When you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to spruce up the place a bit to maximize appeal to potential buyers. Before you have that first showing, it’s time to start decluttering and improving on some things that may have gone unattended for a while. Staging your home before a sale doesn’t mean you need to make a ton of big fixes or renovations, but it’s important to cover some specific details that buyers are looking at when they tour your place. No matter the season, there are a few key dos and don’ts to consider when staging your home before selling.

Here are a few key dos and don’ts when you’re staging your house for buyers!

Do declutter. It’s time to pack up or put away the extra kick knacks. Also, make sure there’s no clothes, mail, or other personal items lying around.

Do clean up. This one may be obvious, but a good deep-clean in each room is very important. This means going beyond a quick vacuum and pulling out the duster, washing windows, de-odoring furniture, etc.

Don’t leave little things broken. While it may be a bit late for any major renovations, you should still be sure that all the little things are working. Microwave clocks should have the right time, your lights should all turn on and off, and faucets shouldn’t have any leaks.

Don’t buy furniture. Unless you’ve got the couch from that 70s show sitting in your living room, you don’t need to buy new furniture. Try playing with a new layout instead.

Do consider a professional. Your odds of landing a sale dramatically increase if you ask a professional for help. It’s a bit extra, but the payoff may well be worth it!

Don’t neglect curb appeal. No matter the season, your home should make a good impression on the outside too! Don’t forget to rake the leaves, shovel snow off the driveway, or cut the grass.

Do get fresh paint. A fresh coat of paint is an easier DIY update that can improve a room a lot! Be sure to use neutral colors.

Don’t use strong fragrances. Don’t try to use a strong fragrance to sell your home. It’s important that your home smells clean, not flowery!

Don’t go overboard. Whatever you do, remember that staging alone doesn’t sell your house. You don’t have to over-style, over-fix, or over-stress. The most important thing is that your house is a clean, blank slate that the buyer can see themselves in.