Homestaging
Why do I need home staging?
Did you know that buyers subconsciously make up their minds within 30 seconds of entering a house? Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in the property they are viewing, so your home needs to be staged to enable them to do this and for it appeal to the broadest possible market.

Why spend money on a house I am leaving?
If buyers are given an excuse to offer a lower amount – they will. Stop them offering thousands below what your house is worth by getting it up to scratch. Sometimes clients have spent only their time to get a sale, others have spent £1,000 and got an offer of £10,000 more than they were asking. Benella will only suggest work if it is absolutely essential.

Are you going to criticise my home?
Not at all. This is your home and your taste but as you are trying to move, Benella will help you de-personalise to get it sold so you can move on.

De-cluttering
Where do we start – everywhere is a mess?
I will help you decide where to begin. Normally clearing out one room has a knock on effect on the rest of the house so we will work out a plan of what needs to be done. Most people know which place makes them the feel the worst.

Will you make me throw everything away?
Not at all. I would never tell a client to throw something away which was important to them. De-cluttering is about helping you reduce your stuff though. We will just find correct storage to accommodate it.

Will everyone know how bad it was?
Not at all. Benella offers a completely professional and confidential service. Photos are only used for promotional matter with your agreement.

What if I fall back into my old habits?
Benella will put systems in place to help this to stop happening plus regular programmes are also offered to help you keep on top of it all and keep those clutter demons away.

Downsizing
Where do we start?
This depends on the size of the property you are in, what you are moving to and your possessions. I will help you decide though and clearing out one room usually has a knock on effect to the rest of the house.

Will you make me throw everything away?
Not at all. I would never tell a client to throw something away which was important to them but we do need to bear in mind that a large house with a garden will not fit into a smaller property. Therefore I will help and advise on what can be realistically kept and what won’t fit. I will then advise on how items that will not be moving with you can be disposed of.

Why not call a house clearance company in?
With Benella Interiors, no item will be thrown away indiscriminately. I will also advise on what may be valuable and help you sell it or point you in the right direction so you get the maximum profit. A house clearance company may be useful once all other items have been sold or donated and you are left with other items which need to be taken away.

What if items are worth some money?
I will be able to advise you on where best to contact, for example: an auction house or an antiques dealer. If there are other items of value which are no longer needed then I can sell these on your behalf for a 30% commission fee.

What happens to the other clutter?
If you want to dispose of books, old toys, clothes, paperwork etc then I can take these away for you to charity shops and recycling centres.

Unpacking
How will you know where to put my things?
This will be discussed during your free consultation before moving. Benella will try to place things in a logical way though, ie, clothes in wardrobe, coats in downstairs cupboard, cleaning items under kitchen sink.

Why should I hire Benella Interiors?
Packing, the stress of moving, finally getting in, children to settle, work to get back to, just because you have moved in – the hard part is not over. All the boxes need to be unpacked. Benella can do in a day what may take you days or weeks to complete in your precious free time. Benella is the lowest price piece of your move, cheaper than the estate agent fees, removals cost and certainly the stamp duty.

How much is it going to cost me?
The initial consultation is FREE and tips are given to help you pack and get organised. That is not all, Benella can also provide you with details on relevant services including cleaners, movers etc. The unpacking day only costs £195 which is for 7.5 hours of solid hardwork.

Do you unpack offices?
Yes, Benella can unpack offices and discussions can be made on the job being completed at the weekend to ease disruption to the working day.

Room Makeover
What is the difference between a room review and a full report?
A room review is to help clients avoid making expensive mistakes by Benella coming over to view the room, chatting about what is to be kept and then giving advice on colours and accessories to help them realize their dream room. Many clients requiring a room review are already keeping furniture, carpet and curtains but just want to change the rest and need guidance.
A full report is more detailed and is aimed at clients who wish to change many items in the room and a mood board is created so they can see the whole room pulled together and how it would work.

Where do you start?
An entire room scheme can be based around a piece of art, a photo, a clock, soft furnishings etc.
One room scheme was put together over the colour of a china cup and another when the client could not afford to change a sofa they disliked and a dated carpet.
If the room is to be a complete blank canvas then I will discuss different ideas and show pictures to get an idea together with the client.

Will you impose a style on me?
Not at all. Benella will talk with you to understand what it is you are after and can go through magazines with you to ensure we are on the same wavelength.