D.I.Y Guide – Staging a Home You’re Living In

Selling your home while still living in it can be a challenge—but with the right approach, you can make it look its best without moving out.  As a professional home stager, here are five practical tips to help you style your lived-in home like a pro and make a great impression in real estate photos and open homes. 

1. Focus on the Areas That Will Be Photographed

Real estate photography is your home's first impression—so make it count. Prioritise styling the rooms that will be featured in the listing: typically the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. These are the spaces buyers pay the most attention to online. Ensure these areas are clean, well-lit, and thoughtfully styled. Use natural light where possible, and remove any distracting items that could take away from the room’s appeal. A few well-placed cushions, throws, and fresh flowers can elevate the look instantly (see our previous blog article Top Styling Tips for Staging Your Property).

2. Depersonalise

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your space—not feel like they’re visiting someone else’s home. Remove personal photos, kids’ artwork, name plaques, and anything that’s uniquely “you.” This helps create a neutral canvas that appeals to a wider audience. You don’t need to strip away all personality—just enough to make the space feel welcoming and universally appealing.

3. Declutter

Clutter makes spaces feel smaller and distracts buyers from seeing the home’s potential. Start by clearing surfaces—kitchen benches, bathroom vanities, coffee tables—and pack away excess items.  In the kitchen, only keep the appliances and utensils you use regularly for meal-prep.   Pack the rest away ready for your move to you next home. If you’re short on storage, consider renting a small storage unit or using under-bed containers to hide things out of sight. Decluttering also includes removing excess furniture that may crowd a room. Aim for a clean, spacious look that allows buyers to move freely and focus on the home’s features

4. Style the Key Areas

Certain rooms carry more weight in a buyer’s decision-making process. Focus your styling efforts on the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and bathrooms using staging tips from our earlier blog post. These touches help buyers emotionally connect with the space.

5. Furnish and Style Any Odd Spaces

Every corner of your home should have a purpose. If you have an awkward nook, unused landing, or empty alcove, style it to show how it can be used. Add a small desk to create a home office, a bench and coat rack to suggest a mudroom, or a comfy chair and lamp for a reading spot. Four out of five buyers struggle to visualise how to use unusual spaces—so show them! This not only adds perceived value but also helps your home stand out from the competition.

Also, we have a free downloadable check-list to help you both prepare for the real estate photos, and for open homes.