Comments on: Home staging is not physical work despite what you see on HGTV

By: Danica Henninger

Danica Henninger — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:53:29 +0000

Many thanks to Donna, Gary, Debra and Heather for more comments on the physical aspects of staging. This active blog has obviously touched a common chord. I’ve copied the blogs for my notebook and I’m grateful for the various insights presented.

By: Heather Cook

Heather Cook — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:48:12 +0000

While I agree that most of what I do is in the role of a creative director, one of my joys is getting my hands dirty by helping clients move furniture and accessories to see the desired change. Does this mean I do it all myself? Not a chance! Rental furniture is moved in and out by professionals and we have a great team of professionals who do the painting, repairs, landscaping for us and our clients. My partner and I however, load and unload all our accessories ourselves and take pride in the fact that we can help transform homes literally before our client’s eyes.

By: Debra Gould, The Staging Diva

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:48:22 +0000

Hey Gary, thanks for giving me that extra inch in height
One of the reasons I’ve never moved anything heavy is because if I’m providing furniture, it’s not from my own inventory. The rental company moves everything around with me playing creative director. I’ve even been known to have them re-arrange a room when I get a better idea as the stuff gets moved in.

By: Gary Baugher

Gary Baugher — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:24:45 +0000

Ok, I admit when I first started my business 3 years ago to cut expenses I did everything. With any new business, you have to do what it takes to make it work. Oh how I remember wakiing up the next morning with a back ache. I have graduated to the point that someone else moves in the large items. Oh what a joy to be able to point and say place that sofa over there. Now there is a part of me that is cheap and still prefer to do some things myself. However, I leave the electrical, and painting to the experts and of course get fees in return. Remember the reason we are in this business is because we enjoy it. Doing everything yourself can lead to burn out. Debra has taught us well and I can’t tell you how many times I have caught my self saying ” now would Debra do this ” I recall her in one of our classes saying ” I am 5′ 2 and have a bad back”. She does’nt do it all herself.

By: shayla hunt

shayla hunt — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:42:52 +0000

Thank u thank u thank u! This article came right on time! As an aspiring stager, I was actually beginning to get a little worried. Very informative and as usual, straight to the point. Thanks again!

By: Danica Henninger

Danica Henninger — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15:55 +0000

Thank you, Debra, for another helpful explanation of “how staging truly works,” and to Ms. Ebrahimi for backing you up with her confirmation! I’ve watched so many HGTV shows, and was dismayed by the heavy physical demands revealed. I am grateful to you and Patricia for setting the record straight. After 20 years in entertainment, I should have known better and just asked you!

By: Donna Dazzo

Donna Dazzo — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:42:31 +0000

Yes, these shows are unrealistic in that home stagers aren’t typically the painter, carpenter, handyman and stager rolled all into one, but there is a fair amount of physical work IF you choose to do it all yourself and not hire any helpers. In my home staging business, I do a lot of physical work myself and where appropriate, farm out the other more physical or skilled work. I guess I’m too cheap and want to keep all of the money I earn from the project so I am the one packing up all of the inventory, loading it into my van, unloading it in the house or apartment and unpacking it, ironing the bedding and drapes, hanging artwork and window treatments, etc. I long for the day where I can feel comfortable, both financially and mentally (not being stubborn about feeling like I can do it all), to hire helpers and just directing them what to do, like Debra said. That being said, there is plenty of inexpensive help in the form of high school and college students and aspiring stagers. The work I DO NOT do includes painting, carpentry, hanging light fixtures, and moving heavy furniture (I either get the handyman/painter to do it OR the furniture rental delivery guys to do it and of course I tip them).

By: Beverly Boisen

Beverly Boisen — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:27:49 +0000

Hello, Now that all makes sense.
Thank you Debra for taking the the guess work out. Lots of questions I had are now answered.
I could never move furniture and painting is my specialty, I love color and I love making a room beautiful and so that to me would be the easy part. And to be given the opportunity to put all those into play would be joy to me.
My house is built in the early 1800s and I have lots of different colors on my walls, doors and floors.
Oh yes I have wide board floors.
My kitchen floor is country red
Now that is what color is all about.
To bring in colors that you love or making a suggestion to your client or just asking them what colors make them happy. Now what could be easier than that?
Having fun while you are doing what you love is the perfect way to make money.

By: Patricia Ebrahimi

Patricia Ebrahimi — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:12:37 +0000

Oh my. Somebody thinks I do the heavy lifting? Or any lifting at all? Heavens no! I spend my time driving around shopping for my inventory or in my warehouse shopping my inventory for a design plan I have in my head for the current project. Then, I call in my young assistant to pack it, and then my moving guys to load it, transport it to the project, unload it and follow me around arranging and setting up everything from furniture to flowers. I direct. I also have a talented handyman/ painter, floor refinishing company, and the best carpet/general cleaner in the business anxious to respond to my call and make the property ready for my magic. This job requires a lot of physical work, but only the uplifting kind. I mean, I get to be the boss and take all the credit. How hard is that?