Should I Empty My House Before Selling?

Should You Empty Your Home Before Styling It for Sale?

When it comes to home styling in Brisbane, one of the most common questions we receive is whether homeowners should empty their homes before bringing in a professional stylist. At Sell in Style Property Styling, we generally recommend starting with a blank canvas. However, there are pros and cons to both approaches. Below, we explore both sides so you can make an informed decision based on your situation and goals.

Advantages of Emptying Your Home

Emptying your home gives property stylists a clean slate to work with. It removes distractions and allows them to design a space that flows cohesively with modern styling principles and targeted buyer demographics. While we offer integrated and partial packages, complete styling allows for maximum impact with fewer compromises.

Another benefit is decluttering. It gives you a chance to donate, store, or sell items you no longer need. Less clutter also means reduced maintenance and a cleaner, more polished presentation that appeals to buyers.

Trying to stage around mismatched or personal items can hinder a stylist’s ability to create cohesion. Empty homes allow every decision to be made with buyer psychology and visual harmony in mind.

Advantages of Leaving the House As-Is

Of course, not every seller has the luxury of moving out prior to sale. Many homeowners continue living in the home and prefer to minimise stress and effort. Integrated styling allows us to work with existing furniture and incorporate carefully selected elements to elevate the property’s appeal without requiring the seller to vacate.

Living in the home during the sale means avoiding extra accommodation, storage costs, or moving logistics. At Sell in Style, we’re proud to offer this as an option, and we tailor our process to suit each client’s unique situation.

While full-home staging creates the most impactful result, integrated styling is still highly effective and can produce outstanding results with the right strategy and support.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We recommend complete staging where possible to avoid styling limitations and maximise visual consistency. However, our team always works with the homeowner to find the best path forward based on budget, timing, and personal constraints.

The key is partnering with an experienced stylist who understands your needs and can guide you through the process to deliver a top-tier presentation and optimal sale outcome.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I sleep on the staged bedding? Yes! Homeowners are permitted to use our styled bedding and furniture. We follow strict hygiene procedures and wash all bedding thoroughly between projects to ensure cleanliness and comfort.

For more advice or to contact our styling team, visit sellinstyle.com.au or call us directly at 0432 436 567.

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