A Room-by-Room Guide to Staging Your Vacation Rental

Staging a vacation rental isn't about interior design; it's about marketing. The goal is to create a space that looks irresistible in photos and makes guests feel welcome, comfortable, and special from the moment they walk in. A well-staged property justifies a higher price and gets more bookings, period.

A beautifully staged home is the first step to creating amazing photos, which you'll need when you write a compelling listing description. So, where do you start? Let's go room by room.

The Living Room: The First Impression

This is where guests will unwind. It needs to look comfortable and clean.

• Fluff and Chop the Pillows: Every single pillow should be fluffed. For square pillows, a gentle "karate chop" on the top creates a plush, inviting look.
• Drape a Throw Blanket: Artfully drape a soft throw blanket over the corner of the sofa or an armchair. It adds a touch of color, texture, and coziness.
• Clear the Surfaces: The coffee table should be 90% empty. A small stack of curated books, a plant, and the remote controls are all you need.

The Bedroom: The Sanctuary

You're selling a good night's sleep. The bedroom must look like a peaceful sanctuary.

• Make the Bed Perfectly: This is non-negotiable. Use crisp, white linens (they look cleaner and more luxurious). Use at least four pillows, standing them up against the headboard.
• Symmetrical Nightstands: If you have two nightstands, make them symmetrical. Each should have a small lamp and perhaps one other small item, like a coaster. Keep them clear of clutter.
• Check Under the Bed: It's the first place guests look for dust bunnies. Ensure it's spotless.

The Kitchen: The Hub of the Home

The kitchen must be sparkling clean and look ready for use, but not cluttered.

• Clear the Counters: Put away almost everything. The only items on the counter should be the essentials: the coffee maker, a knife block, and perhaps a bowl of fresh (or fake) fruit for a pop of color.
• Set a Simple Welcome Vignette: A small tray with two coffee mugs, a few tea bags, and your welcome note can create a charming focal point.
• Hide the Trash Can: If possible, use a trash can that fits inside a cabinet. An exposed trash can is an eyesore in photos.

The Bathroom: The Spa Experience

Guests expect hotel-level cleanliness in the bathroom.

• Use All-White Towels: Just like bedding, white towels feel cleaner and more luxurious. Fold them neatly on the towel rack or roll them and place them in a basket.
• Clear the Vanity: The only things on the vanity should be a stylish soap dispenser and perhaps a small plant or vase. Everything else should be stored away.
• Close the Toilet Lid: This is a simple but crucial rule of real estate photography and staging. It instantly makes the space look cleaner and more appealing.

Consistency is Key

The secret to perfect staging every single time isn't guesswork; it's a system. Having a detailed checklist ensures that you or your cleaning team can reset the property to "photo-ready" condition for every single guest.

Our essential checklists bundle includes a dedicated Staging & Presentation Checklist that covers all these points and more, guaranteeing a flawless first impression every time.

Get the checklist that ensures a picture-perfect property for every guest.