Staging will temporarily change the way you live….but how do you successfully stage when there are Children living in the home?
Yes, it can be challenging, but it can be done….here are a few tips……..
For young children, make Staging a game. Ask them to make a small pile of their very favorite things. Feature the items they select in a wagon, a fun toy box, or a doll carriage as part of the Staging.
All other toys should be packed away for the new house. Together with the kids, write on that box "TOYS: OPEN FIRST IN NEW HOUSE". Once you move, your children will be so happy to see their "toy box" you might have some time to unpack!!
Sometimes, it’s not realistic to pack away most of the toys, so get each Child a plastic storage bin. Tell them they can keep enough toys to fill one bin. Every day, make them responsible for putting their toys in the bins, covering them and putting them in their closets. It will keep their rooms neater and cleaner.
For older children, give them a Staging reward. If the reward is money, give them half when they stage their rooms and the rest when the house sells and closes. They should have a bin too.
Ideally, you want the home staged and ready to be shown each and every morning. So, make a "Staging Checklist". Make a list for each Child, so they feel like they’re a part of a successful showing, having them help you create the list. Use pictures to help small children. Give them a reward for Staging every day….it can be a sticker or something very small….just keep it fun!
Set a goal the whole family can enjoy after the house sells. I’ve heard many Parents promise a new pet or a fun trip or outing once they’ve moved. It can be tough on everyone to have to keep the home "staged" all the time, but you can tell the kids "Every day you help out and stage takes us closer to getting a dog (etc)".
Hope this helps!
Jeri Pischke
TENDER HEART TRANSITIONS INC.
www.tenderhearttransitions.com
