Behind the Scenes: What Happens Before and During a Home Staging

If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully staged home and thought, “Wow, this looks effortless,” let me tell you—there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to make it look that way.

Staging a home isn't just about bringing in furniture and décor. It takes careful planning, coordination, and teamwork. Whether you’re a homeowner preparing for staging or just curious about the process, here’s a peek at what happens the day before and the day of staging.

The Day Before Staging

The day before staging is all about prepping the canvas. Think of it as setting the stage—literally.

Here’s what typically happens:

  • Cleaning: The home needs to be professionally cleaned from top to bottom. Dust-free surfaces and sparkling floors help the staging shine.

  • Repairs & Touch-ups: Minor fixes like fresh caulking, wall touch-ups, or removing personal hardware should be completed before Jillian's team arrives.

  • Decluttering: Any leftover personal items or miscellaneous furniture is removed. Closets and garages should be as tidy and empty as possible.

  • Pre-Staging Walkthrough: Sometimes, Jillian or a team member will do a final walkthrough to make sure the space is 100% ready.

The Day Of Staging

This is when the magic happens.

Jillian and her team from J&S Design arrive with a truck full of furniture, art, rugs, greenery, and accessories hand-selected for your home. The day often starts early and can take several hours depending on the size of the home.

Here’s what’s happening during staging:

  • Furniture Delivery & Placement: Each piece is carefully chosen to enhance the layout, scale, and flow of the home.

  • Styling Each Room: From throw pillows to side tables to kitchen accessories, every detail is styled to create a cohesive and welcoming feel.

  • Final Touches: Once furniture is in place, the team adds artwork, greenery, and other elements that bring warmth and life to the space.

  • Photography-Ready Check: Jillian makes sure the home is camera-ready for listing photos.

Why This Matters

Proper prep and expert staging not only make a home feel inviting, they help buyers connect emotionally, which leads to stronger offers and faster sales.

When you hire a professional like Jillian Alvis at J&S Design, you’re not just getting a stager. You’re getting someone who understands how to position your home to shine in a crowded market.

Thinking about selling your home? Let’s plan your staging timeline and get your property market-ready.

Jessica Van Buskirk