Bigger pantries have become increasingly popular with home buyers in recent years. During the pandemic, many people began cooking at home more regularly. An increasing number of people are working remotely and spending more time eating at home. This shift has many homeowners re-examining the storage and organization space in their kitchens. For many home buyers, a large, well-organized pantry is seen no longer seen only as a nice amenity; it’s essential.
Fortunately, a little “just right” staging can help even a small pantry look more spacious and organized! Take a look at these four smart easy ways to make your pantry look bigger for potential home buyers.
Empty as much as possible.
Potential buyers will be looking inside your pantry. If it’s overly crowded, that gives the impression that there isn’t enough storage space in your kitchen. Start purging what you can and avoid making any runs to your local wholesale club.
Remove everything from the floor.
This one simple tip can instantly make your pantry look more spacious. Put anything that needs to stay in the pantry on a shelf, and relocate everything else.
Use matching containers.
Lots of brightly colored boxes are great for attracting attention on store shelves…not so great for staging a pantry. The extra visual clutter tends to make this already small space feel even more chaotic and cramped. Transfer dry goods into matching air-tight containers when possible to visually streamline this area and help it look more organized and spacious.
Airtight Food Storage Containers
Cleanliness and Odors Matter…a Lot
Remove all recycling, garbage, and pet-related items from the pantry before showing your home. Remove any other items that may be particularly pungent (based on my own experiences with clients, strong spices or boxes of mothballs are a few of the worst offenders). Sweep and mop thoroughly.
Wipe down the shelves and door. Try using a Magic Eraser to remove any scuffs and scrapes. If that doesn’t work, consider a fresh coat of paint. We recommend something light and neutral or a nice, clean white, like Sherwin-Williams Pure White 7005.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, 10-Count
How We Can Help
A staged kitchen is not the same as a lived-in kitchen. It’s usually not convenient, and it’s rarely practical for day-to-day use. But when it’s done well, it can help make your kitchen more appealing to buyers and help it sell more quickly and profitably. Prepping for a great first impression from the get-go is better than endless open houses. Need a hand getting started? Take a look below at some of the ways we can help:
Book an Online Consultation
We specialize in positive and empowering virtual home staging consultations! Our practical, no-nonsense advice helps homeowners sell more quickly and for more money.
Enroll in Our Online Courses
Our online courses are designed with you, the DIY homeowner, in mind. From home staging to paint color selection, we break down the process for you from start to finish!
Read Our Book
In this brand new third edition of her popular book, Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging, professional home stager Vannessa Rhoades walks you through the step-by-step process of staging your home for a faster, more profitable sale. Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions!
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