Occupied Home Staging Checklist for Sellers + Real Estate Agents

The satisfaction of our clients is extremely important to us. The purpose of this blog is to make sure sellers and real estate agents are aware of all the details involved in prepping for staging and that we have everything we need in place to ensure a smooth and successful occupied staging. We set the home up for photos and showings, so this checklist will help you be prepared for both.

Besides putting away extraneous items, small appliances, food, chargers for electronics, and piles of mail should all be put away in preparation for staging. We do allow a coffee maker to remain on the counter. All other appliances should be put in a pantry, cupboard or garage for easy access when needed while the house is on the market.

Property Readiness – We will sweep and vacuum upon completion of the staging project, however, we do not provide professional cleaning services, therefore the house must be clean and ready at the time that staging items are to be delivered (this is required in the time of COVID/social distancing). Home must have electricity; we use steamers and drills regularly; running water (used for cleaning staging items and steaming); working toilets; drive-up and non-blocked, convenient pedestrian access for unloading. We always take precautions, such as rolling out neoprene sheets for protection, but cannot be liable for soiling of flooring if entrance is not landscaped, or is dirty, muddy or being mulched or landscaped at the time of staging. 

Please ensure the following happens before staging, photos, and showings: 

• Have the house professionally cleaned prior to staging, and then maintained for photos and showings (including fireplaces)

• Clear kitchen counters of all appliances, dishes, spices, canisters, etc.

• Clean and clear kitchen sink of all dishes and sink mats

• Remove or hide trashcans

• Organize and declutter pantry

• Remove pet dishes, litter boxes, scratching posts, beds, and toys

• Clear bathroom counters of all toiletries, put away trash cans, toilet brushes, and plungers

• Clear showers and tubs of soaps, shampoos, sponges, etc.

• Put away bath towels and, if possible, purchase fresh white towels for all bathrooms. Stash all bath mats in the cupboards

• Put fresh toilet paper rolls in all bathrooms

• Remove all personal photos throughout the house as well as refrigerator magnets and kid’s artwork. Put away all laundry and hampers

• Make all beds and straighten pillows

• Remove any art, posters, stickers, string lights, etc., from kid’s walls and doors

• Put away kid’s toys, stuffed animals, clothes, neaten or remove excess books from crammed bookshelves, especially binders and magazines, hard backs and encyclopedias are okay

• Straighten and thin out closets, organize clothes by category and color, pack away any out-of-season clothes, ideally have everything on matching white, clear plastic or velvet hangers, neaten shoes, and clear everything off of the floor and from top shelves. Luggage can be stored in the garage

• Put away any gaming consoles, games, and cords

• Clear desks of papers, pencil holders, family photos, kid’s artwork, and miscellaneous items

• Remove any wilting or dying houseplants and flowers

• Put away chargers, remotes, and hide cords

• Clean any patio furniture, sweep or blow patios, clean windows inside and out

Don’t get us wrong—we love our pets—and yours, but during staging day, for their safety and security, pets should be crated, secured in an extra room, or off premises. Interestingly, while more than 85% of buyers are looking for a home that will accomodate pets, they prefer not to see them, or evidence of them, during showings.

Staging Timeframe – Most occupied houses take 1 to 2 days (it may take longer for larger homes or if we’re in our busy season and doing mulitiple projects that day). Agents scheduling photography should plan accordingly and please schedule photos after 4pm on last staging day so staging can be completed and looking its best prior to photos being taken. If house has to be cleaned after staging and prior to photos, please ask house cleaners not to move staging, including furniture or décor, and to please clean around staging as items are placed/angled strategically for great photos.

Pets – If you/homeowners have pets, please ensure they are secured: dogs in yard or crate and cats in a specific room, but ideally, removed completely from the premises on staging day.

No Owners/Agents Present During Staging – Our preference is that owners and agents not be present during staging for safety and liability reasons, as well to ensure our creative process progresses uninterrupted.

Let us surprise and delight you with the end result—they don't call us The House Whisperers for nothing!

Staging is the new standard in real estate residential sales and an important part of any agent or Realtor marketing plan to get a home or listing sold quickly and for a higher price.

The House Whisperers is a top award-winning staging company that stages prolifically both vacant and occupied homes throughout Southern California. Call us today for a quick home staging estimate over the phone at 858-335-9577. We can also schedule a complimentary quick quote or paid consultation to help you prioritize and make cost-effective cosmetic changes to maximize your sales time and proceeds. In times of quarantine, these services can, of course, be performed via Facetime or Zoom.

For more info, visit www.house-whisperers.com