Free Printable Home Staging Checklist (PDF) - Tips & Ideas

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Download or Print Free Home Staging Checklist PDF
Home Staging Checklist

Brought to you free of charge by Mid Modern Designs, a Los Angeles Home Staging company.

It’s time to move! What better way to prepare your home for staging than to follow this checklist for staging you home?

Home staging, the process of preparing your home for sale by making it look“Aesthetic” in Home Staging & Interior Design: The overall feeling or vibe of a space, encompassing the chosen style, color palette, textures, and furniture, and evoking a specific mood or impression. The Importance of Aesthetic In Home Staging – Why It’s Something to Consider Aesthetic, encompa… More its best, can be the difference between a lasting first impression“Curb Appeal” in Home Staging & Interior Design: The first impression a property makes from the street, influencing buyer interest and perceived value. It includes landscaping, exterior condition, paint, lighting, and overall presentation. The Importance of Curb Appeal In Home Staging – Why It’s… More and a sale that fizzles out.

When you’re selling your home, it’s important to remember that you’re not just selling the physical structure, but also the emotions that it can evoke in potential buyers. They need to be able to envision themselves living in your house.

So, keep in mind that you’re selling a dream – not just a house. And that dream starts the moment a prospective buyer pulls up to your home.

A 2022 survey by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals found that staging a house can help sell the property three to 30 times faster than an un-staged house. And that’s not all; this same study found that staged homes sold for upwards of 20 percent more than houses on the market that weren’t staged!

A few guidelines to keep in mind before handling the staging process:

First, buyers usually go off what they see and not what they imagine, so make sure the house you’re selling shows its potential.

Second, it’s essential to understand that when you’re trying to sell a house, what matters is the customer’s vision of their perfect home – not yours.

Finally, take the time to de-clutter your house and make sure that each room serves a distinct purpose that will be clear to anyone who views it.

Staging your house is the best way to ensure that your home makes the best possible impression, it can help you sell your home more quickly and can help you receive more offers for higher than asking.

Use our checklist for home staging to guarantee that your home is in tip-top condition before listing it on the market.

It’s time to figure out what needs to be fixed, what you can do yourself, and when to call in a professional.

Home Staging Checklist

This comprehensive home staging task checklist below will help you take care of the details so you can focus on getting your home sold!

Curb Appeal

1. Evaluate your mailbox. Is it dented, rusty, or in need of a paint job? Make sure this first impression is a good one!

2. Trim the hedges and bushes around your home. You want potential buyers to be able to see the house, not a jungle.

3. Put away any lawn furniture, toys, or other items that might make the yard look cluttered. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves using the space free of any distractions.

4. Make sure the gutters are clean and in good repair. No potential buyer wants to see leaves and debris and you don’t want to run the risk that a clog could cause a leak during a rainstorm.

5. If you have a porch or deck, make sure it is clean, inviting, and decorated. This is a spot where buyers will envision themselves spending time, so make it count!

6. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint (if needed) and a new doormat is a great idea too! You want buyers to feel welcome (and imagine their own guests feeling welcome) as soon as they arrive.

7. Make sure all of your exterior light bulbs are working. You want the house to be well-lit, both for safety“Ergonomics” in Home Staging & Interior Design: Designing spaces for comfort, safety, and efficiency, considering furniture placement, traffic flow, and accessibility for different users. The Importance of Ergonomics in Home Staging – Why It’s Something to Consider Ergonomics is an important con… More reasons and to enhance curb appeal“Appeal” in Home Staging & Interior Design: The overall attractiveness and desirability of a property to potential buyers, influenced by factors like curb appeal, layout, functionality, and staging. The Importance of Appeal In Home Staging – Why It’s Something to Consider Appeal, in the context … More.

8. If you have a garage, make sure it is clean and organized. No potential buyer wants to see clutter. Instead, you want them to think there is so much room in your garage that they could actually park their car in it!

9. Take a look at your home’s siding. If it is dirty, power wash it. This is a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to make your home look brand new again.

10. Add some color! Whether you add a seasonal wreath, flowers in the garden, or a fresh coat of paint on the trim, a little color can go a long way in boosting curb appeal.

Now that the outside is taken care of, let’s move on to the inside…

Living Room

Note: Your living room is important. It’s one of the first rooms a potential buyer sees.

11. De-clutter all surfacesMateriality in Home Staging & Interior Design: The selection and combination of materials used in a space, like wood, metal, glass, fabric, and stone. In staging and design, it influences the overall aesthetic, texture, and tactile experience, impacting the mood and functionality of the space. T… More (coffee tables, end tables, shelves, etc.). You want potential buyers to be able to see the surfaces and imagine their own accessories“Accessories & Antiques” in Home Staging & Interior Design: Decorative elements like vases, sculptures, throws, or vintage finds that personalize a space, add texture and pops of color, and tell a story about the homeowner’s style. The Importance of Accessories & Antiques In Home Staging… More in this space.

12. Put away any personal items (especially family photos). Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves in the space, which is hard to do with another family’s photos on display.

13. Make sure all furniture is arranged in a way that is both functional and attractive. You want buyers to visualize how they might use the space themselves.

14. Remove any pieces of furniture that are large or unnecessary. This will make the room look bigger and more inviting.

15. Evaluate your window treatments. If they are outdated or in disrepair, it might be worth replacing them. New window treatments can go a long way in making a room feel fresh and new.

16. Take a close look at your flooring. If it is in bad shape, this is a big turn-off for potential buyers. If you can’t afford to replace your floor, consider getting a pretty area rug“Area Rugs” in Home Staging & Interior Design: A floor covering that anchors a space, defines areas within a room, adds color, texture, and pattern, and softens the acoustics. The Importance of Area Rug In Home Staging – Why It’s Something to Consider Area Rugs play a pivotal role in home stagin… More to cover up any unsightly areas.

Kitchen

17. De-clutter all surfaces here too (countertops, table, etc.). Potential buyers should marvel at all of the prep space that they will have available!

18. Make sure the sink is clean and free of any dishes or debris. Dirty sinks are gross! Instead, leave a great impression by making sure your sink area is sparkling clean. Wiping your sink down with a towel before each showingWalk-Through in Home Staging & Interior Design: A tour of a staged property with a potential buyer, highlighting key features and answering questions. The Importance of a Walk-Through in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider A Walk-Through is a critical step in the home staging process, … More is a great way to keep it looking its best.

19. Put away (or give away) any small appliances that you don’t use on a regular basis. If your countertops are cluttered, the kitchen will feel small and cramped.

20. Start purging old items from your cabinets and drawers. The more you can get rid of, the better! You want potential buyers to see how spacious your kitchen storage really is.

21. Clear off the fridge and make sure it is clean inside and out. The focus here should be on the great appliances and the amount of available space!

22. If you have a dishwasher, make sure it is empty, or at the very least that it has been run before your house is shown. A great habit to get into is to run your dishwasher each morning after breakfast so that if you have a showing later that day, buyers will be greeted by the cleanest possible kitchen.

23. Look at your floors and determine whether they need to be cleaned or replaced. Many times, a good cleaningProperty Prep in Home Staging & Interior Design: Necessary repairs, cleaning, and maintenance tasks before staging to ensure the property is in its best condition for potential buyers. Proper preparation sets the stage for effective staging. The Importance of Property Prep in Home Staging – Why … More will do the trick. If your floors are in bad shape, however, replacing them may be worth the investmentStaging Budget in Home Staging & Interior Design: The amount allocated for staging a property, considering factors like project size, desired look, and rental fees. The Importance of Staging Budget in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider A Staging Budget is a crucial aspect of the stagi… More if you can increase your asking price accordingly.

24. Kitchen lighting is so important! Make sure all of your light fixturesLighting Design in Home Staging & Interior Design: The strategic use of different light sources and fixtures to create layers of illumination, enhance architectural features, and set the mood in a space. The Importance of Lighting Design in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider Lighting … More are in working order and that your windows are clean, letting in as much natural light as possible.

25. Smells can make or break a home sale, so make sure your kitchen smells amazing! One way to do this is to bake cookies or bread shortly before each showing. Also, make sure your kitchen trash is taken out daily.

A nice finishing touch is to add a potted plant, some fresh flowers, or a bowl of fruit to your kitchen table or island. If buyers can imagine themselves enjoying a meal in your kitchen, they’ll be much more likely to make an offer!

Bedrooms

26. First, de-clutter all surfaces This is getting repetitive, but it really is so important! Grab a basket to stow away your lotion, ChapStick, books, or any other items that usually end up on your nightstand“End Tables” in Home Staging & Interior Design: A small table typically placed beside a sofa or armchair, often used for books, drinks, lamps, or decorative items, adding functionality and visual interest. The Importance of End Tables in Home Staging – Why It’s Something to Consider End Tables p… More.

27. Make the beds in each bedroom and add some pretty pillows or throw blankets for extra color and textureLayering in Home Staging & Interior Design: Combining various elements like textures, patterns, and colors in a space to add depth, visual interest, and a sense of coziness. Layering is a key technique in creating inviting and stylish spaces. The Importance of Layering in Home Staging – Why it’s… More.

28. Look critically at your wall artWall Art in Home Staging & Interior Design: Paintings, prints, photographs, or other artwork displayed on walls to add personality and visual interest to a staged space. The Importance of Wall Art in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider Wall Art plays a significant role in home staging … More and make sure it is updated and reflects current styleStyle in Home Staging & Interior Design: The overall aesthetic or design language chosen for a space, influencing furniture selection, décor, color palette, and textures. The Importance of Style in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider The Style chosen in home staging sets the overall t… More trends. Swap out anything that is too personal (photos) or unusual.

29. Freshen up the curtains. You may not have realized that dust and pollen can accumulate on curtains, so it’s important to clean them regularly. If they are looking a little tired, consider swapping them out for new ones.

30. Again, smells are key! Make sure each bedroom smells pleasant and inviting. You can do this by using a diffuser with essential oils, spraying a light linen mist, or having a bowl of potpourri on the dresser.

31. Closet space can be a make-or-break feature for many buyers, so take some time to declutter“Decluttering” in Home Staging & Interior Design: Removing unnecessary items from a space to create a sense of order, spaciousness, and organization, making it appear larger and more appealing to buyers. The Importance of Decluttering in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider Decluttering… More and organize your bedroom closets. This doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of everything – just make sure that the items that are left are neatly arranged and easy to access.

32. Consider updating your overhead light fixtures or adding some lamps to your bedroom for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Basic, builders’ grade fixtures are boring – and often ugly. The good thing is that they are usually easy and inexpensive to replace.

33. Finally, wash the windows. Again, natural light is so important in making a space feel bright and airy. If your windows are “smeary” or dirty, the room will feel darker, no matter how much light is coming in.

Bathrooms

34. The same rules apply in the bathrooms – clear off all surfaces and put away any personal items. This means curling irons, stray lipsticks, extra conditioner bottles, and anything else that might make the bathroom look cluttered.

35. Add some fresh, fluffy towels to each bathroom. You can even fold them in a fancy way or add a pretty ribbon to make them look extra inviting.

36. Make sure the toilet seats are down and the toilets are clean. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people forget!

37. Declutter the medicine cabinet and under-sink area. Toss any expired medications and toiletries that you no longer use.

38. Consider a new shower curtain or set of rugs if yours are looking worn or dated. These details can make a big difference in the overall look of the bathroom.

39. Wall art is important in the bathroom, too! Make sure it is appropriate for the space and reflects current trends without being too personal.

40. Finally, pay attention to the little details. Make sure the toilet paper is rolled correctly, the hand towels are hung neatly, and the toilet brush is hidden away. These small touches will make a big impression on buyers.

41. Bathroom smells are important, too! Consider using a plug-in diffuser with a light scent. You want your bathroom to smell fresh but not overwhelming. And you don’t want it to seem like you’re trying to hide something!

General Tips

77. Always keep your home as clean as possible. This includes things like vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and dusting on a regular basis.

78. Fireplaces need to be cleaned before potential buyers come to look. This includes sweeping out the ashes and cleaning the fireplace itself.

79. Finally, if you have a lot of extra stuff, consider renting a storage unit for the duration of your home sale. This will give you a place to put things that you don’t need daily, but that you don’t want to part with permanently.

When to Hire a Professional Home Staging Company

The old saying is true – if you want something done right, hire a professional. Home stagers typically charge just one percent of a home’s sale price. However, these expert home staging services usually result in the homeowner earning several percent more than their original asking price. In a 2021 survey conducted by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sold for an average of $40,000 over their list prices.

The cost of hiring a staging professional varies depending on the sizeFurniture Scale in Home Staging & Interior Design: The size and proportion of furniture relative to the space it occupies. Proper scale ensures comfortable movement, avoids overcrowding, and balances the visual composition. The Importance of Furniture Scale in Home Staging – Why it’s Something t… More of the home and the services required (see our home staging pricing calculator). HomeAdvisor reports that sellers can expect to pay between $755 and $2,829 in staging costs.

While it is possible to stage your own home, it’s not always the best idea. Home stagers have a trained eye for detail and know how to make a house look its best. They also have access to a variety of resources, such as furniture and accessoriesInventory in Home Staging & Interior Design: The collection of furniture, accessories, and décor owned by a staging company, used to stage different properties and create diverse looks. The Importance of Inventory Management in Home Staging – Why it’s Something to Consider Inventory management … More, that most homeowners don’t have.

If you decide to hire a professional home stager, be sure to interview multiple candidates and ask for references. Once you’ve found the right person for the job, be sure to communicate your vision for the home and what you hope to achieve with the staging. The more information you can give the stager, the better!

Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of planning and elbow grease, you can make your house look its best and maximize its selling potential.

Our Ultimate Staging Checklist will help you take things step-by-step, so you don’t miss anything important. This comprehensive guide includes tips for every room in the house, from the living room to the attic.

By following our advice, you’ll be one step closer to getting your home off the market and into the hands of a new owner!

Lastly, for more home staging tips for homeowners, read our blog here.

Mid Modern Designs

Mid Modern Designs, a professional Los Angeles home staging company, is the premier home staging company in Los Angeles, CA. We offer furniture staging in and around LA County. Your home stager will ensure your home is inviting and warm. MMDs professional home staging services include residential home staging for vacant homes, model homes and short-term furniture rental. With years of interior design & décor experience, our home stagers will create a custom plan to help you design & showcase your home for potential buyers. Staging can help you sell your property quickly in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market. We stage homes in Beverly Hills, Century City, Hollywood Hills, Studio City, Silverlake and across southern California.

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The mid-century modern styleMid-Century Modern Style in Home Staging & Interior Design: A design style popular from the 1950s to the 1960s, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, organic forms, natural materials like wood and leather, pops of color, and integration with nature. It's often used in home staging for ... More was formed during the mid-20th century movement"Flow" in Home Staging & Interior Design: The ease and convenience of movement within a space, considering traffic patterns, furniture arrangement, and clear pathways. Good flow enhances livability and functionality. The Importance of Flow in Home Staging - Why It's Something to Consider Flow in... More to use modern artwork, architecture, and furniture design in the home. Just like the minimalistScandinavian Style in Home Staging & Interior Design: A minimalist and functional design approach featuring clean lines, light wood tones, white walls, and pops of color. The Importance of Scandinavian Style in Home Staging - Why it's Something to Consider Scandinavian Style is significant in ho... More movement, mid-century modern décor calls for functionalityFunctionality in Home Staging & Interior Design: The ability of a space to serve its intended purpose efficiently and comfortably. Staging considers furniture function, traffic flow, and accessibility to optimize everyday living. The Importance of Functionality in Home Staging - Why it's Somethi... More and simplicityMinimalism in Home Staging & Interior Design: An approach to design emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and decluttering. In staging, minimalism uses clean lines, neutral colors, and minimal furniture to create a spacious and serene atmosphere, attracting buyers who value uncluttered living. ... More in its decorative pieces, with simple flairs of fashion like warm woodwork and metallic finishes.

When it comes to furniture, the best thing mid-century modern furniture can do for space is to break up some of the straight lines with the more organic shapes and curves that it favors. The curved lines and rounded edges that many mid-century modern furniture pieces support can also incorporate much-needed personality to space.

All these qualities have made this style"Accessorizing" in Home Staging & Interior Design: The act of adding decorative elements to a space, like placing throw pillows on a sofa or arranging books on a coffee table, to complete the look and inject personality. The Importance of Accessorizing In Home Staging - Why It's Something to Con... More loved by artists, designers, and home sellers everywhere. Using mid-century modern furniture pieces to stage a home can bring a refined, memorable, and classic look to your home.

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Is Home Staging Worth It?

If you’re considering selling your home or are selling a home for a client, home staging can be a major step in helping a prospective buyer visualize themselves living there. While you may have fond memories of your home décor, furniture and design, fresh eyes often struggle to see beyond the personal touches left by sellers during the showing process.

Giving your home a clean, inviting neutral look that allows a potential buyer to see the property’s potential is essential to selling your home quickly and for the best offer. Not only can home staging give your dwelling an organized and clean look, but it can also give the necessary details to emphasize its beauty.

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Why Home Staging is Important

In such a competitive real-estate market, homeowners and realtors have to take extra steps to highlight the uniqueness of their property. For sellers to create a perfect first impression, home staging is gaining popularity. Home Staging is a sure way to increase the price of a house while minimizing the selling time.

According to a 2017 staging report by the National Association of Realtors, 49% of buyers’ agents told that home staging affects how a buyer views the home. 77% of buyers’ agents believe that a well-staged home helps buyers visualize the property as their own. On the other side, 21% of the sellers’ agent reported that home staging could increase a home’s value. It increases the value between 6%, 10%, and 39% and also decreases the amount of time a house stays on the market.