Staging a home to attract potential buyers can be challenging, but when pets are involved, it adds an extra layer of complexity. While many people love animals, evidence of pets in the home—such as odors, hair, and clutter—can turn off potential buyers. It’s essential to present your home in a way that appeals to everyone, even those who might not have pets themselves. Proper staging ensures that buyers focus on the property’s best features and not on the signs of your furry friends.
In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies for staging a home with pets, focusing on how to manage odors, hair, and clutter so your home looks clean, fresh, and welcoming.
1. Minimizing Pet Odors
Pet odors are one of the biggest challenges when selling a home with pets. Even if you’ve become accustomed to your pet’s scent, potential buyers who walk through your home will notice it right away. The goal is to neutralize any lingering pet smells and create a fresh, inviting environment.
A. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Odors often get trapped in carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Before showing your home, consider getting these areas professionally cleaned to remove pet-related smells. If professional cleaning isn’t in your budget, you can rent a steam cleaner and focus on high-traffic areas where your pet spends the most time.
- Tip: Use a carpet deodorizer or baking soda on carpets and rugs before vacuuming to absorb odors.
B. Wash Pet Bedding and Blankets
Pet beds, blankets, and cushions can harbor odors. Be sure to wash all pet bedding, toys, and any fabric your pet frequently uses. If the pet bed has a removable cover, wash it according to the label’s instructions or consider replacing it with a fresh, odor-free bed while your home is on the market.
- Tip: Store pet bedding in a closed space, like a closet, when the house is being shown to minimize odors.
C. Use Air Purifiers and Neutralizers
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce pet dander and neutralize odors, making the air feel fresher. Additionally, use air fresheners, scented candles, or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant, neutral smell. Be mindful to use neutral, non-overpowering scents that won’t irritate potential buyers.
- Tip: Avoid strong or artificial air fresheners that may raise suspicions that you’re masking odors.
D. Ventilate Your Home
Before showings, open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the home. Proper ventilation can help reduce lingering odors, especially in areas where your pet frequently spends time.
- Tip: Air out your home regularly in the days leading up to an open house or showing to keep it smelling fresh.
2. Controlling Pet Hair and Dander
Pet hair can be one of the most visible signs of a pet in the home, and for buyers who have allergies, it can be a deal-breaker. Even if your pet doesn’t shed a lot, it’s important to keep your home as fur-free as possible during the selling process.
A. Vacuum Frequently
Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed for homes with pets. Regular vacuuming of floors, carpets, and furniture is essential to control pet hair and dander. If you have hardwood or tile floors, consider using a vacuum or microfiber mop to pick up stray hairs.
- Tip: Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture, in corners, and along baseboards, where pet hair often collects.
B. Use a Lint Roller on Furniture
For quick touch-ups before showings, use a lint roller to remove pet hair from furniture, curtains, and other fabric surfaces. It’s an inexpensive and effective way to keep your home looking clean and hair-free.
- Tip: Keep a lint roller handy by the front door for last-minute cleanups.
C. Groom Your Pet Regularly
Regularly brushing and grooming your pet can help reduce shedding and the amount of hair that ends up in your home. Consider taking your pet to a professional groomer before listing your home to minimize shedding during the selling process.
- Tip: If your pet sheds excessively, consider keeping them out of certain rooms, such as bedrooms or the living room, during the selling period.
3. Eliminating Pet Clutter
Pets come with their own set of belongings—beds, bowls, toys, leashes, and litter boxes. While these items are necessary for your pet’s comfort, they can make a home feel cluttered and distract buyers from seeing the property’s potential. The key is to keep pet-related items out of sight during showings.
A. Store Pet Toys and Accessories
Pet toys, food bowls, and leashes should be stored away neatly when not in use. Use decorative baskets or bins to organize pet items and keep them out of sight. This makes your home appear tidier and minimizes the reminder that pets live in the home.
- Tip: Store pet items in a closet or cupboard during showings to keep them completely out of view.
B. Clean and Hide Litter Boxes
If you have cats, keeping the litter box clean is crucial. Scoop it daily and, if possible, place it in a discreet area like a laundry room or bathroom. Consider using odor-absorbing litter to further reduce any smells. For showings, move the litter box to a location that’s out of sight, such as the garage or a closed-off room.
- Tip: If you have a small home, consider using a litter box with a lid or a decorative cover to minimize its appearance.
C. Tidy Up Outdoor Areas
If you have a yard or outdoor space that your pet uses, make sure to clean up after them. Remove any pet waste, toys, or other outdoor items before showings. Buyers often look at outdoor areas closely, so keeping the yard clean and well-maintained is essential.
- Tip: Repair any damage caused by pets, such as chewed fences or holes dug in the yard, to maintain a positive impression of the property.
4. Pet-Free Zones During Showings
Some buyers may be uncomfortable around pets, even if they aren’t allergic or particularly concerned about pet-related damage. During showings or open houses, it’s a good idea to keep pets away from the home entirely.
A. Take Pets Out During Showings
If possible, arrange for your pet to be out of the home during showings. This could mean taking them for a walk, sending them to a friend or family member’s house, or even boarding them temporarily. Keeping pets out of sight ensures that buyers can focus on the home without distractions.
- Tip: For longer open houses, consider a professional pet-sitting service to keep your pet comfortable and out of the way.
B. Use a Crate or Playpen
If removing your pet from the home isn’t possible, use a crate or playpen to confine them to one area. Place the crate in a quiet, low-traffic room, like a laundry room or basement, to minimize interaction with potential buyers.
- Tip: Leave a friendly note for buyers or agents letting them know where the pet is confined, so they can avoid the area if needed.
5. Repair Pet-Related Damage
Over time, pets can cause wear and tear on a home, whether it’s scratched floors, chewed-up door frames, or stained carpets. Before listing your home, take the time to repair any visible damage caused by pets. While buyers expect some normal wear, pet-related damage can raise red flags about the condition of the property.
A. Fix Scratches and Chewed Areas
If your pet has scratched doors, floors, or furniture, repair these areas before showing the home. Sand down scratches on wood surfaces and apply a fresh coat of stain or paint to make them look new. For chewed-up areas, consider replacing or repairing the damaged materials to avoid deterring buyers.
- Tip: If there’s extensive damage, consider consulting a professional to ensure the repairs are done correctly.
B. Clean or Replace Stained Carpets
If pet stains have left visible marks on carpets, try cleaning them with a professional-grade carpet cleaner. For more serious damage, consider replacing the affected areas with new carpet or hardwood flooring to present a fresh, clean appearance.
- Tip: Choose neutral, durable flooring that appeals to a wide range of buyers and stands up to future pets.
Conclusion
Staging a home with pets requires extra attention to cleanliness, organization, and maintenance, but it’s entirely possible to make your home appeal to a broad range of buyers with a few simple steps. By minimizing odors, controlling pet hair, eliminating clutter, and keeping your pets out of sight during showings, you’ll create a clean and welcoming environment that showcases your home’s best features.
Ultimately, successful staging helps potential buyers focus on the property itself, rather than the fact that pets live there. With a little effort and the right strategies, you can ensure that your home looks its best—and stands out from the competition.
