Once the paperwork is complete, it’s time to make your home shine. This stage is all about decluttering and staging—the two things that can completely transform how buyers see your home.

Why Decluttering Matters

Clutter makes rooms feel smaller and distracts buyers from what really matters: your home’s best features. That’s why we start by walking through your home, room by room, to create a personalized decluttering checklist.

We’ll talk through:

• Items that need to be packed away or stored

• Furniture that should be rearranged (or even removed)

• Small updates that make a big visual difference

Think of this as the “pre-move.” You’ll be packing anyway—this just gives you a head start while making your home more market-ready.

Staging Your Home

Staging isn’t about redecorating—it’s about helping buyers picture themselves living in the space.

Here’s how we approach it:

• Occupied Homes: Most of the time, you don’t need a professional stager. We’ll work with the furniture you already own and, in many cases, bring in artwork or small accent pieces from our own homes (at no cost) to elevate your space.

• Vacant Homes: Empty rooms often feel cold and smaller than they are. This is where staging makes a huge impact. If staging is needed, we’ll get quotes from trusted staging companies and help you choose the right fit. You’ll pay the staging company directly, but we’ll manage the process from start to finish.

👉 Check out before-and-after photos to see how staging transforms vacant homes.

Your Personalized Checklist

We have a complete staging and decluttering checklist, but every home is different. We’ll create a tailored plan that works for your property, your timeline, and your budget.

In the meantime, feel free to review the general checklist:

🏡 Decluttering & Staging Checklist

Before Photography & Showings

General Prep

✅ Clear counters, tables, and shelves
✅ Pack away personal photos & knick-knacks
✅ Hide cords, chargers, and remotes
✅ Replace dim light bulbs for brighter rooms

Living Areas

✅ Remove extra furniture to open up space
✅ Add simple artwork or neutral décor
✅ Arrange furniture for flow & conversation

Kitchen

✅ Clear counters (leave 1–2 decorative items max)
✅ Organize pantry & cabinets
✅ Clean appliances inside & out

Bedrooms

✅ Make beds with neutral bedding
✅ Store clothes and shoes out of sight
✅ Minimize items on dressers and nightstands

Bathrooms

✅ Fresh towels neatly hung
✅ Store toiletries under the sink
✅ Add a simple soap or small plant

Final Touches

✅ Fresh flowers or greenery
✅ Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors
✅ Open curtains & blinds for natural light

💡 Every home is different—we’ll walk through with you and create a personalized plan tailored to your space.

Once your home is fully decluttered and staged, let us know so we can schedule your professional photography appointment. Photos are the first impression buyers see online—and this step ensures your listing stands out from the competition.

Bottom Line

Decluttering and staging are some of the most important steps to selling your home. A clean, inviting, and well-presented space attracts more buyers, creates stronger emotional connections, and can even lead to higher offers.

💡 Ready to make your South Jersey or Pennsylvania home market-ready?
Contact Kathleen Quarterman, Quarterman Realty Group at 609-948-4306 or info (@) quartermangroup.com to get started with your personalized staging and decluttering plan.

• ← Previous: Step 2: Preparing Your House for the Market

• Next →: Step 4: Pre-Market Inspection

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