If you’re diving into house flipping for beginners or just looking to stretch your staging dollars, you’re in the right place. Staging doesn’t have to mean spending big bucks—it’s all about working smarter, not harder. Let’s talk about how you can make your property shine without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re flipping a home, selling, or setting up a short-term rental, these budget-friendly staging hacks will help you wow buyers and boost your profits.

Why Staging on a Budget is a Must

Staging is a powerful way to attract buyers and sell faster—but let’s be real: the costs can add up fast if you’re not careful. The good news? I’ve been flipping houses for over two decades, and I’ve learned how to stage entire homes for less than $3,000 while keeping them stylish and buyer-ready. Here’s how you can do it too.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to planning your flip from start to finish, don’t miss my Critical Pre-Flip Planning Checklist! It’s packed with must-do steps to help you nail every detail before renovations even begin.

12 Staging Hacks to Save Big and Impress Buyers

1. Facebook Marketplace is Your New BFF

Start your search here! Facebook Marketplace is full of hidden treasures. The best part? If you don’t find what you need right away, the algorithm will keep showing you similar items. Pro tip: Negotiate prices and ask sellers if they have additional items for sale—you never know what you’ll find. House Renovation Groups in your area may have some leftovers. I joined one called Leftover Building Supplies.

2. Shop Staging Supply Sales

Local staging companies often hold sales to clear out inventory. This is a fantastic opportunity to snag designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. Call around to find out when the next sale is happening.

3. Visit Liquidation Centers

Liquidation centers, especially those specializing in hotel furniture, are goldmines for high-quality, low-cost items. Think chairs, desks, and tables—not mattresses or textiles. Don’t forget these are quality items quite often that can really shine with a bit of rehab.

4. Join Buy Nothing Groups

These are community groups where people give away items for free. Yes, free! Search Facebook for a Buy Nothing group near you. You might find everything from decor to furniture—and you can’t beat that price. I won’t lie…I’ve been guilty of picking up items off the side of the street like perfectly good mirrors ready to stage. I’ve even had buyers insist some of these items come with the sale of the home.

5. Leverage Realtor Discounts

If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask about discounts their brokerage might offer for appliances or furniture. Many agencies have partnerships with big brands.

6. Lean on Friends and Family

Let your network know you’re staging a home. People are often happy to pass along furniture or decor they no longer need—especially if they know it’s going to good use.

7. Don’t Skip Garage Sales

Garage and yard sales are treasure troves for affordable staging items. You can find rugs, lamps, knickknacks, and even tools for next to nothing.

8. Scope Out Clearance Sections

Big-box stores often have hidden “As-Is” sections with discounted items. You can find everything from chairs to area rugs at unbeatable prices.

9. Shop Vintage and Antique Markets

For statement pieces, hit up vintage or antique shops. A unique mirror or piece of wall art can add personality to a room and make it memorable for buyers.

10. Habitat for Humanity ReStores

ReStores offer affordable furniture, lighting, and even paint. Every trip is a bit of a treasure hunt, but you’ll usually find something useful—and your purchase supports a great cause.

11. Take Advantage of Contractor Discounts

If you’ve set up a business for your house flipping, sign up for contractor accounts at home improvement stores. These discounts can save you hundreds on bulk purchases. Try to purchase the expensive items when setting up the account because you often get an additional discount on your first purchase.

12. Shop Your Own Home

Before you spend a dime, look around your own home for items you can repurpose. That mirror or side table collecting dust in your basement? Perfect for staging. An unused picture frame? Add a new print, and it’s good as new.

Budget Breakdown: Staging a 2-Bedroom Fix and Flip

Here’s how I staged a two-bedroom, 1.5-bath flip for just under $2,000:

Living Room:

Dining Room:

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Grand Total: $1,930

With creativity and resourcefulness, you can stay under $2,000, depending on your finds and how much you already have on hand.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder

Staging is just one piece of the house-flipping puzzle. To really set yourself up for success, you need a solid game plan. That’s where my Critical Pre-Flip Planning Checklist comes in. From picking the perfect closing date to organizing your first follow-up visit, this checklist has everything you need to flip with confidence and stay on budget.

Key Takeaways for House Flippers

  1. Start Small: Use your first flip as a chance to experiment with budget staging.
  2. Focus on ROI: Prioritize high-impact areas like the living room and bedrooms.
  3. Get Creative: Repurpose items you already own or look for free and affordable options in your community.
  4. Plan Ahead: Start collecting items before possession day to save time and avoid stress.

Bonus Tip: Collect staging items that are light weight and easy to store when you canYou’ve got this—happy flipping! And don’t forget to grab your Critical Pre-Flip Planning Checklist to make your next flip even smoother.