Sotheby's International Realty Canada
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Seller guide

Home staging
checklist.
Room by room.

Staged homes sell faster and for more money — consistently. This isn't about expensive furniture rentals. It's about removing distractions, maximizing light, and helping buyers see themselves living in your space.

Work through each room before Shanna's photography team arrives. Check off items as you complete them.

Interactive checklist

Staging room by room.

Shanna's rule of thumb
"Remove 30% more than you think you should. Buyers need to see the room, not your belongings."
Staging progress 0 of 0 tasks complete
Whole home0 / 8
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Deep clean every room — floors, baseboards, light switches, door handles
Buyers notice smell first. A deep clean is non-negotiable.
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Remove personal photos, religious items, and political items
Buyers need to visualize themselves in the home — not you.
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Replace all burned-out lightbulbs and standardize bulb colour temperature (warm white 2700K)
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Touch up paint scuffs and marks on walls, doors, and trim
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Remove excess furniture — rooms should feel spacious, not cluttered
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Open all blinds and curtains — maximize natural light throughout
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Remove pet beds, litter boxes, food bowls, and pet odour sources
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Ensure all doors, drawers, and windows open and close smoothly
Curb appeal & entry0 / 7
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Mow lawn, edge borders, and remove dead plants
First impression is formed in the first 8 seconds. Curb appeal is not optional.
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Power wash driveway, walkway, and front steps
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Clean or repaint front door — add a new door handle if needed
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Add fresh flowers or planters at the entrance
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Remove shoes, coats, and clutter from entry/mudroom
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Ensure entry lighting is bright and welcoming
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Remove vehicles from driveway for photos and showings
Kitchen0 / 7
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Clear all countertops — remove appliances, mail, and everything except 2-3 decorative items
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Deep clean inside oven, microwave, and refrigerator
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Clean and polish sink, faucets, and hardware
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Degrease range hood and stovetop
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Remove magnets, notes, and items from the refrigerator exterior
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Organize visible cabinet and pantry interiors
Buyers always open cabinets. Neat organized interiors signal a well-maintained home.
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Add a simple fruit bowl or flowers as the only counter decoration
Living & dining room0 / 6
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Arrange furniture to maximize floor space and traffic flow
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Remove extra chairs, side tables, and any furniture that makes the room feel crowded
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Clean or replace area rugs — worn or busy rugs age a room significantly
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Remove family photos and personal collections from shelving and mantels
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Clean fireplace glass and remove ash
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Set dining table simply — place settings or a simple centrepiece
Bedrooms0 / 6
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Make all beds with fresh, neutral-coloured bedding
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Clear all nightstands — one lamp and one small item maximum
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Organize closets — remove 50% of clothing to show storage space
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Remove personal items from dresser tops and windowsills
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Ensure all closet doors open properly and are fully functional
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Store children's toys neatly in bins or baskets — not on the floor
Bathrooms0 / 7
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Deep clean toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks until they sparkle
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Remove all personal care products from shower, tub, and counter
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Replace shower curtain or clean glass enclosure thoroughly
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Add fresh white towels, folded neatly
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Remove bathroom scale, laundry baskets, and plungers from view
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Re-caulk or clean grout if discoloured or mouldy
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Add a small plant or simple soap dispenser as the only counter item

Want Shanna to walk through your home?

Shanna provides a personal staging consultation before every listing — specific recommendations for your home, not generic advice.

Book a consultation Back to seller guide
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Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Your multilingual Calgary REALTOR® — serving buyers and sellers across SW and NW Calgary with Sotheby's global platform and personal, trilingual service.

Phone (587) 585-8333
Email shanna.lin@sothebysrealty.ca
Office 5111 Elbow Dr SW
Calgary, AB T2V 1H2
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Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This website is not the official website of Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. does not make any representation or warranty regarding any information, including without limitation its accuracy or completeness, contained on this website. Shanna Lin is a licensed REALTOR® with Sotheby's International Realty Canada. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.