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.
With over 30 years of real estate experience, Loann Tran is a trusted and award-winning REALTOR® in the Bay Area. A top producer since 1995, she’s known for her deep market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to her clients. Loann has successfully navigated all market conditions—including the 2009 downturn—and consistently ranks among the top 10% of agents in Santa Clara County. Now with Compass, she combines her expertise with innovative tools and technology to deliver exceptional results. Clients value her integrity, attention to detail, and personal approach, making her a reliable partner for both buyers and sellers.