Kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms buyers inspect most closely. They open cupboards, look under sinks, run taps and check the grout. They are also the rooms that are most expensive to renovate, so any sign of neglect makes buyers wonder what else needs work. Staging them is less about style and more about clean, clear and working. This checklist covers both rooms, with the Denver details that come up often.
Kitchen: counters and surfaces
- Clear counters almost completely; keep one or two things out at most, for example a plant or a single tray
- Store small appliances, knife blocks, utensil holders and dish racks
- Remove magnets, notes and photos from the refrigerator front and sides
- Degrease the range hood, backsplash and the top of the cabinets
- Clean the oven, stovetop and the inside of the microwave; buyers look
Kitchen: storage
Buyers open cabinets and the pantry to judge storage, so thin out each shelf until it looks roomy. Group what remains neatly, face labels forward and wipe the shelves. Clear the space under the sink, fix any drip and replace a worn or stained cabinet liner. A half-empty pantry looks spacious; a full one looks like the house is short on storage.
Kitchen: small repairs with a big effect
- Tighten loose handles and hinges; adjust doors that do not close evenly
- Re-caulk around the sink and backsplash where the seal is stained or cracked
- Replace burned-out bulbs, including under-cabinet lights and the range hood light
- Fix a dripping tap or a sprayer that leaks
- Make sure the dishwasher and garbage disposal work
Tip: Mineral spots from tap water build up on taps, sinks and glass. A descaling cleaner on fixtures and shower glass makes an old bathroom look years newer.
Bathrooms: the clean-first rule
In a bathroom, clean is the whole job. Scrub grout, re-caulk the tub and shower if the old caulk is stained, clean the exhaust fan cover and polish every mirror and fixture. Replace a stained toilet seat. If the tub or shower surround is worn, ask about professional reglazing before considering anything bigger.
Bathrooms: what to leave out
Clear every counter, the tub edge and the shower shelves. Store toothbrushes, razors, bottles and medications. Leave a new bar of soap or a simple dispenser, one plant or small vase, and a set of fresh white or neutral towels that are used only for showings and photos. Remove the bath mat for photos, and put the toilet lid down.
Both rooms: light and air
Replace mismatched bulbs so the light is the same color throughout. Open blinds and clean window glass. Run exhaust fans before a showing and keep them working: a bathroom that smells damp makes buyers think about hidden moisture, and a kitchen that smells of last night’s dinner distracts from everything else. Avoid heavy air fresheners; a clean, neutral smell works best.
The laundry area
If the laundry is off the kitchen or near a bathroom, give it the same treatment. Clear detergent bottles and baskets into a cabinet or bin, wipe the top of the machines, clean the lint trap and the floor behind the machines if you can reach it, and make sure the light works. Buyers check that there is room for their own washer and dryer, so clear the space around them. A small, tidy laundry area looks functional; a cluttered one looks cramped.
Smells and small fixes
Kitchens and bathrooms are where odors build up. Clean the garbage disposal, the drains and the refrigerator, empty the trash before every showing and wash the bin itself. Replace the furnace filter if the house smells stale. A clean, neutral smell does more than any candle.
Questions to decide before you list
Should I replace the counters?
Usually not just for a sale. A full counter replacement is a big project, and buyers may have their own plans. Deep cleaning, re-sealing and clear surfaces go a long way. Ask your listing agent whether older counters are likely to affect offers in your price range.
Is painting the cabinets worth it?
Sometimes, if they are dated and in good condition otherwise, but only if the job is done well. A rushed paint job on cabinets looks worse than the original finish. New handles are a simpler change.
What about the refrigerator and appliances?
They should be clean inside and out and in working order. If appliances are staying with the house, keep the manuals and any service records together for buyers.
For the rooms next door, see the Living and Dining Room Staging Checklist. For repairs that go beyond a weekend, Pre-Listing Repairs Worth Doing (and Ones to Leave) helps you decide what to fix and what to disclose.