one or two things, such as a bowl of fruit.
- Nothing on the refrigerator door.
- Dish soap, sponges and towels out of sight.
Living room
- Pull the sofa a few inches off the wall and straighten the rug.
- Two or three pillows, not eight.
- Turn the TV off and hide the remotes.
Bedrooms
- White or light bedding, pulled tight, with pillows stacked upright.
- Nightstands cleared to a lamp and one object.
- Closets half empty. Buyers open them.
Bathrooms
- Toilet lids down, counters clear, fresh towels folded.
- Remove bath mats and everything in the shower.
The phone test
Stand in each doorway and take a photo. Whatever catches your eye first on the screen is what a buyer will see. Fix it and take the photo again.
Want a professional list for your specific home? A staging consultation takes 90 minutes.
Questions
Can I stage my own home?
Yes. Decluttering, removing extra furniture, fixing the lighting and neutral bedding cover most of it. A consultation gives you a list specific to your home.
What should I remove before listing photos?
Personal photos, counter clutter, extra furniture, cords, pet items and everything on the refrigerator door.
