10 Home Staging Tips for Closets

“Ample storage” is rated as one of the top “must-haves” on most home buyers list when searching for a home. That’s why it’s crucial to have the storage space in your home look as spacious and attractive as possible when listed on the market. One mistake that home owners make is cramming all their items inside closets when they declutter rooms and hallways. Buyers are destined to look in your closets to determine if their articles of clothing and other items will have a proper place for storage when they move in. If your closet is overly packed and disorderly then that can give the buyer the assumption that there’s not ample storage in the home and that can have a huge negative impact and can possibly be a deal breaker.

The following Home Staging Tips for closets will definitely leave a positive impression on the buyers. Transforming your closets will be worth the time and effort. Buyers are more likely to pay more for a clean and well maintained home.

 
  1. Pare down as much a possible.

    The first step to a great looking and spacious closet is to have minimal items neatly stored. The storage space will look smaller when your closets are crammed with items and thrown in an unorganized manner. The buyer’s visual perception will be that the home lacks ample storage space which could be a big turn off and possibly loss of sale. Store your items in bins/boxes at another location until it’s sold.

  2. Store Items neatly in matching baskets solid decorative bins or boxes.

    Clear bins gives the illusion of clutter since the buyers are able to see all the items. Instead, store your items in nice matching baskets, decorative bins or boxes. Keep the look simple with neutral colors like white, gray or beige.

  3. Have all the hangers match.

    You want the space to look spacious, organized and clean in appearance. Having all the hangers match gives it a cohesive look and creates a more desirable space the buyers are attracted to. All white hangers gives a clean and fresh appearance while the black velvet and wood hangers create an upscale and high-end feel.

  4. Organize your clothes by color.

    Group your clothing together by color family within each unit breaking it down into long and short sleeve shirts pants, skirts and so on. Not only is this easy on the eyes but it gives the closet an organized and cohesive look that will show a life style the buyers will want and love.

  5. Remove as many items from the floor as possible.

    One way to have your closets looking spacious, organized and clean in appearance is to have zero to minimal items on the floor. Wooden shoe racks, hanging shoe organizers or decorative bins or baskets on the shelves are some possible storing solutions to reduce clutter on the floor. A few purses can be displayed on a shelf and the rest can be packed away. If your walk-in closet is big enough, a small slipper chair, stool or bench provides functionality and a high end feel.

  6. Replace your light fixtures with up to date styles and mount small lighting in dark closets.

    Installing push or stick on lighting will illuminate those smaller dark closets that are without a lighting source. This will instantly brighten the space making it appear bigger, more spacious and inviting. Just be sure to turn the closet lights on prior to showings. They can easily be dismantled if you choose to take them with you when you move.

  7. Keep items to a minimum on each shelf.

    Display a few of your nicer towels and items on the shelves. White towels give a clean and fresh look. They also gives a spa -like feel which is a great way to emotionally connect with the buyer. White towels also look great in on-line pictures.

  8. Clean your shelves and repair them if needed.

    Don’t start organizing the shelves until the necessary steps have been taken including repainting, replacing or just a good cleaning. You want your home to look clean, well cared for and move-in ready.

  9. Remove any odors.

    Obnoxious odors can quickly deter the buyer from looking through the rest of the home. It’s a cheap and easy fix using an unlit neutral scented candle, sachets, or Fabreeze spray to eliminate unwanted and distracting odors.

  10. Make sure all the doors are operating properly and with no unwanted squeaking.

    Some closets have gadgets that need adjusting to keep the doors on the track and operate smoothly. Make sure all the hinges and door handles are firmly in place. Some simple ways to fix squeaky door hinges are applying lubricants, coating the pins with wax, rubbing with a bar of soap, and using steel wool to remove dirt and rust. Buyers are looking for a hassle-free move-in ready home.

    Once you completed the 10 steps you are now ready to have the buyers open your closets with confidence knowing they will be impressed with the bright, clean and spacious storage spaces they are looking for.

Debbie Volstromer