Sticker Shock? Let’s Talk Honestly About Staging Costs

Ever find yourself doing a double-take when you hear the price of home staging? You’re not alone!

A lot of folks start out thinking staging is simply moving a few things around or borrowing a throw pillow or two—and then the estimate arrives, and suddenly it feels... a bit more real.

But before you close that tab or set it aside for “maybe later,” let’s slow down and take a deeper look.

I promise—there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye, and it might just change the way you see professional staging, especially Occupied Staging & Styling like what I specialize in here at Hanisch Designs.

1. Quality Counts

Each home is unique, and every staging plan is customized with intention. That means carefully curated accessories, artwork, and furnishings tailored to the actual home—not one-size-fits-all solutions.

When I stage, I don’t just bring “pretty things.” I bring in pieces that work with your space, speak to your target buyers, and elevate the listing. This includes my own ever-growing inventory of small-scale furniture and high-quality accessories—perfect for making an occupied home look polished and ready to sell without removing everything you own.

2. Storage & Insurance (Yes, Even for the “Small Stuff”)

Even for occupied staging, there’s a whole inventory of décor that lives in storage until it’s called into action—mirrors, side tables, lamps, poufs, florals, art, textiles, you name it. Keeping these in tip-top shape means storing them properly, maintaining insurance, and investing in new items seasonally.

That’s why the gorgeous tray on your coffee table or the layered bedding in your guest room didn’t just “appear”—it was selected, packed, delivered, and styled with care. And I need safe places to store it all when it’s not in use!

Courtesy of Dynamic Cinema Productions

3. Skilled Labor Makes a Difference

Here’s the thing: Staging isn’t just placing a chair and tossing a pillow. It’s knowing where that chair should go, what light to highlight, what corner to balance, and how to make buyers feel right at home. And in occupied homes, it’s also knowing how to work with your existing furniture, style it to its best advantage, and layer in just the right updates.

That takes real experience—and yes, a bit of artistry. From our initial Buyer’s Eyes Consultation to the final mirror wipe or perfectly folded throw, every detail is handled with intention and care.

4. Research, Planning & Continued Education

There’s a lot of thoughtful planning that goes into each project—especially when staging an occupied home. I always take time to look into the neighborhood and consider the likely buyer demographic. Are we aiming to attract young professionals? A growing family? Empty nesters?

That insight helps shape how I style your home using both what you already have and the curated pieces I bring in from my accessory and furnishing inventory. And because the staging world is always evolving, I stay current and invest in ongoing education and connection with amazing industry groups (hello RESA & HSR!). That way, you get a look that’s both on point and market-savvy.

5. Behind the Scenes: Business Overhead

Like any small business, Hanisch Designs comes with all the behind-the-scenes pieces—marketing, admin, storage, gas, tools, insurance, inventory management… not to mention the time it takes to curate the stage design, prep, stage install, and wrap up each project.

You’re not just hiring “a stager”—you’re hiring a whole system built to serve you, support your sale, and make your home look irresistible.

6, Why Does Staging Feel “Expensive”?

Because it’s a true investment—not just in how your home looks, but in how it performs on the market. In most cases, professional staging helps homes sell faster, with more buyer interest, and often for a better price.

And in an occupied home? It helps you sidestep the stress, timeline, and carrying costs that come with major renovations or fully moving out just to stage it vacant. Instead, we work with what you already have—enhancing your home’s appeal with smart styling and thoughtful design—so you can list sooner, with less hassle.

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself comparing quotes and feeling unsure, I totally get it—selling a home comes with a lot of moving parts and decisions. But when it comes to staging, I always encourage people to look beyond just the price tag. Look at the experience, the care, and the why behind the work.

At Hanisch Designs, Occupied Staging is never just about making a home look pretty. It’s about using intention, design strategy, and a personal touch to make your home shine for the right buyers.

And because every home—and every budget—is different, I offer 3 Staging & Styling package options to meet a range of needs and price points.

Because in this market, the right staging isn’t an extra—it’s a smart investment that can truly make all the difference.

~ Rita Hanisch-Dunbar