Staging a home is one of those things that’s always shrouded in rules and “expert” tips that often make you feel like you’re prepping for a design exam instead of selling a house. Enter the 1/5th Rule, the latest advice from my real estate agent that promised to make my home feel more spacious and inviting without turning it into a sterile, personality-less box. Skeptical? Same. But I gave it a shot. And surprisingly, it worked.
Here’s why this rule is smarter than the typical home staging fluff you’ve been hearing.
What’s the 1/5th Rule?
The 1/5th Rule is simple: take out one-fifth of the stuff in every room. Yes, everything. Furniture, decor, plants, lamps—if it’s in the room, one-fifth of it has to go. Sound extreme? That’s what I thought, too. But apparently, the idea is that buyers aren’t just walking into your home; they’re trying to imagine their own stuff in it. And trust me, that’s a lot harder when the room is packed with your IKEA bookshelf and 17 throw pillows.
The Results: My Home Actually Breathed
I’ll admit it: my initial thought was, “How is taking out a couple of items going to make that big of a difference?” But the moment I cleared out a few unnecessary chairs, a random rug, and the extra side table, my living room instantly felt more open. Suddenly, it was easier to see the space itself rather than getting distracted by the things inside it.
And let me tell you, buyers love space, even if it’s just the illusion of it. By removing that extra clutter, I made the room feel larger, more welcoming, and less like I was hoarding decor for a small museum.
Less Stuff, More Impact
Here’s the thing: most people (including me) tend to overdo it when staging. We think that adding more pillows, more art, more everything makes the space feel cozy. But let me hit you with a hard truth—it just makes it feel crowded. The 1/5th Rule forced me to embrace minimalism, and my agent was right: fewer pieces meant that the ones that stayed had more impact.
Instead of buyers walking into a room full of distractions, their eyes were drawn to the statement pieces—like my mid-century modern coffee table or the cozy sectional. It’s like decluttering your brain: with fewer items to process, the important stuff stands out.
No, It Won’t Look Empty
The fear, of course, is that your house will look like someone stole half your furniture. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t. If anything, it just feels more intentional. Each room still had enough furniture to feel functional but not so much that it overwhelmed the space. And guess what? That’s what buyers want—functional spaces that leave room for imagination.
The Verdict: Is the 1/5th Rule Worth Trying?
100%. I’m a convert. The 1/5th Rule is a game changer, not because it’s some fancy new design hack, but because it forces you to do what every staging guide tells you to do: simplify. But unlike vague advice about decluttering, it gives you a concrete way to take action. Plus, it’s so much easier to follow than trying to figure out which shade of taupe is going to offend the fewest people.
So, next time you’re staging your home, save yourself from overthinking every little design choice. Just count your stuff, take out a fifth of it, and let the space do the talking.
At DesignGaga, we’re all about breaking the mold, and the 1/5th Rule is exactly the kind of unconventional wisdom that actually works. Forget the fluff—this is the real deal.