Learn my best tips for staging while still living in your home, like ‘pre-moving,’ creating a showroom feel, and more.
When you're getting ready to sell, one of the biggest questions I get is, “How do I stage a house I still live in?” The goal is to make your home “picture ready” without turning daily life upside down.
Most sellers already know that well-staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money. That’s because they photograph better, show better online, and help buyers imagine themselves living there.
But staging while you’re still living in the space? That’s where it gets tricky. The key is finding a balance, presenting your home in the best light without clearing it out completely.
Here are four home staging strategies that can help you do just that:
1. Declutter
The knick-knacks and photos make your house feel like home. But when we're preparing to sell, less is more. Buyers want to be able to picture themselves in the space, not feel like they're visiting someone else's life.
If you’re not sure what “less is more” looks like, go check out some model homes in a new construction community. Those places are a great reference. They feel lived-in but not crowded. Counters are clear, closets are neat, and there’s no clutter in the bathrooms or bedrooms.
And here’s the bonus: since you’re moving anyway, this is the perfect time to start packing up anything non-essential. You’re just getting a head start.
2. Deep clean everything
This might be the most important thing, and it’s also the one most people skip. Why? Because it’s easy to ignore. But I promise, it goes a long way.
When people think about staging, they usually picture flowers, furniture placement, or putting towels in threes on the counter. But a good deep clean makes your whole house feel different. Think back to those model homes. Part of what makes them so appealing is how spotless they are.
If you’re not up for the task, hire a professional. It’s honestly one of the best returns on investment when prepping your home for the market.
3. Create a showroom feel
Buyers love neutral, airy spaces. Swap out bold bedding or décor for light, inviting colors. Keep furniture arranged to make rooms feel open and welcoming. If you have kids or pets, store away extra toys and supplies to keep things tidy.
4. Don’t skip the smell check
Scent matters more than people realize. If you have pets or young kids, strong odors can linger. A clean-smelling home makes a big impact. Think about lighting a candle, using a Glade plug-in, or just avoiding strong cooking smells before a showing. Plan ahead so the house smells fresh when buyers walk in.
If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. At the Made for More Team, we meet with our sellers to walk through these tips and more. We even have a free e-book that shows you how to potentially sell your home for up to $50,000 more using simple staging techniques.
And we take it one step further, we offer a complimentary two-hour consultation with the top stager in our market. They’ll walk through your home and give you a personalized list of what to do. You can do all of it or none of it; it’s your house, your call. But at least you’ll know exactly what could make a difference.
If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for sale, visit our website, made4morerealty.com. You can also contact us at (855) 935-6673 or email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help.