Wellington Sellers: Lose the Stripper Pole (True Story). Wellington HomeStaging Tips!

The weather in Wellington lately has been horrendous — wind, rain, and sideways drizzle. But don’t be fooled. Serious buyers are still booking private viewings for our client properties, rain or shine.

If you’re stuck indoors on a day like that and thinking about selling in the coming months, don’t waste the opportunity. Use that time to start preparing your home — especially the interior.

Smart preparation makes a massive difference to how buyers see your property. It’s one of the easiest ways to sell faster and for a better price.

Last week we covered the outside. This week, let’s talk about the inside — and share a few true stories from the field.

1. Wellington Home Staging Tips - Define Your Spaces

Are there clearly defined spaces showing how your home can be enjoyed?

• Got a spare bedroom sitting empty? Borrow a bed or set up an airbed on crates. Just don’t bounce on it.

• Empty patio or deck? Create an inviting outdoor area with a cheap two-seater set, potted colour, and maybe a beanbag.

• Have a random spare room? Add a couch and TV or set up a study nook so buyers can picture using it.

• Oversized family table eating your dining space? Swap it for something smaller to show off the room’s proportions.

• No dining table at all? Add one. Buyers want to see where they’ll share meals.

And yes — we’ve seen it all. Including a pole dancing pole in front of a bed. True story. When we asked the seller if the “fitness pole” was part of the room, the tenant laughed and said, “Yeah, thought that might not be the vibe you’re going for — we’ll take it down before open homes.”

2. Create Space Buyers Can Move In

Too much furniture makes rooms feel cramped.

• Remove excess chairs and tables so buyers don’t need to dodge an obstacle course.

• Clear pathways to doors, especially those leading outside.

• Move bulky dressers into wardrobes or store them in the garage.

• Rent a temporary storage unit if needed — remember, clutter eats equity.

Garages don’t need to be spotless. Buyers care about size and whether it’s dry, not whether it’s photo-ready.

3. Simplify Surfaces and Décor

Surfaces overloaded with stuff?

• Aim for one to three items per surface — the rest can be packed away.

• Choose one or two artworks instead of 47 photos.

• Set up a “staging room” with three piles: donate, throw out, and keep. If you haven’t used something in six months, it’s probably time to let it go.

4. Refresh Bedrooms and Bathrooms

A dated but tidy space can still look fresh with a few updates.

• Replace busy bedspreads with plain, modern ones from Briscoes or The Warehouse. Add a bright cushion on top.

• Remove mats covering kitchen and bathroom floors.

• Take down net curtains unless privacy is a problem — let the light in.

• Brighten dark rooms with higher-wattage bulbs or new light fittings.

Simple, inexpensive touches can make an older home feel far more modern - follow our socials for more Wellington home staging tips.

5. The Takeaway

If you’d like tailored advice on what changes will have the biggest impact in your home — or want to know where your property sits in today’s Wellington market — get in touch.

📧 leonie.snook@harcourts.co.nz 📞 027 518 0008

No fuss. No sales pitch. Just service.