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Expert Tips Styling

Home staging on a budget: the little things that matter

By Angela Reynolds

Here is my affordable how-to guide when preparing your property for sale. ⠀

Stylist Angela Reynolds from Harmonia at Home | Photo by Helen Lamont Photography

DE-CLUTTER – With zero waste in mind, think about donating or organising a garage sale. A road side pick-up, hiring a skip, going to the tip, or simply chucking, should be your last resorts. Some items you opt to keep will be best packed away; like personal photos and trinkets to de-personalise your property, excess furniture to ensure your property looks spacious, and valuables that could grow legs.

CLEAN – Cleaning your property inside and out, top to bottom, is an absolute must. Consider a cleaner specialising in end of lease and/or specialising in specific areas such as the garden, carpet, blinds, curtains, windows, gutters, driveway, etc. ⠀

REPAIR – You may have made do for the last 12 months (or more, just saying) with that leaky tap, blown light globe, loose door lever, worn and tired paint, broken fence/gate, etc, but now is the time to get on top of all these repairs. Anything that might be a nuisance to a potential buyer should be eliminated now. ⠀

REPOSITION – Enhancing the layout of each space with the items you have not packed away, can make the world of difference to the flow of your property. ⠀

I love working with what my clients already have on hand; addressing all of the above well. However, if they have some budget, I can further enhance their property by helping them make some mindful purchases, with their next home in mind. ⠀

My top 10 ways to enhance a property for sale, without breaking the bank:⠀

1. Top up garden mulch ⠀
2. Update bathroom towels⠀
3. Display stylish hair, body and cleaning products ⠀
4. Incorporate indoor plants throughout ⠀
5. Introduce fragrant candles and/or diffusers ⠀
6. Invest in new bedlinen (including cushions and throws) – nothing polarising!
7. Style sofas with new cushions and throws⠀
8. Define spaces with rugs⠀
9. Add warmth with lighting⠀
10. Install some wall art ⠀

BONUS tip: do not over stage or over de-clutter.

–Angela Reynolds is the owner of Sydney-based Harmonia at Home, styling properties for sale and homes for living.