Declutter Fast: 8 Items Home Stagers Always Remove Before Showings
Jun 19, 2025Declutter Fast: 8 Items Home Stagers Always Remove Before Showings
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter. That’s where home stagers come in. Their job? Make a house feel bright, clean, and ready to impress buyers. One of the quickest ways to do that is by removing clutter. But we’re not just talking about piles of mail or laundry baskets. Some everyday things can actually make your home look smaller, darker, or outdated—and they’ve got to go.
If you want to make your home shine before a showing, take a page from the pros. Here are 8 items home stagers always remove before the first buyer walks through the door.
1. Personal Photos and Family Portraits
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home—not your family. That’s why home stagers always start by taking down personal photos from walls, shelves, and dressers. Even if they’re beautiful, personal pictures distract from the space. Swapping them for neutral art or mirrors can make rooms feel bigger and brighter.
2. Excess Furniture
Too much furniture can make a room feel tight and hard to walk through. A common tip from home stagers is to remove any extra chairs, side tables, or bulky pieces that aren’t essential. Less is more when it comes to staging. A clean layout shows off your square footage and helps buyers focus on the room—not the stuff in it.
3. Outdated or Worn Rugs
Old rugs can make a home feel tired or dated, even if the rest of the room looks good. If a rug is stained, frayed, or just screams another decade, home stagers suggest rolling it up and putting it away. Clean floors are always better than worn-out rugs during a showing.
4. Toiletries and Personal Items
No one wants to walk into a bathroom and see your toothbrush or shampoo. It might sound small, but it makes a huge difference. Home stagers clear off bathroom counters and tuck away things like razors, lotions, and makeup. This simple step instantly makes the space look clean and spa-like.
5. Magnets and Papers on the Fridge
The fridge is not a bulletin board. Take down kids’ drawings, grocery lists, and reminder notes. Home stagers want kitchens to look fresh and open—and that starts with clearing the clutter off the appliances. A shiny, empty fridge front can help the kitchen feel more modern.
6. Pet Items
Even though we love our furry friends, buyers don’t want to smell or see signs of pets. Before a showing, home stagers remove food bowls, pet beds, and litter boxes. It’s not personal—it’s just about making sure your home appeals to the widest audience.
7. Excess Décor and Knickknacks
Too many small decorations can make a home feel cramped and busy. Think of it like visual clutter. Home stagers recommend keeping shelves simple and clean. Just a few key pieces—like a vase, a book, or a candle—are enough. It makes the space look intentional and calming.
8. Seasonal or Holiday Decorations
If it’s not the current season, it shouldn’t be on display. Buyers should feel like your home is ready to move in—not like they’re walking into a past holiday. Home stagers always pack up seasonal items early so the space looks fresh and up-to-date, no matter what time of year it is.
Bonus Tip: Try Virtual Home Staging if You're Short on Time
If you’re selling an empty home or don’t have time to fully declutter and style each room, virtual home staging can be a smart solution. It uses digital tools to stage photos of your home with clean, modern furniture—without moving a single item. While it doesn’t replace a real walkthrough, it gives potential buyers a polished first look online, which is where most people start their home search.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, staging is all about helping buyers see the full potential of a home. And that starts with decluttering the right way. By removing these eight items, you’re not just tidying up—you’re creating space, adding light, and making your home feel move-in ready.
Home stagers know that less is more. When every room feels clean and open, buyers are more likely to fall in love—and that can lead to faster offers and better deals.
Ready to get your home show-ready? Start with these quick decluttering wins, and watch the magic happen.