The Golden Rule for Staging Consultations…
While there are many principles stagers follow when staging a home, there is one I call the Golden Rule of Staging Consultations that I followed. And while I am now retired, that Golden Rule served me well. 
What was that rule?
I always put myself in my clients’ shoes. How would I feel if a stranger came into my home and proceeded to tell me what was wrong with my home? It’s hard to hear someone tell you that those beautiful figurines or collectibles you have are clutter* and need to be removed.
Being honest…
Yes, the truth often hurts but telling it like it is without concern for how it will be received is not going to make the truth go down any easier.
I could tell as soon as I walked into the house that the sellers were nervous about what I was about to tell them. You could see it in their eyes!
They had that Please don’t hurt me look on their faces.
Perhaps they’ve watched some of the cable shows or had warnings from their agents or friends.
Years ago there was a show on cable that had a mother/daughter staging team (if I remember correctly.) They were brutally honest and hurtful. Yes, it probably sold shows but you can see why a homeowner would be concerned about having a stager in their home.
*Clutter...that’s another word that I desperately tried not to use. Call what they have their treasures, furnishings or accessories, but don’t call a Lladro figurine clutter. In my opinion, it’s insulting.
And I use the word Edit in place of declutter. Yes, it’s a matter of semantics but it’s a lot easier to swallow.
If the Golden Rule is good enough for life in general, then it’s good enough to work for a staging consultation.
The golden rule for every businessman is this: 'Put yourself in your customer's place.' Orison Swett Marden
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