I don't think I've had a staging job yet that hasn't involved dealing with cordless phones, cell phones and phone chargers on the counter or nightstand. Everyone has them and most people don't want to live with the inconvenience of relocating them while their house is on the market.
I have found that you can hide these items quite easily by housing them in a decorative "breadbox" type container.
By drilling a hole in the back of the container, for the cords, the chargers can live inside the box.
I use one such box in my own pantry closet and the cordless phone sits on top of it.
All of the ugly wires and cell phone chargers are hidden inside and they are still easily accessible.
For home staging, I suggest the phone be kept inside for an even cleaner look.
I was inspired to share this idea when I read a recent post by Michelle Molinari. Michelle uses beautiful boxes and containers as "crap traps" to hide the junk that accumulates on kitchen counters.
By taking Michelle's idea one step further and drilling a hole in the back, you can also eliminate phones and other techno "crap" like ipods...anything with a cord or charger can be hidden from view and still have access to an outlet.
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Sharon, I seen Michelle's post also. You both have great ideas. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Very good tip...I love the chargers, we have so many...phone, mls keybox, earpiece, camera, extra battery, and then my husband has one of each too...oi vey...
Donna and Terrylynn: Thanks for the comments. It can really make a difference hiding all those cords and chargers. If it is convenient enough, the seller will make the effort to put the phone in hiding for showings.
Fantastic idea! I am certain I will have an opportunity to use it. Thanks for sharing!
Sharon ~ What a great idea for a "hiding place"! Simple and attractive!
Michele: It's amazing the difference drilling a hole can make! I hate seeing all those gadgets and wires.
Kathy: Thank you! It is simple and you are only limited to what you are willing to drill a hole through.
Great idea! Not only does it hide all that electronic clutter, but everyone will know exactly where all of their components are! No more "have you seen my..."
Vivian: Good point. Keeps everyone accountable too! It's a win win!
I did something similar like this for a client who wanted their laptop on a landing "sitting area". I did not think of the hole in the back though. Would have been better than even my single cord coming out of the top.
Pangaea: I hate cords. I was very happy when I thought of drilling those holes. It makes all the difference.
Sharon, I use boxes all the time - at home I collect them and use them for remotes, photos, chargers and mp3 when not in use - anything I want quick access to and don't want visible. In a client's home I use to control clutter and make it easier for them to kep the home staged. I am going to take your idea and drill some holes in some of the ones I use for staging. In my own home they tend to be kind of unique - some antiques, etc. I am going to have to really think about drilling the holes in my home ones... don't know if I can bite the bullet on that. But I think I will drill some holes in the bottom of the staging ones - that way if I use them where you can see the back it won't be a problem. Thank you and Michelle (your post got me to hers and now I have a name for my collection... :-)
Joanne: I think drilling the hole in the bottom is a fantastic idea! I love that you found Michelle's post from mine. It was Michelle's post that lead to me writing my post. I love how this place works.
Nice...clever and pretty too! Way to stage it!
Liz: Thank you so much!
Awesome idea! I think that I will use this one at home too.
Benita: Glad you like the idea and can use it. Thanks for commenting.
Sharon, I don't know how I missed this one, thanks for sharing another brilliant idea!
Cynthia: Well I'm glad you eventually found it! Thanks!
Very clever idea, and I love the term "crap trap" !
Sandi: Thank you! I love the term too!