How to Stage a Home With Pets Without Compromising the Look

Staging a home for sale can be challenging for homeowners with pets. While pets are beloved members of the family, they can create obstacles when trying to present a home in its best light. Pets leave behind fur, odors, and sometimes stains, which may turn off potential buyers. Moreover, pet toys, beds, and other accessories can clutter spaces and distract from the home’s features. However, with careful planning and strategic staging, it is entirely possible to create an inviting, pet-free appearance while still maintaining a comfortable environment for your furry companions.

In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively stage a home with pets, offering practical tips that will help you present a clean, stylish, and pet-friendly space without compromising the overall aesthetic. Whether you have dogs, cats, or other pets, these strategies will help you ensure your home appeals to a wide range of potential buyers.

The Importance of Staging a Home with Pets

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Before delving into the steps and strategies for staging your home, it’s essential to understand the significance of proper staging. Home staging plays a crucial role in selling a home, as it helps buyers envision themselves living in the space. When staging a home with pets, it’s important to strike a balance between showcasing the property’s best features and hiding the signs that a pet lives there. Here’s why it matters:

First Impressions Matter: Buyers often form strong opinions during their first visit to a home. The sight and smell of pets can leave a negative impression that may be hard to shake off.
Appealing to Non-Pet Owners: Not all potential buyers are pet lovers. Some buyers might have allergies or prefer a home without pet-related items. Staging the home without emphasizing the presence of pets can appeal to a broader range of buyers.
Highlighting Space and Cleanliness: A clean, pet-free environment helps potential buyers focus on the size, layout, and features of the home rather than being distracted by pet belongings or odors.
Creating a Neutral Atmosphere: A neutral, welcoming space allows buyers to imagine how the home will look with their own furniture, pets, and lifestyle.

Step 1: Deep Clean the Home

One of the most critical steps in staging a home with pets is ensuring it is impeccably clean. Pets can create various messes, including fur, paw prints, and accidents that can leave behind lingering smells. A clean home is essential for making a great first impression, and it can also help remove any pet-related odors. Here are some cleaning tips:

Pet Hair Removal

Vacuum Regularly: Pet hair can accumulate on carpets, rugs, and furniture, so it’s important to vacuum frequently before showings. Use a vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair, as these often have stronger suction and specialized attachments.
Lint Rollers: For hard-to-reach places or furniture, use a lint roller to remove stray pet hairs. This is an easy and effective way to ensure the home is free of pet dander and hair.
Furniture Covers: If your pets have favorite spots on furniture, consider using washable furniture covers during the staging process. These can help protect the upholstery and make it easier to keep everything clean.

Odor Control

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery: If your pets spend a lot of time on carpets or furniture, consider having these items professionally cleaned before staging. Pet odors can cling to fibers, and deep cleaning will eliminate lingering smells.
Air Fresheners: Use natural air fresheners such as essential oils, candles, or diffusers to neutralize any lingering odors. Avoid using heavily scented sprays, as they can overwhelm potential buyers and mask the home’s natural scent.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odors. Sprinkle it on carpets, rugs, and furniture, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it up for a fresh-smelling home.
Pet-Specific Cleaning Products: For stubborn stains or odors, consider using pet-specific cleaning products designed to neutralize the smells associated with pets. These can help eliminate traces of urine or other accidents.

Regular Maintenance

Clean Pet Areas: Make sure your pets’ sleeping areas, litter boxes, or feeding stations are clean and tidy before showings. Litter boxes should be cleaned and deodorized regularly, and pet beds should be washed to remove any odors.
Clean Windows and Walls: Pets can leave smudge marks on windows and walls, particularly if they like to look outside. Wipe down glass surfaces and any areas where pets may have scratched or left marks.

Step 2: Remove Pet Items

While your pets are an important part of your life, it’s crucial to minimize the presence of pet-related items during the staging process. Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves in the space without being distracted by pet beds, toys, or food bowls. Here’s how to effectively remove pet items:

Remove Pet Toys and Accessories

Hide Pet Toys: Remove pet toys from visible areas, especially if they clutter up the space. Store them in a closet or a storage bin out of sight.
Pet Beds and Crates: Pet beds and crates can take up valuable space and may not fit with the home’s décor. If possible, remove them or replace them with more neutral, aesthetically-pleasing alternatives.
Pet Bowls: Food and water bowls should be tucked away during showings. While these are essential for your pet’s daily routine, they can make the space appear less organized and polished.

Pet Furniture

Remove Pet-Specific Furniture: If you have furniture designed specifically for your pet, such as a pet sofa or scratching post, remove these items before showings. While they may be functional for your pet, they can detract from the overall look and feel of the home.
Neutralize Spaces: If your pets have designated spaces in the home, such as a particular area for their toys or food, tidy these spaces or move them out of sight. You want to create a neutral, organized atmosphere for potential buyers.

Step 3: Pet-Proof the Home

While it’s essential to remove visible pet-related items, you also need to take steps to ensure that the home is pet-proofed for both pets and potential buyers. Here are some ways to protect the home while staging:

Secure Pets During Showings

Take Pets Out During Showings: Whenever possible, take your pets out of the house during showings. This ensures that potential buyers can tour the home without distraction and prevents pets from becoming stressed or anxious around unfamiliar visitors.
Pet Sitters: If you are unable to take your pets out during showings, consider hiring a pet sitter or asking a friend or family member to care for them while the home is being shown.
Create a Safe Space for Pets: If your pets need to stay in the house during showings, designate a quiet area, such as a bedroom or laundry room, where they can stay out of sight. Be sure to let your real estate agent know where the pets are located, so they can inform potential buyers.

Repair Any Pet-Related Damage

Fix Scratches and Bites: Pets, particularly cats and dogs, may scratch doors, trim, or furniture. Repair any visible damage to the walls, doors, or furniture before staging. If necessary, touch up with paint or replace damaged items to restore the home’s appearance.
Patch Carpet or Flooring Damage: Pets can sometimes cause damage to carpets or flooring, especially if they have accidents or chew on materials. Consider repairing or replacing damaged flooring before staging the home.
Check for Fleas or Ticks: Ensure that your pets are free from fleas and ticks, as these can be a turnoff for potential buyers. If necessary, treat your pets with flea and tick prevention products before staging.

Step 4: Create a Neutral, Welcoming Environment

Once you’ve cleaned, decluttered, and pet-proofed the home, it’s time to focus on creating a neutral, welcoming environment that will appeal to all potential buyers. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Neutralize the Decor

Opt for Neutral Colors: Use neutral colors in your décor and furnishings, such as beige, white, or light gray. This creates a blank canvas that allows buyers to imagine their own style and décor in the space.
Minimalist Approach: Keep the décor minimal and simple. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many decorative items or pet-related accessories. Instead, focus on creating an open, spacious feel that showcases the home’s features.

Use Pet-Free Spaces to Showcase Features

Highlight the Pet-Free Zones: If your home includes areas where pets are not present, such as a formal dining room or an office space, emphasize these areas in your staging. Use these rooms to showcase the home’s features, such as elegant furniture, stylish accessories, or bright lighting.
Showcase the Flow of the Home: Stage the home to emphasize its flow and functionality. Arrange furniture in a way that allows buyers to see how the space can be used, and avoid overcrowding the rooms with pet items or furniture.

Step 5: Consider Professional Help

If staging your home with pets feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional home stager. A professional stager can provide expert advice and assistance, helping you make the most of your space while hiding any pet-related distractions. They may also be able to offer pet-friendly staging solutions that ensure the home still feels comfortable and inviting for both buyers and pets.

Conclusion

Staging a home with pets requires a delicate balance between maintaining a clean, polished appearance while still accommodating your pets’ needs. By taking the time to deep clean, remove pet items, and create a neutral environment, you can present your home in the best possible light without sacrificing your pets’ comfort. With a few simple adjustments and careful planning, you can successfully stage a home with pets and attract potential buyers who will fall in love with the space.