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How to Stage Your Kitchen for a Sale



According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 35% of all home buyers think it's important for home sellers to have their kitchen staged. While this may seem confusing, especially since the kitchen is the one room with no furniture, there are things you can do to highlight the positive aspects of your kitchen.


Even better, most of the kitchen staging steps you can take are budget-friendly. We want to help make your next move easier and less stressful. Keep reading to learn how to artfully stage your kitchen for a sale.



How a Kitchen Should Look and Feel

When a potential buyer walks into your kitchen, it may be the first impression of the inside of your home. Here are some ways to ensure their first impression of your kitchen is memorable for all the right reasons:


  • Should look, feel, and smell fresh and clean

  • Should look like people live there but isn't cluttered

  • Features should be up-to-date and tasteful

  • Create a feeling of spaciousness and light

Thankfully, there are some easy ways to get the look you want while still being able to use your kitchen efficiently until you sell your home. Here are our four favorite tips on getting your kitchen organized and looking great.



1. Cleaning

A dirty kitchen can attract unwanted bugs and vermin. And it certainly won't impress potential buyers.

You may want to hire a professional cleaning service to give your kitchen a good scrubbing. If you tackle it yourself, here's what to focus on:

  • Clean your windows both inside and out. Buyers like bright kitchens.

  • Keep your faucet and sink shiny and clean.

  • Remove items like garbage that could make your kitchen smell.

You should also consider removing heavy curtains from your kitchen windows to allow for additional sunlight. At least keep shades and curtains open when a buyer is looking at your home.



2. Decluttering

It's a smart idea to declutter your kitchen. But don't think that you only need to declutter surface areas. Many buyers won't think twice about opening up your kitchen cabinets to ensure there's space for their belongings.

Here's what to declutter:

  • Kitchen Counters - You should only leave items you use every day such as your coffeemaker and/or toaster out. Everything else should be stored out of sight.

  • Cabinets - Remove anything you no longer use or has expired. Place similar items together so you can find them easily.

Pack up and store anything you won't need until after you move. Toss, donate or sell anything you no longer use, like or need.

You can store extra items you do need in a box up high so it's out of sight.



3. Top Kitchen Features to Improve

Unless your home is being sold as-is or is in perfect condition, you may need to make a few improvements. Fortunately, many kitchen improvements are easy to fix and fairly inexpensive.

Here's what you should consider having fixed in your kitchen when prepping for a sale:

  • Fresh Paint - If it's been a while, a fresh coat of paint can make your kitchen pop. Aim for a neutral color like white or beige.

  • Cracks in Walls and Ceilings - Check to make sure there are no imperfections or cracks in your walls or ceiling.

  • Fix Leaks - A leak can quickly turn into an expensive project if left unattended. Get any leaks fixed immediately.

Many sellers wonder if they should replace old appliances. While replacing them can help you sell your home faster, you may not recoup the costs. Carefully consider whether it's worth it to make large improvements to your kitchen if you're planning to sell your home.



Accessories to Help Your Kitchen Pop

There are certain areas of your kitchen where you can add an accessory or two to really make the room pop. Here are a few of our favorite ways:

  • Sink Area - Remove your dirty sponges and replace them with a fancy soap dish and tray.

  • Stove Area - Place a pretty tea kettle or stove spoon rest on your stove. Make sure they're in good condition.

  • Fresh Fruits or Flowers - A bowl or fresh fruit or flowers is easy to do, inexpensive, and adds a lot of life to your kitchen.

  • Display Cookbooks - A few artfully displayed cookbooks gives the impression your kitchen is well used.

Don't go overboard. Adding just a few accessories can help breathe life and beauty into your kitchen.


Ask for Help

It's always okay to ask for help when preparing for a sale. Depending on the current condition of your home, your health or your time, you may not be able to tackle it all on your own.

And that's okay.

Alison Kero Organizing has been overseeing moves since 2004. We know how stressful it is and we want to help.

Whether you need hands-on assistance if you're living in Sussex County, Delaware or require virtual assistance, we're here. Contact us to learn how we can help you sell your home and move faster and easier.

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