A checklist for staging your property when selling

While everyone will stage their home differently – there’s no definitive right or wrong – here’s a list of questions to give some thought.

How’s the first impression?

Imagine arriving at your property for the very first time: pulling into the driveway or, say, walking up the garden path. Look for ways to boost the ‘curb appeal’ – for example, add a hanging basket beside the front door or tidy away the wheelie bins. If you’ve got a driveway, try to leave space for parking. No matter how lovely your home is inside, a first impression has a strong effect on potential buyers.

Have you fully decluttered?

Yes, you might have whisked away a few personal items, but have you really created clear, spacious areas? Go from room to room with an eagle eye for anything that can be tucked into a drawer or otherwise hidden. This exercise is not only about making rooms look more spacious, but also about helping potential buyers to imagine their own lives in the property.

How clean is clean?

When you’re preparing to sell your house, the job of cleaning can feel daunting. You might tackle the task in stages. First, the deep clean of, say, your kitchen appliances, your windows and any stained carpets. Second, a hover, dust and tidy the day before a viewing. Third, a quick check on the day itself. A clean and fresh appearance will show your house in its best light and suggest you’ve been a diligent homeowner who’s looked after the place.

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Can you delight the senses?

It’s hard to overestimate the power of a bunch of flowers! Before you spend a fortune at the florist, however, consider just putting some daffodils in a pot on the kitchen table. You might please the other senses, too – for instance, play some gentle background music, drape a soft-looking woollen blanket over the bed, or place an essential oil diffuser in the hallway.

Is every room well-lit?

Dull, overcast days can make for uninspiring home interiors. Maximise the natural light by pulling back curtains and lifting blinds. And, if in doubt, leave on the artificial lights so your potential buyers can walk into illuminated, welcoming spaces.

Can you sell a way of life?

Staging is partly about letting people picture themselves living in – and more importantly, enjoying – your property. With some rooms, this doesn’t take much thought: your living room might already be well set up to relax on the sofa or read a book in the armchair. In other spaces, perhaps a ‘box’ room, you could show it’s wide enough for a child’s bed or a desk (if you already have these items to hand). Perhaps in the bathroom, place freshly washed towels and a scented candle by the bath.

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Final thoughts

Everyone’s idea of a perfectly staged property will be different – you don’t need to spend money on items you’ve seen on home interior websites or banish all personal possessions. But by getting your home in good shape, you’ll maximise your chances of creating great photos, impressing potential buyers and making that sale. For more advice, look up your nearest Winkworth branch and talk to an experienced estate agent.