Fix It Before You List It

Quick, eco‑friendly fixes before you list: tighten, stabilise, touch up, and disclose like a pro. Private, escrowed, pro delivery with Déjà Décor.

Why this works

Small, honest fixes remove buyer hesitation and make your photos sing. You’ll field fewer questions, reduce returns, and keep a good piece in circulation—second‑hand without second thoughts. Our platform keeps it safe and private: escrow on every sale, anonymous hand‑offs, pro pickup & delivery.

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.

• Re‑glue a loose joint (chair stretcher/leg): wood glue + clamp 8–12 h.

• 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 (call a Déjà Hero)

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

• Deep pet/smoke odours you can’t neutralise

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

Book a pro (private): ask for a Déjà Hero referral; we coordinate repairs without exposing buyer or seller identities.

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.

• We handle pickup and delivery with verified crews; your address is masked to everyone except the scheduled team.

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?”