Identifying Furniture to Stay vs. Store: A Practical Staging Guide
When preparing a home for sale, wise furniture choices transform rooms from cluttered to welcoming. The goal is straightforward: to create neutral, functional spaces that help buyers envision themselves living in the home. Use the quick rules below to make fast, effective decisions.
Quick Rules For All Rooms: Keep, Store, or Edit
Keep pieces that fit the room, are in good condition, and clearly define the room’s purpose (bed, dining table, sofa).
Store items that overcrowd the space, are highly personal, or are damaged, as they can distract from the home's aesthetic.
Edit by replacing throw pillows and rearranging furniture pieces to improve flow throughout the room.
Scale & Proportion: The Silent Buyer Turn-off
Even attractive furniture can make a room feel small if it’s not properly placed. A few rules:
Walk the room and measure: allow at least 30–36 inches of clear walkway.
Use furniture with glass tops and visible legs to create “breathing room” under pieces.
Opt for lower-profile sofas and chairs in smaller rooms.
Style & Neutrality
Buyers need to imagine their own style. Keep furniture neutral in color and style where possible. If a piece is bold but fits the space, tone it down with neutral throws or slipcovers rather than storing it.
Cost-Effective Storage Options
Short-term off-site storage unit (for bulky items).
Rent a POD Storage Container.
Use the garage as long as there’s enough room for buyers to navigate this space.
Smart furniture decisions help rooms feel larger, brighter, and purpose-driven. Buyers make emotional choices—when a room looks liveable and functional, offers follow. Staging isn’t about spending big; it’s about making intentional edits that highlight a home’s best features.
Want more staging strategies and real-world examples? Dive deeper with my course, The Realtor’s Ultimate Guide to Home Staging Success — with practical, time-tested guidelines for effectively staging homes.
