Any time you create a list of EVERYTHING you could, should or need to do in your home, it can add up! Consider the following scenario: You have decided to put your home on the market. You have your “To-Do List” as part of your staging consultation. What happens next? Where do you even begin? If tackling your list seems like an insurmountable task, you are not alone. This is the most common post-consultation reaction. Before you throw your hands up in the air and give up, let us share some tips on how to prepare your home for staging. We can help you manage your stress and your “To Do” list by breaking down the process into manageable, bite-sized pieces.
Keep the End in Mind
The first thing is to begin with the end in mind. Visualize the expression on a perspective buyer's face when they walk into your fabulous home once it's staged and ready to show. Then, using the "Priority" list you received during your consultation, always begin with the task that will take the least amount of time. Accomplishing something small makes you feel productive and will help to keep you motivated.
Take Small Bites
Next, only tackle one room, or section, at a time. If necessary, break large tasks into smaller ones by setting a time limit, so as to complete all that you can in 15 or 30 minute increments. This will keep you focused and on-task. Sifting through years of stuff will cause you to want to sit and reflect. Who hasn’t gotten that box of old photographs out and suddenly two hours have passed?!?! Having that timer keeps you moving and motivates you to get the job done.
Create a Sorting System
Sort and color code items into the following categories: Donate, Trash, Recycle, Give Away, and Sell. You can use sticky notes, labels or even colored tape. Create a color-coded key and make multiple copies so that others assisting you can follow the same system. (Trust us on this one:)
When you go through this process, ask yourself the following questions:
Is it worth it to me to pay the additional cost to move these items?
When was the last time this item was used?
Do I have multiple items that serve the same purpose? If so, what is the benefit of having multiples?
And most importantly, is it worth potentially losing equity in my home to keep this?
Purge and Pack it Up!
Think seasonally when packing items for storage. This applies not only to clothing, but decor, kitchen wares, etc. Those Christmas dishes aren’t really needed in March! If you're not planning to wear it or use it in the next few months, pack it. These items must be packed for the move anyway. In addition to those seasonal items, there are many items that you don’t use on a daily basis. Instead of placing those items in closets or behind closed doors, pack them up and label them as well. Be specific in your labeling, just in case you should need an item prior to moving. You never know when you might have that cold snap in April and need that heavy coat for a few days. Labeling boxes well allows you to find what you need quickly.
Arrange and Move Furniture
In order to showcase the space of your home, your home staging consultant gave you instructions on what items to eliminate from a room and what items should stay and where they should go. Line up a moving company to help you with the larger, heavier items. You may also need to reserve a POD or a storage unit to hold the extra furniture and boxes while your home is on the market. If you do not have a ton of items, you can always use part of your garage for storage. Just make sure buyers can see the amount of space in a garage and don’t store your items from floor to ceiling,
What to do if Using Staging Services
If you have decided to use staging services (i.e the home staging company is providing some or all of the furniture) it will be even more imperative that you follow the steps above and in an ample time frame. In addition:
Once you have scheduled the date for the staging company to stage, you need to have all the items that are needing to be stored, out of the house before the stagers arrive. There is no harder job than trying to hurry and move your things out while trying to move staged items in. The staff are on a time clock and the more time you take, the higher the cost.
They are NOT there to move your items to storage unless the staging company has specifically detailed that add-on with you.
You should have your home professionally cleaned before the staging company arrives. This should be done the day PRIOR to the staging. Stagers and cleaners trying to do their job at the same time is almost impossible and makes for huge delays. Stagers can’t lay rugs until floors are cleaned. Cleaners usually clean floors last. Get the idea?
By scheduling all these services prior to your staging day, you are ensuring a smooth process all around.
Hopefully these tips will help alleviate the anxiety of preparing your home for market. By presenting your home in the best possible condition, you are setting yourself up for success in both a buyer’s and seller’s market. If you need help, please reach out to us for help! If you live in the Northern Virginia area, we would be happy to assist. You can click this link to book an appointment.
Let us Shine a Spotlight on Your Home!