So you’ve decided to put your home on the market, and you want it to fly off the listing faster than that fancy Dubai chocolate? Staging your home is more than just chucking a few cushions on the sofa and hoping for the best. It’s an art form, a subtle dance of decluttering, décor and psychology that convinces buyers they’re stepping into their dream home. Here’s a fun and effective guide to staging your home for a swift sale.

1. Declutter Like Your name’s Marie (and Borrow a Storage Unit)

Okay, so you might love the stuff in your home that you’ve collected over a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean potential buyers will, and if you have a lot of stuff, well, it could prevent them from being able to see your home as theirs. You want them to be able to clearly see the space you are selling and its potential, and that means you need to channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of the clutter ASAP. So, if your spare room is serving as a multi-purpose dumping ground, it’s time to unleash the power of the humble storage unit. A short-term rental will keep your excess furniture, seasonal decorations, and random oddities safe and sound, while giving your home that “spacious and serene” vibe buyers crave.

Top tip: Label each box clearly before sending it to the local storage units. When your moving day comes, you’ll thank yourself for avoiding the “which box is my toothbrush in” panic.

2. Depersonalise (Yes, Even That Gallery Wall)

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your space, which becomes tricky when every wall is plastered with family photos and your collection of novelty teacups. Pack away personal items—family portraits, honeymoon souvenirs, kids’ artwork—and replace them with neutral décor. Swap a wall of holiday snaps for a single piece of tasteful art or a framed botanical print. Your goal is to create a clean slate where buyers can project their own memories and fantasies.

3. Repair the Small Stuff (Those Door Handles Won’t Fix Themselves)

Nothing screams “this home has been neglected” like a dripping tap, a creaky floorboard or a crack in the skirting board. Grab your toolbox—or hire a handyman—and tackle the minor repairs. Replace any broken lightbulbs, tighten loose screws on cabinet doors, and fill small holes in the walls with filler. Buyers will subconsciously mark down a property that feels “unfinished,” even if the issue is as tiny as a squeaky hinge.

4. Paint with Purpose (Neutral Never Goes Out of Style)

A fresh lick of paint can work wonders for a dated room. Choose neutral, light shades—think soft greys, warm beiges or pale grellows—to maximise perceived space and let buyers focus on the room’s features rather than its colour scheme. If you’re feeling brave, add an accent wall in a muted teal or dusky pink to inject character without overwhelming prospective buyers. But avoid wild patterns or strong colours that could be off-putting.

5. Furniture Magic (Less Can Be More)

When staging, you want enough furniture to define each space but not so much that the room feels cramped. If your existing pieces are bulky or worn, consider renting sleek, modern furniture for the viewing period. Alternatively, borrow items from friends or hire a staging company to provide show-home quality sofas, tables and chairs. Position furniture to create natural walking paths and conversation areas. A cosy seating nook near a window or a stylish reading corner will make visitors pause and picture themselves unwinding there.

6. Light It Up (Natural and Artificial)

A bright home feels welcoming and well cared for. Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and ensure windows are sparkling clean. In dim corners or during gloomy days, add table lamps and floor lamps with warm-white bulbs to banish shadows. If your kitchen or bathroom lighting is harsh or outdated, swap in sleek, energy-efficient LEDs. Well-lit rooms not only look bigger but also signal to buyers that the home is well maintained.

7. Scents and Sensibility (No More Damp Towels)

Smell is a powerful sense when it comes to first impressions. Avoid overbearing air fresheners or scented candles that might clash with individual preferences. Instead, aim for a subtle, clean aroma. Simmer a pot of water with lemon slices and rosemary for a natural, inviting scent before showings. Alternatively, place small diffusers with soft cotton or linen fragrances in key areas like the hallway and bathroom. Remember to air out the home thoroughly beforehand to eliminate any leftover cooking or pet odours.

8. The Power of Greenery (Plants to the Rescue)

A few well-placed plants can bring life and freshness to any space. In the living room, group a couple of medium-sized plants—think fiddle-leaf figs or snake plants—in decorative pots. A vase of fresh flowers on the dining table adds an elegant touch. For bathrooms and kitchens, small succulents or air plants work beautifully on shelves or windowsills. If your green thumb is lacking, opt for high-quality faux plants that require zero care but still look the part.

9. Kitchen and Bathroom TLC (Sparkling Surfaces Sell)

Kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale. Ensure surfaces gleam by scrubbing grout, polishing taps and disinfecting countertops. Clear off countertops, leaving only a neat coffee maker or a bowl of fresh fruit. Replace old bath mats and shower curtains, and display plush, rolled towels for a spa-like feel. If your bathroom mirror is pitted or your kitchen taps are tarnished, it’s worth investing in replacements to give these rooms a fresh, modern look.

10. Create Lifestyle Vignettes (Sell the Dream)

Once the basics are in place, think about lifestyle vignettes—small, styled scenes that hint at the life buyers could have in your home. Set a chic breakfast nook with a tray of cereal bowls and a steaming teapot. In the living room, drape a chunky throw over an armchair and place an open book on a side table. For the home office or study, position a laptop and notebook beside a tidy desk lamp. These little scenes provide emotional triggers that help buyers connect with the space.

11. Curb Appeal Counts (First Impressions Matter)

Don’t let your garden or porch undermine all your staging magic inside. Mow the lawn, trim hedges and sweep pathways. Repaint or varnish the front door if it looks faded, and add a potted plant or two by the entrance. If your letterbox is leaning, straighten it. A fresh welcome mat and a cheerful wreath (seasonal, if you like) can also add instant charm. If you have any outdoor furniture, ensure it’s clean and neatly arranged to hint at al fresco entertaining.

12. Tidy the Terrace or Balcony (Extend the Living Space)

If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or terrace, treat it as another room. Sweep the floor, dust outdoor furniture, and add a couple of cushions and a small side table. A battery-operated lantern or a string of fairy lights can create a cosy evening ambience. Even a tiny outdoor space can feel like a secret retreat when staged thoughtfully.

13. Perfect Your Flooring (Rugs, Carpets and Hard Surfaces)

Clean floors are non-negotiable. Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional to banish stains and odours. If your hardwood is scuffed, consider sanding and re-oiling high-traffic areas. Area rugs in neutral tones can cover minor imperfections, define seating areas and inject warmth. Just ensure they’re proportionate to the room—too small and they’ll look awkward; too large and they can overwhelm the space.

14. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (Create the Illusion of Space)

Mirrors are staging superstars. A strategically placed mirror reflects light, amplifies views and creates the impression of a larger room. Lean a full-length mirror in a corner of the living room or hallway, or hang matching mirrors on either side of a fireplace. In the bedroom, a mirror over the dresser not only looks stylish but also serves a practical purpose.

15. Keep It Spotless (Cleanliness Never Goes Out of Style)

Even the best staging efforts can be ruined by dust bunnies hiding under the sofa or toothpaste smudges on the sink. Before each viewing, do a quick once-over: vacuum floors, wipe surfaces, and ensure bins are empty. Make your home smell inviting, not like yesterday’s dinner. A spotless, well-maintained home reassures buyers that the property has been cared for diligently.

16. Optimise Your Online Listing (Photos That Sell)

Most buyers start their journey online, so your listing photos must do justice to your staging. Hire a professional photographer if possible—they know how to capture angles, lighting and depth. If you’re using your phone, shoot rooms in natural daylight, stand in corners to show space, and ensure each room is perfectly tidy. Highlight your favourite features: a roaring fireplace, a sleek kitchen island or that enviable walk-in wardrobe. Remember to stage each photo as if it’s the first and only one viewers will see.

17. Host a Pre-Launch Viewing for Friends (Practice Makes Perfect)

Invite a couple of trusted friends or family members over before the official viewings begin. Ask them to point out anything that feels off—an awkward furniture arrangement, an odd smell or a table that’s blocking the light. Fresh eyes will spot details you’ve grown blind to. Plus, you’ll get to test your staging under real-life flow and make adjustments accordingly.

18. Create an Inviting Viewing Atmosphere (Comfort Matters)

On viewing day, set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature—neither too hot nor too cold. Brew a freshly ground coffee or bake a small batch of cookies so the home smells welcoming (but don’t overpower sensitive noses). Play soft, neutral background music at a low volume—think jazz or acoustic instrumentals. Little touches like these make visitors feel at ease, as though they’re stepping into a home they could live in happily.

19. Provide Helpful Takeaways (Leave a Lasting Impression)

After visitors wander through your impeccably staged home, give them something to remember it by. Prepare a simple info sheet with key details—square footage, recent upgrades, local amenities—and a few tasteful photos. Slip these into a branded folder alongside your estate agent’s business card. A tangible takeaway helps buyers recall your property positively when they compare it to other viewings.

Here’s to a quick sale and the next stage of your life!

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.