How To Stage a Home For Sale: What To Show and What To Store

Getting ready to sell your home? First impressions matter more than almost anything else, and that means your space needs to look its best for every tour, every photo, and every open house.

But staging a home isn’t just about setting the dining table or fluffing pillows.

The secret to effective staging is to create a welcoming, clutter-free environment that appeals to the widest range of people. Let’s dive into the details so you can strike that balance and make your house ready for its next owner with help from Trunk Space Storage.

Declutter and Depersonalize Your Home

Let’s start by breaking down what we mean by “depersonalize.” The things that help you feel at home, such as your favorite artwork, a gallery wall of family memories, or a bright red stand mixer, might not match the tastes or lifestyles of the people touring your house. And that’s okay. Your goal now is to create broad appeal so more people can picture themselves living there.

Depersonalizing isn’t always easy, but it becomes simpler when you focus on features that almost everyone appreciates.

We’re talking about clean countertops, fresh linens, and a tidy, well-lit bathroom with neutral towels and accessories. No need for elaborate styling, just aim for neat and simple. If you have a fireplace you never use, now’s the time to give it some attention. Place a decorative log or battery-powered candlelight in it for photos.

One personal touch we do suggest keeping? A few family portraits. They help the space feel lived-in, not staged, and they can create a sense of warmth that makes a big difference during a showing.

What Is Considered Clutter When Staging?

A living room staged with throw pillows, a fruit bowl, and a clean carpet.

Normally, clutter means any unused item that’s getting in your way, but when it comes to staging, that definition shifts a bit. You still want your home to feel livable, but not overly lived-in.

That means keeping the standout pieces and giving the rest a break. A sturdy coffee table, a classic reading chair, a clean-lined dining set—all these can help a room shine. On the other hand, bean bags, tray tables, plastic shelving, and fold-up chairs can make a space feel smaller and more chaotic.

If it doesn’t add to the room, it’s time to store it.

Common Questions About Personal Storage for Staging

How long does it take to sell a house?

Housing markets are volatile, no matter where you live, so determining how long it will take to sell a home can be tricky.

Based on recent national data, it can take between 30 and 80 days to sell a home, but take that number with a grain of salt. Your home may sell in a day, or it may not sell in an entire year.

Can I learn how to sell a house without a realtor?

You can, but we don’t recommend it. Part of what makes realtors so important is their ability to reduce expenses and maximize profits through strategic listing and careful budgeting. Knowing what to stage and what to store is part of their job, and without a realtor, the price to stage a home can vary dramatically.

What size storage unit do I need?

This depends on the size of the home you are staging and the amount of furniture and accessories you need to tuck away during the process.

Personal mini storage options, like a 5×5 or 5×10 storage unit, can be an affordable option if you only need a compact space, but we offer larger solutions, too. Use our size guide to narrow down your options to find your fit.

Where can I learn more about my housing market?

To help you get a better idea of what your local housing market looks like, we’ve gathered some insightful materials that can provide more information about the housing markets near our facilities.

Let Trunk Space give you the space you need to stay a step above the rest as you sell your home.

Rent Self-Storage for Staging Your Home From Trunk Space

A home closet filled with coats, boxes, and household supplies.

A storage unit can give you the breathing room you need to present your home in its best light, without giving up the things that matter to you. Storage can also be useful during home renovation projects. Clear out furniture, seasonal items, and anything that doesn’t quite fit the picture you want potential buyers to see, and keep them in storage for as little or as long as you need with our flexible month-to-month rental agreements.

You don’t have to get rid of your belongings. You just need to give them a temporary home while you focus on moving forward, and we have the space to help you every step of the way from staging to sale.

Browse our storage options online, find the right one for you, and contact us to reserve your space today.