Home Staging Tips to Speed Up Your House Sale and Boost Value

Home Staging Tips to Speed Up Your House Sale and Boost Value

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. Home staging can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells and at what price. A well-staged home not only looks more appealing but also helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. By strategically styling your home, you can increase its perceived value and speed up the sale process.

Here are 16 home staging tips that will help your property shine, with added insights on where to improve and fine-tune your approach for maximum impact.

1. Boost Your Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. If it doesn’t make a great first impression, it can turn them off before they even step inside.

  • What to do:
    • Remove weeds and tidy up flower beds.
    • Power wash the driveway, sidewalks, and porch.
    • Repaint your front door and consider adding a new doormat.
    • Add a simple house number or an elegant light fixture.

Tip: If your lawn is sparse or patchy, consider adding some fresh sod or a simple arrangement of potted plants to liven up the entrance.

2. Restore Rooms to Their Original Purpose

Buyers want to see a clear function for each room. If you've turned your bedrooms into a home office or a gym, it’s time to return them to their original function.

  • What to do:
    • If you have an open-plan layout, define separate areas by using rugs or furniture to create clear zones for dining, lounging, or working.

3. Appeal to All the Senses

Home staging is mostly about visual appeal, but don’t forget about the other senses. A home that feels good in every way can have a lasting impact on buyers.

  • What to do:
    • Add scented candles or essential oil diffusers with light, fresh scents.
    • Play soft background music to create a peaceful atmosphere.
    • Adjust the temperature to be comfortable, whether it’s warming up in winter or cooling down in summer.

Tip: Keep scents light and natural. Too strong a fragrance can turn buyers off.

4. Declutter and Depersonalise

Clutter can make even the most beautiful home feel cramped and chaotic. Decluttering is a quick way to create a sense of space and calm, allowing buyers to envision their belongings in your home.

  • What to do:
    • Remove personal photos, knick-knacks, and excess furniture.
    • Aim to clear half the items in each room to create a clean and minimalist feel.

5. Update Old Furniture with Throws and Cushions

You don’t have to replace your old furniture to make it look fresh. Small additions like throws and cushions can breathe new life into outdated pieces.

  • What to do:
    • Use knitted blankets and plush cushions on sofas and beds for a quick, budget-friendly refresh.
    • A stylish patterned rug can also work wonders in covering up any imperfections on the floor.

6. Add Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space

Mirrors are a great way to make smaller rooms feel larger and brighter by reflecting light.

  • What to do:
    • Hang a large mirror across from a window to bounce natural light around the room.
    • Choose mirrors with interesting frames to add visual appeal while expanding the perceived size of the space.

7. Freshen Up Your Linen

Clean, fresh linen can make a room feel crisp and inviting, and it’s one of the quickest ways to refresh a bedroom or bathroom.

  • What to do:
    • Put fresh, neutral-coloured sheets on the bed and fluff pillows for a hotel-like look.
    • Update bath towels and hand towels in complementary colours.

8. Dress the Dining Table

Setting the dining table is one of the oldest tricks in the home staging book, evoking images of family dinners and social gatherings.

  • What to do:
    • Use placemats, polished glasses, and matching cutlery to set the mood.
    • For a more casual feel, a simple tray with fruit or decorative items can help convey a welcoming atmosphere.

9. Bring Life with Plants and Flowers

Adding plants and flowers can instantly brighten up any room. They bring color and vitality, making spaces feel more alive.

  • What to do:
    • Place potted plants in corners or on shelves, and put fresh flowers in vases on countertops or dining tables.
    • If you don’t have a green thumb, artificial plants and flowers can still add freshness without the upkeep.

10. Hide Electric Cables and Extension Leads

Visible electric cables can create a sense of clutter and make buyers wonder about the functionality of your electrical setup.

  • What to do:
    • Hide cables behind furniture or use cable organisers.
    • Unplug appliances you won’t need during showings, such as toasters or microwaves, to keep counters clear.

11. Clear Kitchen Worktops

A cluttered kitchen can feel cramped and uninviting. Clearing the countertops opens up the space and highlights the kitchen’s functionality.

  • What to do:
    • Remove excess items like utensils, coffee machines, or fridge magnets.
    • Leave only essential appliances like the toaster or kettle, and consider hiding the microwave.

12. Clean Windows for Maximum Light

Sparkling clean windows allow natural light to flood into the room, making the space feel more open and airy.

  • What to do:
    • Wipe down windows inside and out, including frames and sills.
    • Pull back curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.

13. Refresh Tired Walls with Fresh Paint

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, giving rooms a clean, polished look.

  • What to do:
    • Touch up walls with a fresh coat in a light, neutral color.
    • This is especially important if your walls have marks or stains.

14. Remove TVs from Bedrooms

While a TV is often expected in the living room, having one in a bedroom can make the space feel less peaceful and more cluttered.

  • What to do:
    • If possible, remove any televisions from the bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom during viewings to make the space feel more serene.

15. Deep Clean Every Corner

A clean home speaks volumes. A thorough deep clean, including carpets, baseboards, and windowsills, will give your home a polished, well-maintained look.

  • What to do:
    • Vacuum carpets, scrub floors, and dust hard-to-reach spots.
    • Pay attention to overlooked areas like corners, light switches, and vents.

16. Add Special Finishing Touches

A unique finishing touch can make your home memorable without overwhelming the space.

  • What to do:
    • Consider adding a statement piece of art, a decorative tray, or a unique lamp.
    • A bold vase, eye-catching book collection, or an interesting sculpture can create a conversation piece.

How Much Value Can Home Staging Add?

The impact of staging is undeniable. According to Arden Estate Agents, a staged home can increase its sale price by up to 10%.

  • For example, if your home is valued at £300,000, proper staging could bring offers of £330,000—a potential increase of £30,000. Even if you spent £5,000 on staging, you could see a net gain of £25,000.

Home staging isn’t just about making your home look pretty; it’s a strategy to enhance the perceived value and desirability of your property. The small effort you put into staging can lead to bigger rewards when it comes to securing a higher sale price and a faster deal.

Final Thoughts:
Staging your home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, and you don’t need to do everything at once. Even small adjustments—like decluttering, adding fresh linens, or creating a welcoming entryway—can significantly improve your home’s appeal. By following these 16 home staging tips, you’ll be well on your way to attracting the right buyers and making a memorable first impression. Happy staging!

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