Staging Secrets: How Less Really Becomes More

• Space Feels Bigger: Removing excess furniture and clutter instantly makes rooms look larger and more inviting.

• Buyers Focus on Features: Clean lines and clear sightlines draw attention to the home itself — the windows, hardwood floors, fireplace — not the belongings inside.

• Neutral Canvas: A pared-down space feels calm and neutral, appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

• Highlighting Lifestyle: A staged home doesn’t just show rooms; it tells a story of how someone could live there.

Step 1: Declutter First

Before staging can begin, decluttering is essential. Remove anything that doesn’t add value to the room.

• Box up personal items like family photos, trophies, and collections.

• Store away seasonal décor.

• Donate or pack up items you won’t need until after the move.

Pro Tip: Removing family photos helps buyers imagine themselves in the home, rather than feeling like they’re walking through someone else’s story.

Step 2: Simplify the Furniture

Less furniture = more space.

• Keep only essential pieces that show the room’s purpose (a bed in the bedroom, a sofa in the living room).

• Remove oversized or worn-out furniture that makes spaces feel cramped.

• Arrange seating to create open, natural traffic flow.

Step 3: Create a Hotel-Like Feel

Think about the last time you walked into a beautifully staged hotel room — calm, uncluttered, and welcoming. That’s the vibe buyers are drawn to.

• Crisp bedding, neutral décor, and minimal personal items.

• Clear bathroom counters with just a few spa-like touches (fresh towels, candles, or soap).

• A consistent color palette throughout the home.

This approach makes the space feel fresh, clean, and ready for someone new to settle in.

Step 4: Use Neutral, Calming Colors

A fresh coat of paint in a soft, neutral shade works wonders. Beige, light gray, or warm white allows buyers to project their own style onto the space.

• Swap out bold bedding or curtains for simple, neutral fabrics.

• Stick with minimal décor and a consistent color palette.

Step 5: Let in the Light

Light makes a home feel open and welcoming.

• Pull back heavy drapes and blinds.

• Clean windows inside and out.

• Add lamps in darker corners for a warm glow.

Step 6: Add Just a Few Finishing Touches

“Less is more” doesn’t mean bare. Small, thoughtful touches can make a big difference:

• A vase of fresh flowers on the dining table.

• A bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter.

• Fluffy white towels in the bathroom.

• A cozy throw blanket draped over a chair.

Step 7: Keep It Clean and Tidy

Staging only works if it lasts. Once your home is staged, stay consistent:

• Make beds daily.

• Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

• Keep shoes, coats, and mail tucked away.

Final Thought

Staging isn’t about stripping your home of personality — it’s about creating the best first impression for buyers. By embracing the idea that less really is more and aiming for a neutral, hotel-like atmosphere, you allow your home’s best features to shine and make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Sometimes, the simplest changes have the biggest impact.