How to Stage Your Home for Sale During the Holidays

Are you planning to list your home over the holiday season? Staging your home for sale is important, no matter the time of year – but standing out amid all the glitter, gold, and reindeer can be extra challenging.

However, while you’ll want to present your home as stylish and clutter-free, you don’t need to ban Santa from the premises altogether – here are a few ways to stage your home with a little festive flair.

Curb Appeal

Do:

Keep your exterior simple: When it comes to decorating the outside of your home, less is more – you want your holiday decorations to enhance your curb appeal, not distract potential buyers. Keep the look crisp and clean by sticking to one colour of lights (make sure all string bulbs are in working order), and dress up your front porch with a tasteful holiday planter. Welcome guests with a  front door wreath, but keep it on the small side.

Don’t:

Cover up too much: Stay away from over-the-top, flashing lights that cover too large an area of your exterior, and keep your lawn clear of décor (no inflatable Christmas figures, light up deer etc).

Colours and Textures

Do:

Mix your mediums: Neutrals and warm holiday colours (think golds, silvers, forest greens, deep reds) lend a cozy backdrop to your home, which you can then dress up with subtle sparkle and shine. Velvets, plaids, knits and faux fur are all trending patterns and textures; layer them up with decorative pillows and throw blankets to make your home as stylish as it is cozy. Want to add more holiday magic? Take advantage of delicious seasonal (and nostalgia-inducing) spells such as pine and gingerbread candles.

 Don’t:

Get glittery: Too much glitter can actually make your space less fabulous; not only does it get EVERYWHERE, it can look inexpensive rather than luxe. Also steer clear of the rainbow / unicorn trend in your holiday décor – save it for a summer party once ensconced in your new home.

Holiday Decorations

Do:

Be space-concious: Keep your living spaces clear by containing your décor – try filling vases and bowls with tasteful holiday items such as ornaments, pinecones, and candles.

Dress the mantle: Spruce up railings and fireplaces with subtle décor pieces, tasteful string lights, or pom pom fabric garlands (pick pine over tinsel).

Don’t:

Clutter your space: When showing your home, it’s important to make your living spaces seem as airy and roomy as possible. Decluttering is an important step, so avoid any busy tabletop décor, or large items that compromise your floor space. Avoid hanging holiday décor on walls – like tinsel or stockings – as it will shrink the appearance of the room.

The Tree

Do:

Keep your tree small: An extra-wide tree can detract from your living room space, so stick to one that’s medium to small. Colour coordinate your ornaments (white lights are always a great choice for added sparkle), and avoid any hand-crafted or mismatched decorations. If you have a separate family room, consider placing your tree there rather in the main living space to keep your presentation clean and minimal.

Don’t:

Make your tree a focal point: Skip the extra-large tree this year, and don’t overload it with ornaments and tinsel. Keep Christmas gifts out of site during showings – cramming them under the tree will only take up more floor space.

Religious Items

Do:

Keep it subtle: Aim for a “warm and cozy winter” theme in your décor. While you can certainly display Christmas or Hanukkah items, avoid making them the focal point of your home.

Don’t:

 Go overboard: Keep in mind that overly-large religious statues, symbols and décor pieces may make some buyers feel uncomfortable.