Home staging doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of simple DIY changes you can make to prepare your home for potential buyers while sticking to your budget. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Prepare your closets to show off to potential buyers. Closets are a huge selling point and the tidier you can make them, the better impression you'll make. Try removing half of everything in each closet to highlight the amount of usable space. Another great way to enhance your closets is to swap out plastic hangers for ones made of wood or metal. Clear the floor space or utilize smart modular shoe storage to show off the possibilities to potential buyers.
One of the most important things to remember when staging your home is to de-personalize. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space, and that's more difficult to do when distracted by personal photos or hobby-related decor. Anything personally identifying should be stowed away, but you don't have to remove everything. Keep the more neutral decorative pieces like framed nature photography or artwork to add interest to the space without causing distraction.
Getting rid of general household clutter should be the first step in your staging journey. However, you can take it further by applying it to your furniture and larger decorative items as well as small belongings. Examine each room in your home and find at least one furniture piece you can remove to make more space. Unless you already have an extremely minimalist design style, you should be able to create the illusion of more square footage for free just by moving furniture.
These are just a few ways you can DIY your home staging. While working with a professional stager is still an excellent idea for any home seller, these strategies will get you started and save you money.
Active in residential brokerage since 1985, Michael enjoys a loyal following of past buyers and sellers. Prior to entering brokerage, he studied culinary arts and managed restaurants in the Boston area. Born and raised in Newton, Michael is very familiar with the Greater Boston area. His seven-day-a-week commitment to his profession serves his clients and customers well. His educational background includes The Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute, The Lee Institute for Real Estate, and The Tom Hopkins and Floyd Wickman Sales Training courses.
In recognition of his completion of the prescribed courses in real estate practice and ethics, Michael has earned the distinguished GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) designation. He continues his long-standing membership in the National Association of Realtors and is an avid fly fisherman, musician, and outdoor enthusiast.
Michael was awarded the International President's Circle Award for sales expertise, market knowledge, and dedication to clients for 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023 he was awarded the International Presidents Elite Award, representing the Top 2% of Hammond Residential & Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide, for demonstrating exceptional sales production, ambition and his commitment to the Real Estate Industry.