Staging & Storage: How to Showcase a Home During December Showings

Katya Hernandez
Dec 18, 2025
2 min read

Selling your home in December can feel a bit tricky. Between holiday décor, gift bags piling up, and seasonal activities, your home may not look as streamlined as you’d like. But the holidays can actually be a great time to make a warm, memorable impression on buyers, if you stage with intention and stay organized.

1. Declutter First—Then Decorate Lightly

Holiday decorations can add charm, but too many can overwhelm buyers. Before you bring out anything seasonal, do a full declutter:

Pack away excess kitchen gadgets, linens, toys, and surfaces that tend to collect clutter
Remove bulky décor that takes up visual space
Clear countertops and simplify shelves

Once things are pared down, add minimal holiday touches, such as a wreath on the door, a simple garland, a neutral centerpiece, or a soft throw blanket in winter tones.

2. Store Seasonal Items Smartly

If holiday bins, wrapping supplies, or large décor pieces are taking over your home, it’s time to store them temporarily.

Great storage solutions during December showings include:

Clear, stackable plastic bins
Vacuum-sealed bags for bulky textiles
Under-bed storage containers
A small off-site storage unit
Short-term storage with a moving company (Highway Men Moving can help!)

Keeping seasonal items out of sight makes rooms look larger and more welcoming to buyers.

3. Keep Holiday Scents Soft and Natural

Buyers should feel invited, not overwhelmed. Strong pine candles, heavy cinnamon scents, or artificial sprays can be distracting.

Choose subtle, clean aromas like:

Fresh evergreen branches
Light vanilla
A simple simmer pot before a showing

Fresh air and a clean home are always your best bet.

4. Maintain Show-Ready Spaces (Even in Holiday Chaos)

Kids home from school, gift wrapping in progress, guests visiting—December can be messy fast. Create quick-reset habits:

Keep a laundry basket on hand to “scoop” clutter before showings
Set up a designated wrapping or gifting station that can be closed away
Pre-pack nonessential items to reduce how much you manage daily
Do a quick nightly tidy so mornings are easier

A little consistency goes a long way in keeping stress low.

5. Highlight Cozy Features Buyers Love

Winter is the perfect time to spotlight your home’s warmest features.

Make sure to:

Turn on soft lighting during showings
Use warm, neutral throw blankets and pillows
Showcase the fireplace if you have one
Keep the home at a comfortable temperature

Buyers should immediately feel at home when they walk in.

6. Use Storage to Make Moving Day Easier

If you’re staging your home, you’re already halfway packed. Consider storing items with a moving company so they’re ready to go when the house sells. Highway Men Moving offers secure, climate-controlled storage that keeps everything protected until it’s time for your move.

Final Thoughts

With thoughtful staging and strategic storage, your home can look its very best, even during the busiest month of the year. A clean, cozy, clutter-free space helps buyers envision their own holidays there, and that’s the key to a great showing.

Need storage or moving help during the selling process?

Highway Men Moving is here to make the transition simple, stress-free, and seamless.