9. Kitchen and Bathroom TLC (Sparkling Surfaces Sell)
Kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale. Ensure surfaces gleam by scrubbing grout, polishing taps and disinfecting countertops. Clear off countertops, leaving only a neat coffee maker or a bowl of fresh fruit. Replace old bath mats and shower curtains, and display plush, rolled towels for a spa-like feel. If your bathroom mirror is pitted or your kitchen taps are tarnished, it’s worth investing in replacements to give these rooms a fresh, modern look.
10. Create Lifestyle Vignettes (Sell the Dream)
Once the basics are in place, think about lifestyle vignettes—small, styled scenes that hint at the life buyers could have in your home. Set a chic breakfast nook with a tray of cereal bowls and a steaming teapot. In the living room, drape a chunky throw over an armchair and place an open book on a side table. For the home office or study, position a laptop and notebook beside a tidy desk lamp. These little scenes provide emotional triggers that help buyers connect with the space.
11. Curb Appeal Counts (First Impressions Matter)
Don’t let your garden or porch undermine all your staging magic inside. Mow the lawn, trim hedges and sweep pathways. Repaint or varnish the front door if it looks faded, and add a potted plant or two by the entrance. If your letterbox is leaning, straighten it. A fresh welcome mat and a cheerful wreath (seasonal, if you like) can also add instant charm. If you have any outdoor furniture, ensure it’s clean and neatly arranged to hint at al fresco entertaining.
12. Tidy the Terrace or Balcony (Extend the Living Space)
If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or terrace, treat it as another room. Sweep the floor, dust outdoor furniture, and add a couple of cushions and a small side table. A battery-operated lantern or a string of fairy lights can create a cosy evening ambience. Even a tiny outdoor space can feel like a secret retreat when staged thoughtfully.
13. Perfect Your Flooring (Rugs, Carpets and Hard Surfaces)
Clean floors are non-negotiable. Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional to banish stains and odours. If your hardwood is scuffed, consider sanding and re-oiling high-traffic areas. Area rugs in neutral tones can cover minor imperfections, define seating areas and inject warmth. Just ensure they’re proportionate to the room—too small and they’ll look awkward; too large and they can overwhelm the space.
14. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (Create the Illusion of Space)
Mirrors are staging superstars. A strategically placed mirror reflects light, amplifies views and creates the impression of a larger room. Lean a full-length mirror in a corner of the living room or hallway, or hang matching mirrors on either side of a fireplace. In the bedroom, a mirror over the dresser not only looks stylish but also serves a practical purpose.
15. Keep It Spotless (Cleanliness Never Goes Out of Style)
Even the best staging efforts can be ruined by dust bunnies hiding under the sofa or toothpaste smudges on the sink. Before each viewing, do a quick once-over: vacuum floors, wipe surfaces, and ensure bins are empty. Make your home smell inviting, not like yesterday’s dinner. A spotless, well-maintained home reassures buyers that the property has been cared for diligently.
16. Optimise Your Online Listing (Photos That Sell)
Most buyers start their journey online, so your listing photos must do justice to your staging. Hire a professional photographer if possible—they know how to capture angles, lighting and depth. If you’re using your phone, shoot rooms in natural daylight, stand in corners to show space, and ensure each room is perfectly tidy. Highlight your favourite features: a roaring fireplace, a sleek kitchen island or that enviable walk-in wardrobe. Remember to stage each photo as if it’s the first and only one viewers will see.
17. Host a Pre-Launch Viewing for Friends (Practice Makes Perfect)
Invite a couple of trusted friends or family members over before the official viewings begin. Ask them to point out anything that feels off—an awkward furniture arrangement, an odd smell or a table that’s blocking the light. Fresh eyes will spot details you’ve grown blind to. Plus, you’ll get to test your staging under real-life flow and make adjustments accordingly.
18. Create an Inviting Viewing Atmosphere (Comfort Matters)
On viewing day, set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature—neither too hot nor too cold. Brew a freshly ground coffee or bake a small batch of cookies so the home smells welcoming (but don’t overpower sensitive noses). Play soft, neutral background music at a low volume—think jazz or acoustic instrumentals. Little touches like these make visitors feel at ease, as though they’re stepping into a home they could live in happily.
19. Provide Helpful Takeaways (Leave a Lasting Impression)
After visitors wander through your impeccably staged home, give them something to remember it by. Prepare a simple info sheet with key details—square footage, recent upgrades, local amenities—and a few tasteful photos. Slip these into a branded folder alongside your estate agent’s business card. A tangible takeaway helps buyers recall your property positively when they compare it to other viewings.
Here’s to a quick sale and the next stage of your life!
