Home Staging Checklist | Free Home Staging Course (Unit 4)

Home Staging Course Unit 4

Home Staging Checklist

Our home staging checklist will walk you through staging any home.

If you’ve missed the beginning of the course or just want to review, go back and check out Unit 1 of our home staging course.

Outside areas and curb appeal

• Tidy, trim, and mow all lawn areas and beds.
• Patch bare spots in the lawn and make sure the grass gets watered so it?s nice and green.
• Remove branches that might be blocking windows, view sightlines, or giving the yard an overgrown look.
• Add some pretty potted flowers near the front door.
• Make sure the porch, deck, and walkways are washed and free of leaves.
• Put away yard tools, empty pots, toys, trash cans, and lawnmowers.
• Make sure the pets are picked up after. Hire a pooper-scooper service if necessary.
• If the front door is painted and could use a new coat, consider using red if it works with existing house colors. Red front doors look great and convey an energetic feel upon entering.
• Make sure the exterior, porch, and deck areas are spic and span and free of cobwebs and dust.
• Make sure outdoor light fixtures are in good working order.
• Consider an updated mailbox and house numbers.
• Add fresh new doormats outside front and back doors.
• If the home has a large porch, make sure there?s a seating area or porch swing.
• Make sure pool and hot tub areas are clean and free of leaves.

Throughout the house

• Put away clutter.
• Remove excess furniture.
• Clean thoroughly.
• Paint, if needed.
• Replace window coverings, if needed.
• Put away seasonal items that aren?t needed, along with valuables, wardrobe items that aren?t needed, and knick-knacks or excess artwork/d?cor.
• Make simple updates like new switch plates or cabinet pulls.
• Depersonalize
• Remove plants that aren?t thriving, add new plants if desired.
• Use psychological staging to edit or add.
• Make d?cor updates like throw rugs and pillows.
• Add vignettes.

Entry and living areas

• Remove any clutter that may accumulate near entryways such as shoes, coats, leashes, and mail.
• Edit and arrange decorative items on mantle and tables.
• Make sure artwork is appropriate and that the space has been properly depersonalized.
• Arrange throw pillows and style other accessories as needed.
• Add flowers/plants.

Kitchen

• Make sure countertops are clear of clutter. Leave only the most essential items in order to accentuate counter space.
• Remove refrigerator items like magnets, photos, lists, etc.
• Place a pretty bowl of fruit on the counter.
• Update dish towel and throw rug if necessary.
• Organize cabinets and other storage areas.
• Make sure there are no trash odors.

Dining room

• Make sure the dining room is functioning as a dining room and not a multi-purpose room.
• Set the table as if a dinner party is happening.
• Check to make sure artwork is appropriate and the room is depersonalized.

Bathrooms

• Replace shower curtain, rug, and towels if necessary.
• Remove all clutter and personal items from counter tops. Keep grooming items in a drawer.
• Make sure everything is sparkling clean, including grout.
• Keep all step stools etc. out of the way to maximize floor space.
• Create a spa-like atmosphere with luxury towels, pretty soaps, etc. if desired.

Bedrooms

• Update bedding if necessary.
• Remove all clutter and make sure the room is depersonalized.
• Make bed neatly and style with throw pillows.
• Edit and style d?cor items on dressers and night tables.

Closets

• Remove seasonal items that aren?t needed.
• Create space by editing and organizing.
• Make sure items are neat and tidy.
• Create more space by packing up items and putting them in storage.
• Make sure closets appear spacious, not cramped.

Odors

• Have the sellers keep litter boxes clean ? scoop at least once per day.
• Avoid smoking in the house.
• Air out the house.
• Use Febreze as needed.

Now that you have the home staging checklist, we’re ready for step-by-step instructions for how to stage a house.