How to Stage Your Garage
On one of my first Staging Consultations, the listing agent accompanied me to learn more about this “new” concept of Home Staging.
The garage looked similar to many I’ve seen…full of tools, paint cans, cleaners, gardening supplies, and more. It was hard to see how a car would fit!
What the agent said surprised me…”Don’t worry about the garage. No one looks at it.”
It wasn’t the first time the poor garage was thought of as insignificant. One seller asked me politely not to look in the garage.
Why is it so important??
-In any home, space and, in particular, storage space are valued as much as anything else. Buyers need to see that space!
In places such as Texas and FL, where homes rarely have basements, this extra space is even more important.
-When the MLS says a 2-car garage, buyers will need to see it! I’ve seen some garages that looked like it would have been a tight fit for even one car.
What you can do…
-START EDITING!
Divide what you have into these groups:
~ Trash. This includes all of those partially used garden and cleaning products. Be sure to dispose of them properly.
~ Items to be donated. Once you have a pile of items you’re donating, then get them out of your garage. Drop them off or call your local charity for a pick up.
~Items you are giving to friends and family. Tell your family that if they want these items, they need to come and take them now. Get them out of your garage.
~ Items you will take to your new home but do not need now. If you have to rent off-site storage, look at it as an investment in getting your home sold.
~ Items that you are keeping for your move and will still need now.
- It’s still a part of your house, so make sure it’s clean. Will a buyer pass on your house because the garage is dirty? Who knows, but are you willing to take that chance?
Floors- Sweep them and remove any of the oil stains you may have. I’ve had some clients who have gone so far as to paint them.
Walls and doors- Break out the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and get rid of all of the dirty smudges and marks around the door.
Windows- If you have windows in the garage, clean them! And, don’t forget the spider webs there!
Lights- Don’t forget to repair or update your garage lights.
-Organize what’s left!
Your local hardware store offers ideas and products for storing and organizing this area. You’ll like it so much, you’ll want to put it in your new garage!
There will always be some boxes you need to store in the garage before the move. That’s understandable. Make sure they’re stacked neatly in a corner.
Would a buyer not consider your home because the garage was packed and dirty? Would you want to take that chance?
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