Pre-Staging Checklist – Top 10 Tips for Preparing a Home to Sell before it’s ready to be Staged

When you hire a professional home stager, you want to get the most you can from their time and expertise.

That’s why it’s important to have your home prepared in advance.

How do you prepare your home before it’s staged? We created this guide to highlight the key items we recommend clients do before we enter their homes.

Top 10 Items Clients Should Do Before Home Staging

1. Clean:

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for staging is to clean it from top to bottom. This includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning all surfaces, windows, and floors. Don’t forget to declutter as you go!

2. De-clutter:

In addition to cleaning, it’s important to declutter your space before staging. This means getting rid of any personal items like photographs, mementos, and knick-knacks. It also means clearing off countertops, tables, and other surfaces. The goal is to create a clean and uncluttered space that looks spacious and inviting.

3. Remove personal items like photographs:

Another important step in preparing your home for staging is to remove any personal items like photographs, mementos, and knick-knacks. The goal is to create a space that looks neutral and inviting to potential buyers.

4. Paint neutral colours:

One of the best ways to prepare your home for staging is to paint the walls neutral colours. This will help create a blank canvas that can be easily transformed with staging.

5. Engage the services of a realtor:

If you’re planning on selling your home, it’s a good idea to engage the services of a professional realtor. They will be able to help you with the staging process and advising on pricing strategy and target audience.

6. Clean the windows:

In addition to cleaning the inside of your home, it’s important to clean the outside as well. This includes washing the windows and making sure the gutters are clear.

7. Mow the lawn & general landscaping:

Another important step in preparing your home for staging is to make sure the lawn is mowed and the landscaping is trimmed. This will help create a neat and inviting appearance. In our cold Ontario winters, make sure to clear the snow, salt the walkways, and ensure a very safe passage for both the home staging company staff, and potential buyers for showings. Though home staging also includes the exterior, home stagers do not provide landscaping services, so if your yards are in need of some care, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper.

8. Pressure wash the exterior:

In addition to cleaning the windows and mowing the lawn, it’s also important to pressure wash the exterior of your home. This will remove any dirt, grime, and pollen that has built up over time.

9. Declutter the garage:

If you have a garage, it’s important to declutter it before staging. This means getting rid of any unnecessary items and organizing what’s left. The goal is to create a space that looks clean, spacious, and inviting.

10. Make small repairs:

Before staging your home, it’s also a good idea to make any small repairs that are needed. This could include fixing leaking faucets, replacing burned-out light bulbs, or patching holes in the walls. The goal is to create a space that looks well-maintained and inviting.

IN CONCLUSION: Prepare In Advance to get the MOST Out of Home Staging Services!

By following these simple tips, you can prepare your home for staging and increase its chances of selling quickly and for top dollar.

Many people hire professional home stagers to leverage their time and expertise. That's why you should prepare your home in advance. This way, you can make the most of their services. 

The Styled Home Co. offers a range of professional home staging services, from virtual consultations to standard home staging solutions to premium "do everything for you" services. We customize our solutions to match your needs.

Contact us today for a free estimate!