A smooth process. Stunning results.
Your Staging Journey
Four simple steps, one beautifully staged home. Here's exactly what to expect when our team creates magic in your home — no surprises, no guesswork.
Download the one-pager (PDF)
1
Before Staging Day (The Prep)
You prep, we prep!
CHECK YOUR PROPOSAL
Follow your custom Staging Recommendations room by room. Items with an asterisk are highly recommended but 100% optional. Skipping them won't change your contract or pricing. If you decide not to make the suggested changes we need to know before we arrive so we can prep!
CLEAR THE CLUTTER
Pack away heirlooms, family photos, and valuables including electronics, papers, personal items like make-up and toiletries removed from bathroom counters, kitchen counter cleared, beds to be made, etc.
ITEMS MARKED FOR REMOVAL
Must be completely gone before we arrive. If they are not removed this will impact staging completion and cost.
2
Staging Day (The Magic)
We transform your home!
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
Staging is an art, not a science, and we may try several layouts before we find what works best. It's your home, so it's your call. Pro Tip: Pretend it's a tv show, grab a coffee and come back for the big reveal!
OUR STAGING CREW
Leah, our expert design team of 6–9 stagers, and our professional movers – all specialists – will be on-site to transform your home. We don't go room-by-room; our large crew tackles the whole house at once.
CURATED JUST FOR YOU
We arrive with a truck packed to the brim with beautiful furnishings, artwork, rugs, and statement accessories specifically chosen to fit your home's unique personality.
HOUSE CHECKLIST
Ensure the home is clean, utilities are on, climate control (AC/heat) works, and at least one bathroom is fully functioning for our crew.
CLEAR THE RUNWAY
Keep driveways completely clear for our delivery trucks and cars, including snow/ice removal if necessary. Please do not schedule painters, landscapers, and other services for the same day.
HIDEAWAY
Let us know where we should put items we aren't using for staging. Clearly designate a place that is accessible and reasonable to put those items in safely. We can tuck things away in closets, the basement, an empty cabinet – please note we do not pack any personal items.
PET LOCKDOWN
Secure all furry friends safely away from the action.
3
While Your Home Is Staged
Protect the design. Protect the results.
OUR FURNITURE & DECOR ARE STRATEGIC MARKETING TOOLS
Please don't sleep in the staged bedding or use the fancy bathroom towels! Our decorative bedding will be placed ON TOP of your bedding, you should not use our pillows or bedding as you would your own. Pro tip: Fold the bedding and store it safely away when you sleep. Put your own towels straight in the dryer right after your shower and add a roll of paper towels to the bathroom for drying hands.
SNAP A QUICK PHOTO
Take a photo of every room on your phone. If you temporarily move items while living there, you can easily place them back exactly as intended before showings.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Every single piece is strategically placed by design experts to maximize buyer appeal. We ask that everything stay exactly where we put it until we come to pick it up. (But if you absolutely need an adjustment, call us—don't try to pivot the sofa yourself!).
4
Wrap-Up & Moving Forward
We're with you to the finish!
GIVE US 14 DAYS
Once you're safely under contract, through inspections, and mortgage commitment or ready for pickup, email us. Give us at least 14 days' notice so we can work around your closing schedule. Our rental period is for 60 days. We will contact you at 30 days to start planning for pickup. Our items can NOT be included in the sale of your home, as much as your buyers would want them too! Please note: We do not work on weekends or holidays, but will try to accommodate your schedule as best we can.
SWAPPING BACK (FEE SERVICE)
If we are reinstalling your personal furniture, this must be scheduled well in advance. Refer to your contract for specific details on pricing and timeline logistics. This is only for large furniture/rugs, we do not pack your individual items or put back decorative items. We operate on a tight schedule and cannot do last-minute swap requests at pickup.
In their words
What clients say about the process
“
Selling a house is always stressful, but Leah's expertise really lightened the load. Within a few days of staging, our house had multiple offers and sold for above asking.
HOMEOWNER
Maplewood, NJ
“
Listings photograph better and homes sell faster when my team uses Sweet Life by Design.
REALTOR
Essex County, NJ
“
Stealthy and incredible… like a reality TV show but better!
HOMEOWNER
On staging day
We can't wait to showcase your home at its absolute best.
Keep the whole journey handy — download the printable one-pager and share it with your agent.
Download the one-pager (PDF)Questions? We've got your back — 973.762.3100 · leah@sweetlifebydesign.com