6 Items Home Stagers Secretly Hide Before an Open House

Selling a home in 2026 isn’t just about sticking a sign in the yard; it’s psychological warfare. If you think buyers will look past your clutter to see the “good bones” of the house, you’re leaving cash on the table. According to Q2 2025 data from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes sold in an average of just 9 days and achieved 109% of the list price. 

That’s huge! With an average ROI of 4,415%, staging isn’t just nice, it’s essential for your wallet. So, grab a box and let’s purge the six items that are secretly killing your sales.

Hide the hygiene horrors and bath mats

Ever walked into a hotel bathroom and marveled at the clean, expansive floors? That’s the vibe we want. Stagers ruthlessly remove bath mats because they chop up the visual flow of the floor, making the room look significantly smaller. Plus, let’s be honest, a used bath mat screams “damp,” which isn’t exactly a selling point for a luxury spa experience.

While you’re at it, sweep the counters clear of toothbrushes, razors, and half-squeezed tubes. “No one needs to see your toothbrush,” say experts from the staging firm Becoming Home. It triggers the “ick” factor instantly. Buyers want to imagine a relaxing retreat, not your morning floss routine. Hide the mats and hygiene kits to keep the fantasy alive.

Vanish the toaster oven and bulky appliances

Kitchens sell houses, but counter clutter kills deals. You might love your air fryer and toaster oven, but to a buyer, they just look like a lack of storage space. Interior designer Terry Mainord warns that appliances like rice cookers and knife racks “take up valuable surface area” and should be tucked away immediately.

Think of it as reclaiming your “visual square footage.” IMO, if you haven’t used that bread maker since 2019, it’s time to box it up anyway. Clear counters suggest ample space and a stress-free lifestyle. Leave out a bowl of fresh lemons if you must, but hide the heavy machinery so the stone or quartz can shine.

Stash the family photos and degrees

I know you’re proud of your family and that hard-earned PhD, but buyers simply don’t care. In fact, seeing your personal life plastered on the walls makes them feel like intruders in your space rather than owners of their new home. This psychological barrier prevents them from forming an emotional connection with the property.

Depersonalizing helps buyers visualize their own lives unfolding in the rooms. “You want a buyer to envision themselves here and not wonder about you,” explains staging expert Rhea. Swap personal photos for generic art or mirrors. It’s not personal; it’s just business (and a faster sale).

Erase all traces of furry friends

We love our pets, but buyers might hate the smell or the allergies they trigger. Even if your house smells like fresh linen, the mere sight of a litter box or dog bowl triggers a “phantom smell” in a buyer’s brain. “Even pet lovers don’t like the thought of other pets’ hair… and smells,” notes the team at Southern Home & Hospitality.

Do you really want a potential sale to die because someone stared at a cat toilet? Hide the crates, bowls, and toys during showings. A barking dog or a hiding cat can distract buyers from the amazing features of your home, so take Fido for a walk or to a friend’s house.

Lock up prescription meds and mail

This one is serious. Open houses attract all kinds of people, and unfortunately, not all of them are there to buy. “I can assure you there are people… going through the cabinet to steal all the prescription drugs,” warns a real estate security expert. It happens more often than you think, and opioids or ADHD meds are prime targets.

Protect your privacy and your safety by sweeping your nightstands and medicine cabinets. Secure all medications and personal documents, such as mail and bills. Leaving a bank statement on the entryway table is just asking for identity theft. FYI, keeping these items hidden also removes visual clutter, so it’s a win-win.

Ban the trash cans from sight

It sounds petty, but visible trash cans are a major buzzkill. Whether it’s the kitchen bin or the small one in the bathroom, trash implies dirt, chores, and smells. Stagers recommend you “store the trash can… out of sight” to maintain a pristine look.

Does the trash can spark joy? Probably not. Move it to a pantry, a cupboard, or the garage for the showing. Eliminating the trash can removes a subtle negative cue and opens up floor space. It helps the home feel effortlessly clean, which is exactly what buyers are willing to pay a premium for.

Key Takeaway

Selling your home is about selling a lifestyle, not your actual life. By hiding these six items, you remove the mental roadblocks that stop buyers from falling in love with the space. Remember, with staged homes spending 73% less time on the market, a little decluttering goes a long way. Pack it up, clear it out, and get ready for those offers to roll in.

Read the Original Article on Crafting Your Home.