Staging your garage for a quick home sale

When it comes time to sell your home, the garage may be one of the last places you'd think to employ staging techniques.

During your time in the property, this area probably served as mass storage space, whether that be for your car, tools, boxes or last year's Christmas decorations. While the next owners are likely to use the garage for similar purposes, you can't leave it in disarray when showing your home to prospective buyers.

Here are some tips for sprucing up your garage:

Clean and declutter

Over time, garages tend to accumulate a lot of belongings, some of which may have been forgotten. Inspect each item in your garage and decide which ones you don't need. Consider donating things that aren't too worn and toss out damaged items. This can also help you cut down on your packing time when you're ready to move.

After you've cleared the space of unnecessary belongings, grab some cleaning supplies. Sweep up dust and clear any cobwebs. Give the floor a once-over with a power washer to remove stubborn dirt and stains. If there are oil spots, you may need to use a special cleaner.

Organize

Another way to declutter your garage is to organize it. There are many low-cost solutions for hanging storage bins and racks from the walls and ceiling. This can be helpful if you're storing some of your packing boxes in the garage while you're waiting to sell but don't have space for them in the house. You can also consider using a storage facility instead to maximize the space and make home buyers feel as if your garage is bigger.

Repair and repaint

Your garage door isn't solely for keeping unwanted visitors from getting inside. It also serves as part of your home's curb appeal. Keep in mind that this section of your house is part of the first impression when buyers pull up to the property, which can be as important to them as the home inspection providing a good report of your home's condition. Make sure that your garage door is functioning properly, as potential buyers may test it. Also, fix any dents and scratches and apply a fresh coat of paint if it's needed.

Patch any holes in the interior walls and apply a new coat of paint. If you have a detached garage, don't forget to clean the exterior with a power washer.