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Don’t Get Caught Staging Barefoot

By
Home Stager with Prudential Ambassador / Ross Designs, LLC

Often times when Staging it is appropriate to remove your outside shoes and leave them at the door. Occasions when this is appropriate include when the weather is bad, a house has new carpet, a family has small children and prefers to keep outdoor germs away from the floor, etc.  However, it is best NOT to go sans foot coverings. Some homes are dirtier INSIDE than it is outside and then there is the slip factor.  Unfortunately I have been in some homes that are so dirty I would have preferred to not be in them let alone consider going barefoot. And, I have, I am embarrassed to admit, slipped on a client's wood floors while walking around in my socks. Very embarrassing and potentially hazardous.

What's the solution?  Carry a pair of "indoor only" shoes in your tool kit or workbag.  I especially like the ones by "Body Glove" that are meant to be worn when rock-climbing and partaking in other outdoor activities.  They are slip-ons and the bottoms have built in grips so it is much easier not to slip and they are very comfortable.  Most of the discount stores are currently carrying generic ones that are very similar.

Here's to wishing you all happy and safe Staging!

Body Glove Palisades

Posted by

Ross Designs Is Omaha's Full Service Home Staging Company, Dedicated To Supporting The Real Estate Industry!

 Omaha Area Board of Realtors (OABR) and Women's Council Of Realtors (WCR) Affiliate Member. 

Incorporated in 2004, Ross Designs stages 150-200 homes every year. Owner Occupied and Vacant Staging Programs, Color Consultations for Existing and New Construction, Holiday Decor Design and Implementation, and Odor Removal Services.

Call anytime at 402-490-3244

Comments(16)

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Abby Roselli
ALR Home Staging and Showcasing, LLC - Staten Island, NY
Staten Island Home Stager

Are they like water shoes?  hhmmm, that's an interesting idea.

Jun 11, 2008 03:42 AM
Tori Lynn Wallitsch
Prudential Ambassador / Ross Designs, LLC - Omaha, NE

Abby - they are intended to walk around beaches or rock-climb through the falls, etc.  Does that help? They really do "fit like a glove" too!  I had to buy them for a trip to Jamaica and found them at a local sporting goods store.

Jun 11, 2008 04:05 AM
Donna Schoby
Liberty Bank of Arkansas - Bentonville, AR

Tori - What a great idea! I already have a pair of those, all I need to do now is find them.

Jun 11, 2008 08:16 AM
Sandra Hughes
Redesigned Spaces - Northern Virginia - Fairfax, VA
Redesigned Spaces - Fairfax County, Virginia

You are right is a good idea to keep a pair of "indoor" only shoes in the car.  Good tip!

Jun 11, 2008 09:10 AM
Kristina Leone
Lionheart Home Staging, LLC - Minneapolis, MN

I completely agree with your solution.  Unfortunately, some of my indoor shoes have gotten quite dirty because of the condition of the floors - YUK!

Jun 11, 2008 12:48 PM
Terrylynn Fisher
Dudum Real Estate Group - BuyStageSell.com - Walnut Creek, CA
HAFA Certified, EcoBroker, CRS, CSP Realtor, Etc.

The solution.  Appointment looming and quick change and out the door to the consult.  At least you'll have your "image" all ready if you keep your staging clothes and shoes available and appointment clothes available.  Those look comfy, will be looking for some to keep in the car.

Jun 11, 2008 06:43 PM
Tori Lynn Wallitsch
Prudential Ambassador / Ross Designs, LLC - Omaha, NE

Terrylynn - you will like them if you get a pair!

Kirstina - I totally empathize with you; Staging is not a glamorous work!

Yvonne - It almost makes us look more professional to have a separate set of indoor shoes.

Sandra & Donna - you will be happy if you do get a pair in the car.

Jun 12, 2008 03:00 AM
* Rate A Home
Rate A Home - Saugatuck, MI

Tori, great idea. I know when we use to do parade of homes we would supply the medical shoe covers for the people.

Jun 12, 2008 03:28 AM
Tanya Venable
Orlando, FL
SEO, Mobile SEO, and Internet Marketing Consultant

Tori Lynn, This is a great idea. I keep saying I should get booties but I think these will work alot better. Thanks for sharing!

Sep 27, 2008 01:30 AM
Wendy Timmons
Move Home Realty - Temecula, CA
Temecula Realtor

Tori Lynn- Great idea, probably a lot less slippery than socks :) I wonder if you can still find some now that it is fall?

Sep 27, 2008 01:54 AM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

Just a caution-make sure you wear something that is sturdy and gives your feet protection.  I cut my foot staging and it was a long time before it healed.  I do not remove my tennis shoes when I stage for liability reasons now.   

Sep 27, 2008 03:11 AM
Tori Lynn Wallitsch
Prudential Ambassador / Ross Designs, LLC - Omaha, NE

Another case in point - this week I was wearing dress socks and was asked by the homeowner to remove my shoes.  Her wood and tlle floors were so slippery (and my socks must have also contributed) that I almost fell several times.  I wish I had my non-slip indoor only shoes with me.

Sep 27, 2008 04:03 AM
Terrylynn Fisher
Dudum Real Estate Group - BuyStageSell.com - Walnut Creek, CA
HAFA Certified, EcoBroker, CRS, CSP Realtor, Etc.

Oh my goodness.  Yes that would be embarrasing, I go barefoot all the time and know what you mean.  BUT this sounds like a good solution actually.  Or those slipper socks that have the grippers on the bottom...we could have our tiger ones, or the ladybug...only with the client gone, huh?

Sep 27, 2008 06:52 AM
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

This is a great idea - I'm usually barefoot and my feet are dirty by the end of the day -- plus I really need a pedicure!  Thanks for sharing - I had never thought of it!

Oct 01, 2008 12:16 AM
Shell Brodnax
Real Estate Staging Association - Valley Springs, CA
CEO- RESA

great tip!! I fell during a staging and broke my arm. It was not a slip and fall but rather a stumble, strip over a golf club and fall. But the point is accidents happen. Note to all: Don't use Golf Clubs to prop open doors,they fall, you stumble, trip and break.

Oct 01, 2008 02:31 AM
Charlene Storozuk
Dezigner Digz - Burlington, ON
Home Stager - Burlington Ontario

Thanks for the great idea!  I always bring my "staging shoes" for indoor use when I'm doing an actual staging job, but for consultations, I just take off my outdoor shoes and walk around the home in my socks.  I'm going to look for a pair of these for those times.  P.S.  I really like your new profile photo Tori Lynn!

Oct 01, 2008 05:59 AM