People who stage homes swear these weird things for your home are life-changing

According to Marta Pawlik (co-founder, creative director, and interior designer at LAIK), black switch covers are a fast, impactful upgrade. They not only “remove the shabbiness of tired cream or yellowed plastic,” but the black creates a “sharp contrast with white walls,” making your home look updated without the cost of rewiring, said Pawlik. These covers are made from solid zinc and fit standard duplex outlets.

Looking for an affordable staging trick that makes your house smell fresh and look cozy? “I use large glass water jugs that are stuffed with fresh herbs such as mint or rosemary,” said Marta Pawlik, co-founder, creative director, and interior designer at LAIK. This 68-ounce pitcher is made from thick glass with a handle, spout, and lid, so you can also use it when entertaining.

• Available styles: 2

You’re not just limited to water jugs. You can use almost any leakproof vessel as an eye-catching vase, including this purse centerpiece. It’s made from ceramic with a charming floral design. Plus, it has a treated interior to keep it waterproof, ceramic handles for easy transporting, and a non-slip sponge base to protect your surfaces.

• Available styles: 14

Marta Pawlik (co-founder, creative director, and interior designer at LAIK) prefers dried herbs to cut flowers because they infuse the space with a fresh, uplifting scent with less upkeep. These genuine lavender bundles still look gorgeous in a vase, but since they’re dried for preservation, they’ll never wilt, dry out, or require water.

"I apply peel-and-stick strips of white caulk in and around the tubs and sinks,” said Marta Pawlik, co-founder, creative director, and interior designer at LAIK. “They cover discolored (old) sealant in less than ten minutes,” plus they’re affordable and way less messy than standard caulk. This is made from waterproof PVC with a self-adhesive backing that sticks to just about any surface.

• Available styles: 5

“I always like clever, creative products that address things in our daily lives,” said Doug Van Soest, owner of SoCal Home Buyers. This storage ottoman has a hinged lid and a hollow interior, so it doubles as a place to stash your clutter. It’s sturdy enough to support up to 200 pounds, stuffed with foam for comfort, and has a chic, mid-century modern vibe thanks to its bouclé upholstery and wooden legs.

• Available styles: 4

According to the owner of SoCal Home Buyers, Doug Van Soest, “clever storage solutions can be the key to the difference between a well-organized and functional home.” This storage cart has four tiers of shelves to hold toiletries, ingredients, cleaning products, art supplies, or laundry essentials, plus movable hooks for hanging items — but it’s ultra-slim to fit in tight spots and has wheels for easy access.

• Available styles: 5

Make the most out of awkward countertop spots with this movable corner organizer. Its wooden shelves provide three tiers (plus room underneath) for holding ingredients, dishes, coffee station essentials, perfume, or cosmetics. You can also straighten the shelves out on the center leg for a linear configuration. Either way, it offers plenty of new storage while elevating the look of your kitchen counter or bathroom vanity.

• Available styles: 3

Available in five colors with a fluted texture, these storage organizers help you maximize the space under your bathroom or kitchen sinks. The two-tier design fits cleaning supplies, toiletries, detergent, makeup, and towels. Plus, movable hooks let you hang rags and sponges, and the bottom shelf pulls out like a drawer so you can access stuff in the back. Granted you get two for less than $30, “the value is excellent,” one reviewer said.

• Available styles: 5

According to Doug Van Soest (owner of SoCal Home Buyers), “space-saving furniture” is a worthy purchase when it comes to a well-organized home. This side table is narrow and sleek to fit in tight spots and minimize visual clutter, and it has a basket underneath to store remotes, reading materials, and devices. Its metal frame also has adjustable feet for a level foundation on uneven floors.

Stash your clutter in plain sight and turn it into a functional pillow for your sofa, bed, or RV. This storage pillowcase has a sturdy zipper and a large interior that you can stuff with blankets, bedding, plush toys, towels, clothing, or yarn. Its linen-like material comes in a neutral shade that goes with just about any color scheme.

These corner shower shelves hold a lot thanks to their space-maximizing corner design, and get bottles, soap bars, and sponges off the floor (or bathtub rim) to display them in a neat, accessible way. Best of all, instead of screws, wall anchors, and drilling, they install damage-free using clear adhesive hooks that are sturdy enough to support up to 40 pounds. The set includes two corner shelves and a soap holder, all made from rust-resistant stainless steel.

• Available styles: 3

“Very practical, looks good, saves space, and leaves the kitchen counter looking neat,” one reviewer said about this steel sink caddy — and judging by its 4.6-star overall rating after more than 10,000 reviewers, many others agree. An adjustable divider and movable holder give you custom-like storage for scrubbers, soap, sponges, and strainers, and it has a swiveling spout that drains moisture straight back into the sink.

• Available styles: 19

This isn’t your average lazy Susan. For one, it has suction cups on the bottom, so it sticks to refrigerator or cabinet shelves without causing damage. For another, instead of simply spinning around in a circle, this rectangular turntable organizer pulls out before it rotates around, so you can see and access all of its contents — whether that’s condiments, produce, spices, drinks, or snacks.

“I worked as a stager in Beaverdale, where the bathroom was very small and old,” said Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines. “By putting a small bamboo tray with hand towels,” the bathroom suddenly “looked like a spa,” said Naig. Made from genuine bamboo with raised, rounded edges, this tray also works well for soap, perfume, cosmetics, candles, and other countertop items.

• Available styles: 4

According to Jacob Naig (real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines), “model homes have mastered the art of scent and a little bit of texture. A simple basket full of towels in the bathroom or mudroom works every time.” This wicker basket is woven from water hyacinth with cut-out handles on the side, and it’s a great size for hand towels, a reed diffuser, toilet paper, or small potted plants.

• Available styles: 4

The right towel-tray combo can make your bathroom feel “both calm and organized,” said Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines. These cotton hand towels have tassels and a timeless wave pattern in your choice of several color options. Especially when rolled up in a wicker basket, they give your bathroom a curated, designer feel.

• Available styles: 7

To make your home smell like a newly renovated model home, a reed diffuser is an affordable, low-maintenance solution. The chic glass vessel comes filled with scent reeds, real preserved flowers, and a fragrance oil that smells like springy jasmine (or many other refreshing scents). Customize the intensity by opting to put more or less reeds inside, and they’ll pull the scent upwards, diffusing it into your space over time.

• Available styles: 15+

A new set of fluffy, matching towels can also give your bathroom a spa-like feel — and they don’t have to cost a ton, either. These highly rated towels are made from 100% cotton for soft, skin-friendly absorbency, and they come in your choice of 14 colors and seven size combinations.

• Available styles: 14

Small potted plants are another easy but impactful decorating trick that’s commonly used in model homes, according Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines. They bring color and character to a space, and this smiley face planter pot is more adorable than most. It’s made from resin that looks like ceramic for use indoors or out, and it’s suitable for succulents or pearl plants.

• Available sizes: Small — Large

While live potted plants give your space a natural, fresh feel, they can damage your floors and furniture if you’re not careful. These round planter plates are made from cork, so they’re both absorbent to soak up excess water and well-cushioned to prevent scratches. You can also use them as hot plates in the kitchen or minimalist soap trays in the bathroom.

"In older properties, I frequently carry with me stick-on brushed brass cabinet hardware,” said Emily Demirdonder, the director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing. Since they’re affordable and don’t require any drilling, these adhesive handles help to modernize an outdated kitchen or bathroom in seconds — and without breaking the bank.

• Available styles: 3

Adhesive cabinet pulls can immediately update the look of a “weary kitchen,” according to Emily Demirdonder, the director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing. These stick-on knobs are made from stainless steel with a strong adhesive backing for tool-free installation on cabinets or furniture, and they come in your choice of gold, silver, white, or black.

• Available styles: 4

“Replacing a stained, dusty yellow vent cover with a white or matte black one, all under the $20 mark, will remake the perception of the whole floor space,” said Emily Demirdonder, the director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing. This walkable floor register is made from thick steel, so it can support up to 300 pounds, and it comes in several sizes and finishes.

• Available styles: 16

“Microfiber baseboard mops are an underdog as far as cleaning is concerned,” said Emily Demirdonder, the director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing. “They allow you to run rapidly over skirting boards, [which create] quite an impression when clean." This baseboard cleaning tool has an extendable handle and removable microfiber pads that attract dust, conform to moldings and fan blades, and can be washed in the machine for reuse.

According to Emily Demirdonder (the director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing), leaning floor mirrors are a decorating staple in model homes because they “enlarge a room to twice its size and draw in additional light” — but most people never think to use them in their respective homes. This floor mirror is shockingly affordable given its 64-inch height, modern aluminum rim, and arched shape, plus it has a bracket stand for extra stability.

• Available styles: 3

While your guests might not consciously notice them, small scuffs and cracks diminish the atmosphere of a space, according to Doug Van Soest, owner of SoCal Home Buyers. These refillable paint pens help you touch up your walls in seconds — without mess and without hauling heavy paint cans out of storage. Just fill them with your most-used colors, and the vacuum-sealed interior will keep the paint wet and ready to dispense through the precision brush tip.

You can also touch up the scratches and scuffs on your cabinets, doors, trim, and furniture. These matte touch-up paints come in a pack of three colors (white, light greige, and hazelnut) that match 90% of surfaces. The all-in-one formula is water-based and low-odor, plus it adheres to most surfaces without the need for sanding or priming. The set also comes in four other color combinations.

• Available styles: 5

While they’re soaked in a solution that’s gentle on hands and safe on vinyl, metal, countertops, walls, tiles, tubs, fabric, and leather, these heavy-duty cleaning wipes are tough on grime and stains. Each tub comes with 40 wipes made from a durable fiber weave, so you can use them to clean thousands of items, including crayon-marked walls, paint-splattered floors, fingerprint-marked doors, and oil-stained upholstery.

• Available styles: 8

No idea how to fix a hole with joint compound and a putty knife? This Erase-A-Hole drywall repair putty makes the job quick and easy. Just apply it directly from the container, no tools needed, and its water-based formula will fill small holes and repair cracks. Then, dust off the excess with your hand or a damp cloth and paint over it for an invisible finish.

When it comes to tackling eyesores in your home, you’ll find countless uses for this razor scraper. Sturdy and retractable for safety, it comes with 10 carbon steel blades and four plastic blades to scrape off price stickers, window decals, peeling paint, baked-on messes, and old caulk.

• Available styles: 2

According to Doug Van Soest, owner of SoCal Home Buyers, old light fixtures also take away from the potential ambiance of your home. This 12-inch flush-mount light is an easy replacement for outdated lights, but it illuminates your space with dual clear bulbs and has a matte-black base and a seeded glass lampshade for an industrial farmhouse style.

• Available styles: 8

Light completely changes the vibe of a space, but you don’t need a fixture or an available outlet to add some. These mini crystal lamps are battery-operated, so you can place them on any surface without limitations — or cords. The textured glass shade has an amber glow, while the gold-tone base has a timer function underneath to preserve battery.

• Available styles: 2

Last but definitely not least, smart bulbs help you customize your lighting, automate your home’s rhythm, and control your power usage. These sync up to an app on your phone as well as Alexa or Google Home, so you can choose between 16 million colors, adjust the brightness, set automatic timers and schedules, sync the lights up to music, and control them with your voice, no hub required.

"You can't live without Magic Erasers,” said Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines. Using melamine foam, “they can clean years of dirt off of trim, doors, and other things in just a few minutes." This multi-pack of six includes one Extra Thick for tough jobs, two Ultra Foamy to cut through grease with Dawn, and three Extra Durable sponges for long-lasting use.

While they’re significantly more affordable and come in a pack of 20, these cleaning sponges are made from the same material as the branded Magic Erasers: melamine foam. They’re still thick, durable, and textured to remove stains, smudges, grime, dirt, and scuffs from surfaces, shoes, fixtures, and walls.

Jacob Naig (real estate investor, agent, and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines) is also a big fan of stainless steel cleaner wipes: “They wipe away fingerprints from refrigerators and dishwashers in seconds,” Naig said. These have an overall 4.7-star rating because they efficiently clean smudges, shine steel, and protect against streaks use a pH-neutral formula. This set of two also includes a microfiber cloth.

"When staging homes, peel-and-stick subway tile has been a lifesaver,” said Jacob Naig, real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines. “If you put them in homes with old laminate backsplashes, you'll instantly make them look more modern." These are made from thick vinyl with adhesive backing, and they come in 23 color options.

• Available styles: 23

According to Jacob Naig (real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines), another fast DIY is “contact paper that looks like woodgrain,” which can instantly update the look of cabinets, tables, furniture, and accent walls. Available in five shades, this woodgrain contact paper is made from waterproof vinyl with a removable adhesive backing.

• Available styles: 5

Jacob Naig (real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines) also recommends marble contact paper: “I've used it to update old bathroom vanities so they look like they belong there while still looking clean and modern,” said Naig. “A contractor won't be fooled by these little decorative tricks, but they will change how buyers think."

• Available styles: 2

“I use furniture risers that double as hidden storage,” said Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines. That way, you can stash items under your bed to boost storage and minimize clutter. These bed risers are stackable so you can customize the height, and they have foam pads inside and rubber sheets underneath to keep them in place without scratching.

• Available styles: 3

These heavy-duty bed risers come in your choice of seven height options, and even though they’re compact, their non-slip design is sturdy enough to support up to 5,000 pounds. “You might want to use them to lift a bed or couch just high enough to make some space underneath and make the piece look bigger in the room,” said Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines.

• Available styles: 7

Once your bed or sofa is raised, it’s time to take advantage of all that extra storage space. These under-bed storage containers are designed to hold clothing, pillows, comforters, or blankets while protecting them from dust. They also have handles and dual zippers for easy retrieval, and the transparent lids let you see what’s inside at a glance.

• Available styles: 6

For a sleek finish that hides any items under your bed frame (and the bed frame itself), this bed skirt is an popular, polished option that comes in six sizes and nine colors. It’s made from brushed microfiber that’s machine-washable and resistant to stains and fading. Unlike traditional bed skirts, this one skips the frills and opts for clean, minimalist pleats.

• Available sizes: Twin — King
• Available styles: 9

For a more traditional style that still feels clean and fresh, this bed skirt has a scallop edge with a contrast trim. It also has a tuck-in design that’s easy to put on without removing the entire mattress, and its 3-inch pocket corners, elastic band, and non-slip fabric keep it in place.

• Available sizes: Twin — King
• Available styles: 6

Jacob Naig (real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines) recommends placing “motion-sensor LED puck [lights] that can be charged” wherever you need additional light. These rechargeable puck lights are easy to install in closets and under cabinets with the included double-sided adhesive, and since they’re magnetic, they attach to their brackets as well as metal surfaces.

• Available styles: 2

These under-cabinet LEDs are also rechargeable and motion-sensing, but you can adjust the brightness levels and choose between three different color temperatures. “They work well in closets, under cabinets, and even in hallways of older homes that don't have many outlets,” said Jacob Naig, a real estate investor/agent and the owner of We Buy Houses in Des Moines.

According to Doug Van Soest, the owner of SoCal Home Buyers, “The act of cleaning does not necessarily involve a heavy scrub. It’s more about consistency,” and that includes “wiping down surfaces daily.” This microfiber cloth roll mimics paper towels with its versatility, absorbency, and lint-free, streak-free finish — but each one is machine-washable and reusable up to 50 times to save your wallet and the planet.

• Available styles: 15

Counters and tables might get regular wipe-downs, but your screens and devices probably don’t. These microfiber cleaning cloths are designed to remove smudges, dirt, and dust from delicate surfaces, including phones, computer monitors, tablets, camera lenses, and eyeglasses — all without lint or scratches.

• Available styles: 2

For everyday upkeep, this all-purpose cleaner and polish works on any washable surface, including metal, wood, marble, ceramic, porcelain, rubber, and glass. It also comes in four fresh scent options (lemon, lavender, grapefruit, and eucalyptus) and skips the harsh chemicals, instead using clay and plant-based ingredients for a streak-free clean.

• Available styles: 4

Keep your wooden surfaces clean and protected with these Pledge Expert Care wood wipes. They remove fingerprints and dust, but they also polish and protect your furniture with a non-waxy coating that has a refreshing lemon scent. You can also use them on leather, granite, and stainless steel, and according to reviewers, they’re way more convenient than a polish spray.

• Available styles: 2

Another low-effort cleaning hack: “Having air purifiers,” which “will make your home feel fresh day in, day out,” said Doug Van Soest, the owner of SoCal Home Buyers. This air purifier has a three-stage filtration system that cleanses the air up to five times an hour in rooms as large as 1,200 square feet. It also has multiple fan speeds, automatic timer settings, and an aromatherapy sponge that diffuses essential oils.

"The best thing about model homes is their ability to utilize basic refurbishments to create a clean and welcoming space. Any room can be larger and more comfortable with a neutral color palette,” said Doug Van Soest, the owner of SoCal Home Buyers. This all-in-one paint has both primer and rich pigmentation for cabinets, furniture, and trim, and it comes in several warm neutrals that make your space feel bright and inviting.

• Available styles: 50+

According to Doug Van Soest (owner of SoCal Home Buyers), model homes are polished, yet welcoming, and “you can quite easily get the same feeling” by taking the time to curate “a well thought-out space.” This room and furniture layout kit comes with eight grid pages and 215 punch-out shapes to represent beds, sofas, tables, chairs, dressers, bookcases, and more — so you can experiment with layouts without scratching or breaking a sweat.

Once you decide to rearrange a room’s layout, these furniture sliders make it so much easier. They have thick foam on the top to cushion the legs, and slippery pads on the bottom that glide like butter over a range of floor types, including wood, tile, carpet, laminate, and vinyl. They also help you clean behind and underneath furniture without straining your body or scratching your floors.

• Available styles: 7