How to Stage a Bedroom
They say all the world’s a stage and when it comes to selling your house, this is especially true. Staging is a crucial aspect to selling and while we’ve covered bathrooms and kitchens, we’re onto another important part of the house: the bedroom.
Some people turn their bedrooms into an elaborate living space, others treat it as a functional place to catch some Zs and nothing more. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, there are plenty of ways to make sure your bedroom will pique buyers’ interest (instead of turning them away).
Organize your closets.
One of the first things interested buyers will look for in a bedroom is the closet. If you were planning on stuffing everything into your closets as a means of organization, think again. Hang everything up, move dirty laundry elsewhere, and organize shoes.
You can also use this as an opportunity to donate clothes. Since moving is on your horizon, cleaning out your closet and making donations means you’ll have less to pack.
Make sure every bedroom follows the same four rules.
Whether it’s a master bedroom, your 10-year-old’s room, or your teenager’s room where they seem to be a permanent fixture, every room should meet the following expectations:
- Make the bed
- Clear the floor
- Dust all surfaces
- Organize and tidy everything else
Your child’s room doesn’t have to look like a Pottery Barn ad, and you certainly don’t have to change out their Minecraft-themed bedding to stage properly. Consistency is more important.
Keeping consistency in every bedroom puts guests at ease — they know what to expect in each bedroom. This is important because one of the most immediate turn-offs for buyers is when something is out of place or comes across as a surprise.
Don’t forget: the nose knows.
Bedrooms are where we sleep, it’s true. They’re also where we pile our dirty laundry and occasionally wake up, mouth wide-open, with drool all over our pillows. Suffice to say, bedrooms can sometimes contain some unsavory scents. Air things out, light some candles or diffuse some oils, and take care of laundry (and wash sheets) regularly.
Smell is one of our most powerful senses. Just recently, this writer toured a townhouse for a foreclosed home selling as-is. Everything looked decent until I opened the fridge door to find two rotting eggs inside. Anytime I think of that property, that scent (and subsequent scene) is the first thing I think of. You don’t want your bedroom to have that kind of effect on potential buyers.
Stash valuables and nonessentials.
It’s unlikely that someone touring your home will take anything. All the same, it’s good practice to put a lot of your stuff away — clutter is distracting and distracted buyers quickly lose interest.
Jewelry boxes, picture frames, and other tasteful, small decor can stay out. Toiletries, clothing items, handheld game consoles, iPads, etc. should all go out of sight before buyers or photographers come.
Open blinds and curtains.
Natural light is staging’s best friend. It’s helpful for photographers and appealing to potential buyers. Consider adding a lamp if your room doesn’t get a lot of natural lighting — it’s best to keep things as well-lit as possible.
What if my bedroom is a disaster zone?
First off, we get it. Bedrooms are where we go after a long day of work. Sometimes all we can do is throw our dirty clothes on the floor and collapse on the bed. Things accumulate over time, and getting multiple bedrooms in order might seem like more trouble than it’s worth.
Regardless of whether your house is spotless or you simply don’t have the time or resources to properly stage your bedroom, list with RealtyHive. You can sell fast, easy, and on your terms with RH — no matter the condition your home is in. Learn more about the benefits of selling with a time-limited event and if you decide to tackle bedroom staging, good luck!