Fix It Before You List It

Quick fixes before you list: tighten, clean, touch up and disclose like a pro. Déjà Décor helps you sell to another buyer with protected payments and coordinated delivery.

Why this works

Small, honest fixes can make your photos clearer and help a buyer understand the piece. Describe any repairs and known issues. Listings are reviewed; the piece stays with you until it sells and pickup is confirmed. Déjà Décor does not buy furniture directly.

Your 15‑minute prep kit (eco‑friendly)

Keep a small caddy ready; most jobs take minutes.

• Microfibre cloths + gentle, plant‑based cleaner

• Wood glue (PVA) + two small clamps

• Felt pads / sliders

• Touch‑up set (wax filler stick + wood marker)

• Screwdriver set + metric hex keys

• Low‑odor furniture oil/cream or wax for wood (test first)

• Lint shaver + lint roller

• Neutral drawer lubricant (paraffin/candle or silicone stick)

• Painter’s tape (for masking and quick labelling)

Tip: reuse jars for small hardware, and save off‑cuts of felt pads for chair feet. Your landfill diversion halo stays bright.

Ten quick wins (no cure time)

These are “before‑the‑camera” moves that boost perceived care and value.

1. Tighten all fasteners — legs, stretchers, drawer pulls.

2. Level & stabilise — add felt pads; check for wobble on tile/wood.

3. Quiet the slides — a swipe of paraffin on wood rails or a silicone stick on metal.

4. Nix pills & lint — fabric looks fresh again in photos.

5. Bright, honest clean — wipe surfaces; avoid glossy residues that photograph patchy.

6. Knob alignment — straighten pulls so lines look intentional.

7. Seat & cushion fluff — reshape foam/fibre by hand; don’t over‑steam.

8. Cable tuck — hide stray cords on desks/media units.

9. Footprint check — verify all glides/caps are present; replace missing ones.

10. Odour reset — air out drawers; a shallow dish of dry baking soda (remove before photos).

Overnight wins (worth the wait)

If you can spare a few hours, these make a real difference.

• For load-bearing joints, ask a repair professional if you are unsure. Use a suitable product and follow its full cure time; a cosmetic fix is not proof that a chair is safe.

• Fix a stripped screw hole: toothpick(s) + wood glue → cure → re‑drive screw.

• Discreet chip repair: wax stick + colour‑match marker; blend gently.

• Swap hardware: modern knobs/pulls = instant lift (keep originals in a bag for the buyer).

Photo‑first upgrades (that still feel authentic)

• Nourish wood, don’t plastic‑shine it. A light oil/wax refresh, then buff.

• Line drawers (optional). Neutral kraft or subtle pattern—reversible, tidy.

• Style light. One plant/book for scale; the piece stays the star.

What not to DIY: ask an independent professional

Skip home fixes if you see:

• Structural cracks in seat rails or table bases

• Severe veneer delamination or missing large sections

• Mechanisms (recliners, gas lifts) that fail under load

• Persistent odours or evidence of pests: do not hide them with a fragrance or a quick surface treatment. Items with pests or strong mould or smoke odours are not eligible.

• Upholstery that needs re‑springing, webbing, or full foam replacement

Find a repair shop. Contact the independent business directly for a quote, its workshop address, availability and pickup options. Repair services are provided by the listed businesses.

Transparency that sells (copy‑paste lines)

Honest notes build trust and reduce messages. Add one line under Condition:

• “Leg re‑glued (Nov 2025) with wood glue and clamps; solid now — see photo 7.”

• “Small chip filled on back edge; colour‑matched and photographed (photo 6).”

• “Slides waxed; drawers glide smoothly.”

• “Original knobs included in a bag; modern set installed.”

Keep all questions on‑platform: “Tap Request a detail (private) and we’ll add the photo to the listing—no buyer–seller messaging.”

Privacy notes for sellers (non‑negotiable)

• Don’t include contact details in your description.

• Remove mail, diplomas, faces, and address numbers from backgrounds.

• Keep your address and contact details out of public listings. Déjà Décor and service providers use the information needed to coordinate the sale and delivery. See our Privacy Policy.

Shoot, then list (your micro‑run‑sheet)

1. Place near a window (soft light).

2. Shoot: front · both sides · 3/4 · top · details (grain/joinery/labels) · back/underside · any flaws.

3. Measure: width × depth × height (and seat height for seating).

4. Write the listing (keep it human):

   • Headline: [Adjective] + [Item] + Wow‑factor (e.g., “Chic Walnut Dresser — Stunning Grain”).

   • Details: dimensions, materials, brand/designer (if known), honest condition + any fixes.

   • One line of soul: “I’ve hosted a thousand laughs — ready for a thousand more?”