CONTAIN –

1.   Storage is KEY!  Is the piece easy to contain either in a storage unit, in a box, bag or on a shelf?  ALWAYS keep your eyes open for useful storage aids including shelving, cardboard boxes (unusual shaped boxes sometimes come in very useful too), clear boxes or tubs, any and all large zippered bags, packing materials, oversized plastic (to cover couches, etc.), old blankets, furniture pads, etc.  The time you spend up front in taking care of your storage needs will pay for itself over and over! 


2.   Hand-held shrink wrap rolls are invaluable tools to wrap around rugs, or around drawers, breakable items, etc.  I always have a supply of the 6” rolls and a few of the larger rolls as well.


3. If something requires multiple pieces to assemble each time – chances are you won’t take the time to mess with it.  Think what can be loaded, unloaded, wrapped, and put away in a reasonable amount of time.


4. IMPORTANT TIP:  Watch for stores that are going out of business – they usually sell off their store fixtures and shelving for bargain prices.  You can usually pick up great bins, racks, office supplies, boxes, and misc. bulk material handling stuff.  Keep your eyes open for carts, laundry bins, or shelves on wheels.  They come in extremely handy if you have to Stage a house/condo  that has an elevator or simply for moving your inventory around.


5. In my warehouse I have one large shelf near the entrance that is dedicated to packing materials including bubble wrap, paper, plastic bags, cardboard, IKEA bags (these are great blue bags that you can buy for $1.00 that I always transport my pillows and lampshades in), etc. Reuse and Recycle as much as you can within reason of course! 

CARRY –

• Must be lightweight enough that you (and one other person) can lift it.  It should not be too bulky or awkward in shape or you will find yourself fighting with it more than being glad you have it. 


• Keep in mind that sometimes large chairs and couches have trouble fitting through doors, so unless you plan on having assistance, don’t plan on using them alone.


• Never try to carry too many things at once – especially if they don’t belong to you.  Use respect and care when handling your client’s things and only carry one item in each hand. 


• Use proper ergonomics when lifting anything heavy, and get in the habit of always picking up items from the bottom (i.e. don’t pick up lamps from their harps, or vases from their necks, or flower arrangements with the stems.  You never know when something is not attached or has an existing crack, etc.)

Question #1:  Based on your Business Plan and Marketing Plan, Who is your Target audience – your potential client?

Ideas to consider: 

Residential: Occupied &/or Vacant??? Consultations &/or Stagings???

                      Owner vacant or Builder Vacant???

Commercial: Occupied and/or Vacant???

Question #2: When you determine that you want to Stage vacants, do you buy Inventory or not?

BIG IDEA:  DO NOT BUY INVENTORY UNTIL YOU NEED IT!  How many vacant Stagings do you have SCHEDULED?  Schedule, and then buy as needed.