Selling a home can be a stressful process, and add to that a global pandemic and it can seem impossible. The good news is that even though the coronavirus presents new challenges for homeowners, people are still buying and selling homes. Even under normal circumstances, homeowners are eager to sell their homes as quickly as possible, but the coronavirus can intensify that desire to sell quickly. One of the most effective ways to sell your home faster and for money is by staging it. Given the current situation, you might not want to invite a professional stager into your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stage your home safely and effectively. Here are a few tips for staging your home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Start by Decluttering

Any professional home stager will tell you that the first step in staging your home is decluttering. It is very common for people to go through life allowing clutter to build up in their home without even noticing it. Think about the stack of mail sitting on your counter, the holiday decorations packed into the closets, the toys placed in piles in the corners of the bedroom, and the kitchen cabinets filled with unnecessary appliances. If you are hoping to sell your home, cleaning and decluttering is a must. Once your home is free of clutter, you can begin rearranging furniture and adding fresh accessories.

Consider Virtual Advice

Normally it would be recommended to hire a professional stager to come into your home and transform it into a showroom. However, given the current social distancing guidelines, it might be a better option to opt for virtual advice. There are several tools such as FaceTime and Zoom that would allow you to video chat with a professional stager and show them your home. You could also send them photographs of each room so they can offer advice on how to stage them.

Do a Few Simple Things

If you don’t want to invest much in new furniture and accessories, there are still a few simple things you can do to stage your home. Start by removing family photos so buyers can envision their own family in the space. Next, make sure your home is properly lit with ample lamps and open drapery. Minimize items on your shelves and bookcases to make for a cleaner look and remove any collections such as coins, dolls, model cars, etc. Finally, add a few colorful pillows,throws, and fresh flowers to brighten the space.

Consider Renting a Portable Storage Unit

Portable storage units can be extremely useful when you are selling your home. They provide extra space for you to store excess furniture, collectibles, photographs, small appliances, and anything else that may have cluttered your home. They are also a great place to store items from your attic and garage while you stage and declutter your home.

Virtual Staging

Traditional staging might not be the best option in a time when sellers are reluctant to invite people into their home. Virtual staging offers a practical solution by using simulated images to provide alternative furnishings to the home. Virtual staging uses a software that allows sellers and potential buyers to reimagine new decor and furniture in a home to enhance the look of the space. It comes with unlimited options and provides a safe and highly effective means for staging a home.