Selling your home during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can feel overwhelming, but effective staging can help speed up the process and attract buyers. Staging your home doesn’t have to be complicated; it can work alongside your decluttering efforts for the move. Whether you plan to stage your home yourself or hire a professional, these tips will help you prepare your home for a quick sale.
Declutter and Stage for a PCS Move Simultaneously
One of the biggest advantages of selling during a PCS move is that decluttering can be part of both your moving and staging process. Start by sorting through your belongings and packing away items you don’t need in the immediate future. This will give your home a cleaner, more organized look, which is appealing to potential buyers.
A clutter-free home allows buyers to focus on the space itself rather than your personal belongings. Aim for minimalism—pack away excess furniture, personal items, and anything that makes the home feel too lived-in. A more neutral space allows buyers to envision their own life in the home, increasing the chances of a quick sale.
Make Your Home Universally Appealing
When staging for a quick sale, you want to create a space that appeals to a broad range of potential buyers. To do this, start by neutralizing the color palette. Consider painting walls in soft, neutral tones like beige, gray, or white. These colors make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more versatile.
Another important step is depersonalizing the space. Remove family photos, children’s artwork, and other highly personal items. While these things make a house feel like home to you, they can prevent buyers from picturing themselves living there. Instead, opt for simple decorative touches like fresh flowers or modern art.
Pay attention to lighting as well. Bright, well-lit spaces feel more welcoming, so open the curtains, clean the windows, and add additional lamps if needed.
Tips for Staging Your Home on Your Own
If you’re working on a tight budget, staging your home yourself can still yield great results. Here are a few DIY tips to enhance the appearance of your home without breaking the bank:
- Rearrange furniture: Create open, inviting spaces by arranging furniture to highlight the room’s best features, such as a fireplace or large windows. Keep walkways clear and aim for balanced, symmetrical arrangements.
- Deep clean: A spotless home is a must. Clean every corner, paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as buyers often scrutinize these spaces. Don’t forget to polish the hardware and appliances to make them shine.
- Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter, so spend some time tidying up the exterior. Mow the lawn, plant flowers, and ensure your front door is clean and welcoming. Simple updates like a new doormat or a fresh coat of paint on the door can also make a big difference.
- Add finishing touches: Fresh flowers, decorative pillows, and clean linens can give rooms a polished look without much effort. Make sure each room has a clear purpose—stage the dining room with table settings, create a reading nook in the living room, or set up the guest room with fresh bedding.
How a Professional Stager Can Elevate Your Home
While DIY staging is effective, hiring a professional stager can take your home’s appeal to the next level. A stager’s expertise helps create a cohesive and polished look that attracts buyers.
Costs and Benefits of Professional Staging
Professional staging services typically range between $500 and $3,000, depending on the size of your home and the extent of the work needed. While this may seem like a significant investment, studies show that staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices than unstaged ones.
A stager will know how to highlight your home’s best features, neutralize potential drawbacks, and create a look that appeals to a wide variety of buyers. They may also provide furnishings, artwork, and decor to ensure your home looks its best.
Extra Touches a Stager Can Provide
In addition to furnishing and decorating your home, a professional stager may also offer other services such as recommending minor repairs, updating fixtures, or even arranging for professional cleaning services. These extra touches can make your home stand out in a competitive market.
