Where to Stash Un-Sexy Stuff in a Staged Home

"Do I have to hide my toothbrush?"

"What can I do about wet towels when I leave in the morning?"

"I can't ask the kids to not play with their toys."

"Who hid the remote?" 

"Nobody lives like this!" 

These are the kinds of things people living in staged homes utter. Are you one of them? Are you taking it in stride, enjoying an uncluttered, clean, and prettied home? Or do you hate having to keep your closets and counters picture perfect?     

I want you to love your staged home and enjoy living there. Maybe these tips from people who have lived in staged homes, waiting for the days when they can leave their bed unmade once in a while, will help.

• Under a bed is one of the few places people touring a home don't look. Slide some plastic storage boxes under there to hold magazines, hobbies, and other ordinary things.

• Box up the little stuff.  Rather than have stacks of clothing or purses on closet shelves, line up some matching baskets and fill them up. So much better! And still easy for you to find and replace things.

• There's always the car trunk. That's where all the last minute clutter goes when your realtor calls and asks if she can bring some buyers over. It's big enough to accommodate baskets of unfolded laundry.

• Rearrange your dresser drawers so that one of them is empty. You can throw the non-glamorous things into it every day before you leave the house.

• Get some routines going. Polish the faucet when you brush your teeth. Dry down the shower stall with a microfiber cloth when you're done showering. Store your magazines under the couch cushions. Get in the habit of putting the toilet seat and lid down.

• Use hampers, wastebaskets and recycle bins with lids.

You can do this! Remind yourself that staged homes sell faster for more money. Repeat.

Read more about the problems that home sellers face, such as old furniture, no budget, no time, mismatched furniture, and an uncooperative spouse! I offer helpful advice for all these situations and others, in my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.