BEHIND THE SCENES
Stagers wear many hats and one of them is as close to being a relationship counselor as it gets. Of course I am speaking about the relationship between a seller, their house and their "stuff".
We all know moving and selling a home can be very stressful and overwhelming. It's a letting go process for many. I have seen the look of relief on more than one face in the past as I arrived to do a consultation.
Stress is a lot of little tiny things that eventually add up to a mountain. That mountain is really just a little pile if you look at things in a simpler way. Sellers need a little help letting go, it's normal. We can speed up the letting go process and this has both emotional and financial benefits.
The polish and bling of a fully completed Staging job is the public face but what about what goes on behind the scenes?
One of the most important questions we should ask a client; "How much do you really need?"
This linen closet is one of 3 in a home with 3 bathrooms. Each bathroom had its own closet.
After some discussion and listening and understanding, this was the answer to the question.
We even found sets of sheets never opened ready for use when the seller sets up their new place!
This behind the scenes example won't make the MLS and it won't be on a brochure but it will impress a potential buyer. It's an important part of the selling package. What's backstage at your place?
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I agree, organization is so important and will help to sell the home. The closet looks great and now a potential buyer can see that the shelves are in great shape. My last client told me she was glad someone was able to help her take charge of her move. We wear about too many hats to count some days, nice post.
We often find similar situations in clients' homes, even if the rest of the home is spotless. When I tell clients that the local Humane Society would be grateful for all their old towels and blanket, it somehow makes it easier for them to let go. We're happy to drop off the old towels and blankets for them which makes it all that much easier.
After years of staging and seeing other people's linen closets, I've gotten very particular about my own. We keep a box by the back door and whenever the towels, sheets or blankets start to look dingy or worn, into the donation box they go.
Ana- timely subject for me. I had a Staging consultation today and the home was in pretty good shape. When we came to the closets in the Master bedroom I told her that Buyers do open them to see how much room is available. While hers closet as well as her linen closets were better than most it was important to make her aware that this needed to be "staged" just as the more visible parts of the house.
Ana, my last consult clients already had closets like your after photo...I was SO impressed. Wish that I had taken photos. Maybe when I go back? My consult check list says remove 1/3 to 1/2 of everything in closets, cupboards, drawers etc. She got to check this off the list before I left. Clearly she is the exception.
Thanks Michelle for the Human Society tips. I will remember that as all of my oldies go to my menagerie of cats.
Hi Michelle, that's a great way to keep things from mushrooming out of control.
I have a replacement rule at my house. When something new comes in, the oldest goes out. It makes life easier and donating extras is helping someone out:)
Hi Kathy, you're right, people open drawers, cabinets everything and why wouldn't you! Gotta know where your stuff is gonna fit.
It's not always easy common sense for people and is the grunt work of staging. I find clients have a way harder time with recommendations on declutter than any other suggestions you can give.
Hi Ginger, now that's a dream client! I don't know about you but I have seen some scary closets in my time. It's something more people don't think about than you might think. Out of sight out of mind, but not for buyers.
Sellers' first reaction when you tell them to get rid of stuff is to shove it in the nearest closet. I've had to explain the "buyers will look in there too" concept to many sellers.
I volunteer monthly at a recovery center for the homeless and hungry. It has gotten me to clean out my closets often. They used to be packed. I always ask my clients for donations-it is amazing the amount of donations I drop off each month.
Hi Kate, thanks for commenting:)
Hi Sharon, I do that too sometimes when I can't stand looking at it anymore! Bad habit
Hi Cathy, asking your clients for donations is a great idea.
I carry a stack of tax deductible receipts in the door of my car at all times. It works out beautifully!! I just got the recovery center a washer and dryer donated-they are thrilled!! They always need towels, dishes, non perishable food, coats, blankets, soaps, shampoos. Sometimes my garage looks like a yardsale waiting to happen and then it is my day to volunteer.
It's all in the details. The sense of order is really expressed in the after photos. The prospective buyer viewing the house - opens the closet doors will be very impressed with the space.
Your right - these photos won't make it to the MLS or feature sheets - but these areas are important for the buyer.
Three top interior features for selling are freshly painted walls, organized storage areas and current flooring
Hi Ana, Yep I've seen those closets too, I tell the client the new potential owners will be peeking in there too to see how much room you have. If it looks filled and smushed to the brim then they think there is little space for their stuff also!
Another important reminder you brought up in you post, thanks!
Hi Ana,
So true of how people find it hard to let go of their things...even when it comes to the old linens! Clearing the house of the clutter, even behind the scenes (closets,drawers, cupboards,etc.) will surely give potential buyers a great first impression!
I tell clients that they will feel much freer after they get rid of things - and they always come back amazed at the difference! We really do get bogged down and stressed out by having too much stuff!
Cathy you sound so organized! I am sure you are truly appreciated :)
Hi Susan, your top 3 are spot on I would add one other... extreme cleaniness.Thanks for commenting.
Hi Cynthia,, thanks for commenting and you changed your image, how did you get the butterfly to pose!
Hi Michele, and when all that is done YOU come in and make it beautiful on the outside,.. a one two punch:) thanks for commenting
Hi Beth, funny how such a simple thing can make people feel so much better. We really do get stressed out by STUFF!
I absolutely ADORE a staged closet. I sometimes include closet staging as a free service with a vacant home if it happens to be a walk-in. I also love purging occupied homes of their closet clutter. There's square footage in there and buyers love potential storage!
Thanks for this post!
Ah Packrat heaven, can you tell me where this fine piece of real estate is.
Ana --- my standard recommendation to sellers is to pare down the stuff by 50%. Either pack them, or give them away. Another rule: if they haven't used clothes at least once in the past year, either they don't need it, or they should get rid of it. Thankfully, they seem to agree!
Hi Kate, that's a great service you offer. I guess closets are like empty rooms too and need a point a reference.
Hi Charles, that is the common variety known as the California packrat. It could be found in anywhere USA though. Fortunately it is easy to fix!
Hi Pacita, that is great advice you give your clients and even better if you can get them to agree most times. It seems getting people to part with the extra stuff can be a full time job in itself!