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Home Staging Tip 'Out of Sight out of Mind' Storage and Closet Space

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Home Stager with Home Staging 101 DVD - How-to sell your home for more, fast!

Some sellers often forget the importance of storage and closet space. While preparing a home for market it's important to remember that every buyer is very interested in how much storage is available. Because closets and storage are concealed by doors they often get overlooked by the people who live in the home but not by buyers. While all of us now know that sellers should pack up their extra stuff it's equally important to include the extra stuff in the storage areas. Shelves should be neat and orderly housing only those things that are essential. 'Things that are essential' is a relative matter and should be determined by what you will use today and not those 'just in case' things we all like to hold onto. Here are some tips that will help make your closets and storage areas look and feel larger.

1. First remove all items of your closet or storage and take a moment to separate everything into a 'keep' pile and 'store' pile. Box up the items you will store and remove them from your home. Do not take them to the garage as this area needs to be clear of clutter.

2. Purchase storage bins for smaller items. When purchasing bins try to buy the same size, color and type. I do not recommend clear bins but rather a solid neutral color. Be sure you measure the depth of the shelf space to avoid bins that stick out pass the shelf. Always avoid placing bins on the floor.

3. Use 'facing' to display those larger items that are not in bins. Facing is a method used by retailers to display merchandise on shelves. Face the front side of the item toward the front of the shelf while organizing each item according to size and type. Laundry detergent for example is usually a larger item with bleach or fabric softener being smaller. Place the laundry detergent at the back of the shelf facing forward and bleach or fabric softener according to size in front of it also facing forward.

4. Have only one extra set of sheets for each bed in the home stored neatly. A really great way to achieve a store shelf look is to fold sheets and place them in a matching pillowcase. This will help avoid the unsightly fold often created by the fitted sheets that never seem to look right. Place the folded sheets in a corner of the pillowcase and turn the extra material downward neatly. Now place the pillowcase on the shelf with the folded side down leaving the smooth side up on display.

5. Fold all towels in the same manner. Fold towels according to the shelf space available avoiding a fold that leaves them hanging over the edge of the shelf. Take the longest side of the towel and fold it in half then fold the opposite side one third of the way and the other side on top of that one third of the way. Turn the open edge toward the back of the closet and the smooth side up when placing on the shelf.

6. Keep the floor of every closet and storage area free and clear of shoes, boxes and any other item that does not fit in bins or on shelves neatly. This often forgotten area makes a big impact on the overall size of the space. A clean and clear floor will help make you closets feel and look large.

Taking the time to organize and properly display your closets and storage will make a big impact on a buyers perception of size of these areas and the overall size of your home.

Posted by

Lise Desormeaux

Host of Home Staging 101

Founder and President of RMR Atlanta

Real Estate Marketing Results

Comments (4)

Jackie - computer-training-atlanta.com
770.498.7333 - Atlanta, GA
Learn to leverage technology to get more done.

Lise - I spent several happy hours this weekend reorganizing some of my storage areas. Love, love, love these tips, especially #4! I can't believe I never heard of putting sheets in the pillow cases. *Scampering to closet to organize the sheets*.

May 24, 2009 06:45 PM
Lise Desormeaux
Home Staging 101 DVD - How-to sell your home for more, fast! - Atlanta, GA
Home Staging - Atlanta

I'm so glad you not only read this blog but actually got something out of it.  After all that is the point.  Thank you so much for the comment and keep up the good work.  Hope you had a great holiday weekend and it sounds like you did!

May 24, 2009 07:43 PM
Ron Tiller
Star Referral - Grand rapids MI - Grand Rapids, MI

Wonderful ideas. I will pass them on to my clients. Thank you.

May 24, 2009 11:41 PM
Eilean Foster
Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore - Egg Harbor City, NJ
Real Estate Agent

Oh My Gosh Lise!  #4, #5, & #6 are fantastic!  I always get frustrated with those huge bath towels! Shelving was never designed with those in mind!  And who hasn't fought with the fitted sheet, trying to fold it so it lays flat!

I have added copies of your list to my seller's packet!

Keep those wonderful ideas coming Lise!

Thank You!!

May 25, 2009 12:25 AM