Want to make your home more appealing to potential buyers? 

A few simple, low-cost changes can help every room look its best in property details photographs and feel welcoming when people come through the door. From clearing kitchen worktops and freshening up the bathroom to making bedrooms feel calm and inviting, these easy home-staging tips will help you create a great first impression without spending a fortune.

If there’s one thing I have learned in my years of working in an estate agency, it’s that people first buy with their heart, then their minds. It’s love before logic. Yes, logic might kick in later and minds might change. But if you can have someone walk through your home and immediately imagine themselves living there, you’re off to a very strong start.

Here’s how to make every room in your home feel more welcoming before the photographer arrives and the viewings begin.

The hallway: make a great first impression

The hallway sets the tone for the rest of the viewing. Even if it’s small, dark or awkwardly shaped, a few simple changes can help it feel brighter, more spacious and welcoming.

Before the photographs:

• Clear away shoes, coats, bags and anything else that tends to accumulate by the front door
• Give the floor a thorough clean and make sure skirting boards are free from dust
• Remove bulky items that make the space feel cramped
• Check the lighting works and replace any dim or mismatched bulbs

Before a viewing

• Put away everyday clutter, including dog leads, umbrellas and shopping bags
• Give the hallway a quick vacuum or sweep
• Make sure the space smells fresh, without overpowering air fresheners or scented candles

A clean front door and a tidy entrance can make the whole property feel better cared for from the moment buyers arrive.

The living room: create a space people want to relax in

The living room is often one of the most important rooms for buyers. They want to imagine relaxing there after work, spending time with family or entertaining friends.

Before the photographs:

• Clear coffee tables and side tables of unnecessary clutter
• Plump up cushions and fold throws neatly rather than leaving them crumpled
• Open curtains and blinds fully to maximise natural light
• Hide television cables, remote controls and everyday odds and ends
• Tuck away family photos and clear clutter on shelves and windowsills

Before a viewing:

• Straighten cushions and throws and give the sofa a quick once-over
• Clear away mugs, magazines, toys and anything else that has accumulated
• Open the curtains wide to let in daylight, particularly on dull days

A living room that feels comfortable, clean and easy to move around in will help buyers picture themselves settling in.

The kitchen: make it feel clean, practical and ready to use

Buyers often pay close attention to the kitchen because it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home.

Before the photographs:

• Clear worktops of appliances and utensils you don’t use every day
• Put away washing-up liquid, sponges, tea towels and dishcloths
• Clean cupboard doors, handles, splashbacks and worktops
• Remove magnets, paperwork and children’s drawings from the fridge
• Make sure the sink is clean and free from washing-up

Before a viewing:

• Empty the kitchen bin and wipe down the bin lid
• Put away washing-up and wipe the sink dry
• Give worktops a final wipe and make sure the hob is clean
• Check the room smells fresh, particularly if you’ve recently cooked

The aim is to show buyers a space that is easy to use and well maintained.

The dining room: make space for everyday living

Whether you have a separate dining room or a table tucked into the kitchen, buyers should be able to see how the space works for everyday life.

Before the photographs:

• Clear the table of paperwork, chargers and everyday clutter
• Straighten chairs and make sure there is enough room to move around the table
• Clean the table and give the floor a thorough sweep

Before a viewing:

• Make sure the table is clear and ready to use
• Straighten chairs and tidy away anything that has accumulated
• Check lighting is working and the room feels bright and comfortable

A clean, uncluttered dining area allows buyers to imagine their own family meals and get-togethers.

The main bedroom: make it feel calm and comfortable

The main bedroom should feel like a place to unwind. Buyers are often looking for a room that feels peaceful, spacious and free from everyday distractions.

Before the photographs:

• Make the bed neatly, smoothing the duvet and arranging pillows
• Remove laundry, dressing gowns and clothes from view
• Clear bedside tables of unnecessary items
• Tidy dressing tables and clear the tops of chests of drawers
• Open curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible

Before a viewing:

• Make the bed and put away any clothes left out
• Clear bedside tables and remove used mugs or glasses
• Give mirrors a quick clean and make sure the room smells fresh
• Put away personal items that make surfaces look cluttered

Fresh bedding can make a difference, but it doesn’t need to be new. 

All other bedrooms: show buyers what the space can offer

A spare bedroom can be a guest room, a home office or a nursery. Children’s bedrooms will show that this is a wonderful family home. 

Before the photographs:

• Make beds neatly if the room is used as a bedroom
• Clear away toys, boxes, laundry and anything that makes the space feel crowded
• If it’s an office, tidy the desk and hide cables

Before a viewing:

• Straighten bedding and cushions
• Clear the floor and make sure the room is easy to walk around
• Put away anything that has accumulated since the photographs were taken

Whatever its current use, make sure buyers can see the potential.

The bathroom: clean, fresh and clutter-free

Buyers want to see a space that feels hygienic, well maintained and easy to keep clean.

Before the photographs:

• Clean the bath, shower, toilet, basin and taps until they sparkle
• Remove toiletries, toothbrushes, razors and everyday products from view
• Hang fresh, clean towels neatly
• Clean mirrors and shower screens
• Remove bath mats

Before a viewing:

• Give the basin and taps a quick wipe
• Make sure the toilet is clean and the seat is down
• Hang towels neatly and put away toiletries
• Empty the bathroom bin and check that the room smells fresh

A clean, bright bathroom with clear surfaces will feel far more inviting than one crowded with products.

The home office: show buyers a space to work comfortably

The aim is to show that the room is functional without allowing paperwork and equipment to dominate the space.

Before the photographs:

• Clear away paperwork, notebooks and unnecessary desk accessories
• Tidy cables and chargers
• Make sure the desk and chair are positioned neatly
• Remove clutter from shelves and surfaces
• Open blinds or curtains to maximise natural light

Before a viewing:

• Clear the desk and lock away confidential documents
• Tidy away cups, plates and personal items
• Make sure the chair is pushed in and the floor is clear

If your office doubles as a guest room, make sure both uses are easy to understand without overcrowding the space.

Don’t forget the practical spaces

Utility rooms and laundry areas may not be the most glamorous parts of a property, but they can be important selling points.

Before the photographs:

• Clear away laundry baskets, cleaning products and clutter
• Put away washing-up liquids and detergent bottles
• Wipe down appliances and cupboards
• Make sure floors and surfaces are clean

Before a viewing:

• Put away dirty laundry and empty baskets
• Make sure the washing machine and tumble dryer are clean
• Keep worktops clear and the floor tidy
• Tidy shelves and cupboards to show there’s plenty of storage space

If you have pets, make sure their beds, bowls and toys are tidy and any pet-related smells have been dealt with.

In summary, here’s how to make your home more welcoming for viewings

Preparing your home for sale doesn’t need to be expensive. Decluttering, cleaning, maximising natural light and making each room feel comfortable can help your property look its best in photographs and feel welcoming during viewings. Focus on clear surfaces, tidy furniture, fresh bedding, clean bathrooms and well-presented spaces. These simple steps can help buyers appreciate your home’s potential and imagine themselves living there.

Eddie – Friday 25th September 2026 (Images used from Stockton Road, Chorlton Green).