If you’ve ever walked into a house and thought, “I can’t tell where the couch would go,” you’re not alone. In this episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked, we sat down with Karina, a licensed real estate agent and founder of Picture Perfect Staging to talk about the surprising impact that furniture staging and self storage can have on selling homes faster and for more money.
Spoiler alert: storage isn’t just for decluttering anymore. It’s become a critical business tool for real estate professionals and Karina proves exactly how.
What Is Home Staging (and Why Does It Matter)?
According to Karina, home staging isn’t about furnishing an entire house it’s about strategic styling. Most buyers struggle with spatial awareness and visualizing furniture placement, especially in vacant homes. That’s where staging changes everything. Simple items like neutral-colored couches, beds, rugs, plants, and Reed diffusers can transform cold, empty spaces into homes that feel warm, welcoming, and easy to imagine living in.
“You have 3 to 5 seconds when someone walks in the door to win them over,” Karina says. “If they don’t feel at home immediately, you’ve lost them.”
From Empty Listings to Multiple Offers
Karina didn’t just theorize the power of staging she built her real estate success around it. She shared several examples of homes sitting on the market for 60+ days that sold within 24 hours after staging and reshooting listing photos.
Even a single strategically staged room can reframe a buyer’s entire perspective, especially in houses with awkward layouts or unconventional room shapes.
How Modern Storage® Helps Her Business Run
Karina stores all her staging inventory including couches, beds, nightstands, and decor in a climate-controlled Modern Storage® unit. Why?
- Central location makes it easy to coordinate moves to multiple cities.
- Spacious, clean units allow her to organize decor like a mini furniture showroom.
- Extended hours and carts on-site mean she and her team can load heavy items easily, even after hours.
- Peace of mind with climate control ensures her upholstered items stay fresh and undamaged.
“I couldn’t run my business without my storage unit. It’s my hub, my showroom, and my inventory warehouse all in one.”
Karina’s Top Staging Secrets
Here are a few of her tried-and-true tips that work whether you’re staging professionally or selling your own home:
- Declutter ruthlessly. Empty counters and shelves give buyers room to imagine their own life there.
- Rule of Three. Never overcrowd shelves or surfaces three items per space is the sweet spot.
- Use consistent lighting. Mismatched lightbulb tones make spaces feel chaotic.
- Go neutral. That quirky wallpaper may be fun, but clean, simple design helps homes sell.
- Orchids + Reed Diffusers = Instant Elevation. These two small touches create a luxurious feel buyers remember.
Why Storage and Real Estate Are More Connected Than Ever
Karina’s story isn’t just a feel-good anecdote. It’s proof that today’s real estate professionals are using self storage as a strategic asset not just a place to stash clutter. Whether it’s for inventory, seasonal furniture, or backup staging materials, a well-organized storage unit keeps businesses like hers running efficiently.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear Karina’s story in her own words (and pick up some hilarious storage fails along the way)? Catch the full episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked:
🎧 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts
📺 YouTube
Ready to Stage Your Business for Success?
Whether you’re a real estate professional, home stager, or small business owner in need of dependable storage space Modern Storage® is the partner you can count on. With flexible access, climate-controlled units, and award-winning service, we help you make space for what matters.
Special thanks to our podcast guest from Picture Perfect Home Staging a growing local business that trusts Modern Storage® to keep staging inventory secure, organized, and ready for the next transformation.
Learn more about staging services:
pictureperfecthomestagingar.com
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