Getting ready to sell your home is a big moment, but making a great first impression doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you want fast results without overspending, we’ve compiled some helpful budget tips for your home staging checklist. Here’s how to prepare your home for sale to attract more buyers, so you can move on to the next chapter of your life with ease.

Tip 1: Declutter and depersonalize.

Your home should be a blank canvas for potential buyers. Clearing away the clutter and depersonalizing spaces helps buyers picture themselves living in the space and makes every room feel more open. Go room by room and pack away family photos, knickknacks, and clutter. Donate or store excess furniture and keep only what highlights each room’s best features.

Tip 2: Do a deep clean.

A spotless home speaks volumes. Scrub floors, wipe down walls and baseboards, and deep clean bathrooms and kitchens. Pay special attention to often-overlooked details like light switches, vent covers, and ceiling fans. Clean the interior and exterior of your home’s windows (hire a professional window cleaner, if needed) to let in more light and show buyers your home is well cared for.

Tip 3: Revamp bathroom mirrors.

Give dated plate glass bathroom mirrors a boost with MirrorMate’s decorative vanity mirror frames. These custom-crafted DIY mirror frames are easy to install and fit any square or rectangular mirror—they even fit over mirror clips. Choose from more than 50 frame options in a range of styles, from traditional to glam.

Tip 4: Rearrange furniture.

Arrange your furniture to create clear walkways and make rooms feel as spacious as possible. Pull furniture away from walls, float a cozy reading chair in a corner, or reposition your sofa to show off a great view. The goal is to help buyers see the potential of every space without it feeling crowded or awkward.

Tip 5: Update lighting.

Good lighting helps rooms feel inviting and lively, making your home more appealing to every visitor. Swap out harsh bulbs for warm-toned LEDs. Add floor lamps or table lamps to brighten dark corners. If your home has recessed lighting, make sure all the lights are working and are the same brightness and color/tone. Also ensure all exterior lighting is working properly.

Tip 6: Showcase your mirrors.

Mirrors make spaces feel bigger and brighter, and they reflect the best of what your home has to offer. Adding custom wall mirrors or reframing existing mirrors is an affordable way to elevate bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms alike. Choose frames that complement your décor for a seamless designer finish.

Tip 7: Add fresh touches.

Simple additions can make a big impact. Place a vase of fresh flowers on the dining table or set out a bowl of colorful fruit in the kitchen. Refresh the bathrooms with budget-friendly updates, like new hand towels, shower curtains, and bathmats. Replace worn throw pillows and add a lightweight blanket to the sofa for a cozy touch. Add a touch of polish with runner/area rugs in neutral color palettes near entrances and in hallways. 

Tip 8: Refresh paint and steam clean carpets.

A fresh coat of paint and clean carpets are budget-friendly ways to give your home a move-in-ready look. Touch up scuffs and marks on baseboards and doorframes and have carpets professionally steam cleaned. If painting entire rooms isn’t in the cards, focus on entryways and high-traffic areas where first impressions matter most.

Tip 9: Boost curb appeal.

Curb appeal boosts selling price by 7%, according to real estate experts. Make sure your home’s paint and siding are in good condition. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, and add potted plants by the front door. Clean the front porch, update old house numbers, and add a welcoming doormat. Don’t give potential buyers any reason to drive away before even stepping inside.

Tip 10: Update kitchen and bathroom hardware.

Switch out outdated cabinet pulls, drawer knobs, and door handles for an easy yet impactful way to update the look of the kitchen, bathrooms, and even a utility room. Opt for a clean, simple design in a finish like brushed nickel or matte black for a quick, affordable upgrade. Subtle touches like this can give your home a more modern vibe.

Refresh Your Home With MirrorMate Frames

A few simple updates and creative touches can make your home stand out and sell faster—without breaking the bank. Custom-crafted frames are the perfect way to upgrade your bathroom and other interior spaces in a single afternoon.

Browse MirrorMate’s full collection of DIY mirror frames in styles ranging from coastal to modern.