09/29/2025
Getting ready to downsize or transition into a retirement community? One of the most important steps in the selling process is home staging, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming.
If you’re a retired homeowner looking to sell, a few budget-friendly tweaks can go a long way in helping your home sell faster – and for top dollar. Whether you’re prepping for an open house or aiming to catch attention online, these cheap and quick home updates can boost your home’s appeal without draining your bank account.
Let’s break down the most effective staging strategies for seniors selling a home today – plus how The Forum can help make the whole process even easier.
1. Focus on “Screen Appeal,” Not Just Curb Appeal
In today’s market, your home’s first showing happens online. That means “screen appeal” is just as important as curb appeal. Before listing, snap a few test photos from your phone – do the rooms feel bright, clean and uncluttered?
To improve screen appeal:
- Open blinds to maximize natural light, and turn on lights for an even brighter look
- Remove personal photos and overly bold decor
- Rearrange furniture to show clear walkways and open space, if needed
A few tweaks can help buyers picture themselves living in your home, which is exactly what sells.
2. Declutter with a Purpose
Less is more when staging your home. That doesn’t mean stripping it bare, but it does mean removing anything that distracts from the space.
Some high-impact places to start:
- Countertops (clear everything but one or two decorative items)
- Bookshelves (remove half the books and add small decor or greenery)
- Closets (remove 25% of clothes to make the space feel larger)
Not only does this help with staging, but it also makes your move easier. (And if you’re downsizing, it’s a great chance to ask: “Do I want to bring this with me?”)
3. Create “Lifestyle Zones”
Millennial and Gen X buyers are drawn to homes that showcase how they’ll live in the space. Try to create small, intentional areas that highlight everyday moments. HGTV calls these “lifestyle zones.”
Try:
- A small reading chair with a side table and cozy blanket in a sunny corner
- A tidy desk area that can be used for remote work
- A breakfast nook with a coffee setup
You don’t have to renovate; you’re just suggesting a feeling.
4. Don’t Skip the Details
Small updates add up fast! Here are some improvements under $50 that have big impact:
- Swap out old cabinet hardware for sleek, modern pulls
- Touch up paint in high-traffic areas or repaint rooms in soft neutrals
- Replace worn shower curtains or bathroom mats
- Add a pop of color with fresh throw pillows or a neutral rug
Many of these quick fixes can be done in a weekend – and they make your home feel fresh and move-in ready.
5. Lean on The Forum Move
Home prep doesn’t have to fall entirely on your shoulders. If you’re moving into The Forum, we offer a dedicated resource to make downsizing simpler: The Forum Move.
This program connects incoming residents with local real estate agents, downsizing experts, movers, and even staging professionals to guide you through every step of the transition. We’ll make the move into your next chapter just as smooth as settling in.
We Make Moving Seamless
Home staging is one of the best investments you can make when selling your home, and it doesn’t require a renovation budget – the small investment in these updates can result in an outsized increase in your home’s value. With a few strategic updates, a little decluttering and help from The Forum team, you can move forward with confidence.
Contact us to schedule a visit of our spacious, age-in-place homes, and see how The Forum Move program makes selling and settling in simple.
