How to Stage a Home for a Viewing or Open House

Maximising First Impressions

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions count. Buyers often make up their minds within minutes of stepping inside. Staging your home helps showcase its full potential, making it more appealing and allowing buyers to imagine themselves living there. Here’s how to stage your home effectively for a successful viewing or open house.

1. Start With a Clean Slate
   Clean every surface—from floors to ceilings. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. A spotless home tells buyers that the property has been well-maintained.
2. Declutter and Depersonalise
   Remove personal items like family photos, travel souvenirs, and excessive knick-knacks. You want buyers to imagine their own lives in the space—not yours. Less clutter also makes rooms feel larger and more open.
3. Let There Be Light
   Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light. Replace any dim or burnt-out bulbs with bright, neutral white lighting. Light-filled spaces feel bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.
4. Highlight the Best Features
   Arrange furniture to highlight focal points such as fireplaces, views, or architectural details. Avoid blocking pathways and keep the layout open and flowing.
5. Neutralise and Modernise
   If possible, paint walls in soft, neutral tones. This helps appeal to a broader audience and gives your home a fresh, updated look. Remove or update dated furniture and decor items.
6. Add Inviting Touches
   Fresh flowers, neatly folded towels, a bowl of fruit on the counter, or a scented candle can add warmth without overwhelming the space. These small touches make a home feel welcoming.
7. Don’t Forget the Exterior
   Curb appeal matters. Mow the lawn, sweep pathways, and add a few potted plants by the front door. A tidy entrance sets the tone before buyers even step inside.
8. Keep It Fresh
   Make sure your home smells clean—not like last night’s dinner or the family pet. Use subtle air fresheners or open windows to air the space before a showing.

Staging is about making your home as appealing as possible to the largest number of buyers. By investing a little time and effort into presenting it in the best light, you can help your home sell faster—and possibly for a better price.