Yeah - yeah - got your attention . . . but really where was YOUR mind going? I was talking about AIR BEDS - of course. Ever had one deflate on you after you left? (One key reason why we need to check on our Staging to make sure things still look good!).
What an embarrassing call THAT is. . . "Um, Hello - Jennie?" "Yes" - "This is ____ - and well, the bedroom bed looks sort of funny - and limp." Uh oh! A leak, a hole, or an improperly screwed on sealer - and you have "Flaccid Bed Syndrome!"
We just had to take care of this yesterday with one of our houses where we are using an air mattress (hey - Steinmart uses them in their stores - so they are a great and inexpensive alternative to having to rent a bed!).
The air mattress was actually a really nice one - extra high and thick. Not sure why it was not holding air, but we removed it and put in another one - and will have to "test" the reject to find out if it leaks, or just was having a hard time holding in the air because of a faulty nozzle. Either way - it's good to check on these things - and make sure they still look right. Weather can also cause them to expand or shrink - so that is also a concern for areas of the country where temperatures fluctuate.
Anyone else ever caught in the bedroom with a flaccid object? Get rid of Flaccid Bed Syndrome - by using these simple tips.
1. Blow the mattress up first when you get to the house so that you can check on it while there and make sure it is still firm when you leave.
2. When deflating a bed for de-staging, be careful not to crimp the mattress to hard to where it might create a hole.
3. Store air beds in boxes when not in use so that in storage they are not susceptible to being poked or damaged by other items in your storage or warehouse.
4. If you are unsure about the condition of a mattress, bring a back-up. Remember - "I am not going back" is the motto.
5. Put a note on the bed if you feel that the public might sit on the beds or damage them. Personally I don't put notes on the bed telling people to keep off or that it's just a prop, but it's not a bad idea.
Have fun with Staging - flaccid beds and all!
- Jennie
I've blown up beds in my home and left them for a week and then taken them directly to a home to stage. Less than a week later it was partially deflated. We only use box springs now. You can pick up a full or queen box for around $100. It's twice as much as a cheap air mattress, but I never worry about them deflating. They are light enough that most of the time I can move them myself too. (Upstairs is a little harder)... I think most of the time the bed looks better too.
In addition, the extra money I spent on the box spring is made up in fewer trips to 'check up on things'. (time, gas, etc)
Love it - got people's attention - guess the idea of a risque topic title is a grabber! But this post at least has a tip and point - no pun intended.
Melissa - I don't like to haul the big mattresses around - they are too bulky. I know what you mean about not having to worry about a deflation happening, but getting those large objects in houses, upstairs, etc. is a pain. Been there - done that. We have had good luck with our air bed versions. They have only "failed to perform" 3 times - those are pretty good odds! - Jennie
Melissa has got me thinking about this one.
I have been called back due to the "limp' factor. Now I leave a pump at every property and show the home owner or Realtor what to do in case it is needed. I do check on all my properties every other week but sometimes that is not enough when it comes to deflated air mattresses.
Using box springs may be a better way to go.
I think the issue is Operator Error with the air beds more than a bad product. . . There are nozzles you have to clamp and lock and those you have to screw shut. If either one is not done right, the air leaks out slowly. Also, if the air is put in with the lock off - the air comes out more rapidly. The filling of the beds should be when the nozzle is in place and only the very top part of the lock is undone for filling. The compressors you can buy (and get ones that are rechargable and cordless) have nozzle attachments for different style beds.
For me - the mattress idea may save time and money in having to replace a leaky bed, but the storage aspect of a large box spring or mattress is a downside to having them. It is worth a thought. - Jennie
I Love Melissa Marro's idea of using a lighweight box spring, if storage and transportion is not an issue, this is definetly a good way to get a great "real Bed" look.
Jeannie,
I love your motto "I'm not going back". I can't tell you haw many times I go back. I could stage a whole other house with my going back time.
Jennie,
Ok so I admit the title drew me in! Can I say this- you must have had a REALLLLL GOOOD vacation!
We have used air mattreses in the past, now we are like Melissa and use the box springs, like that idea better!
Marci - Ha - I just had a wicked sense of humor yesterday, I guess. Don't know what came over me - my analogies were a little more "colorful" than usual . . . but we are supposed to have fun in life. I did it on purpose - let's see how many people take a peek - and then of course it's a normal old topic in the life of a Stager. You know if I just wrote - "Don't let air beds leak" - it wouldn't have been half as fun! Call me!
- Jennie
Haha Jennie !
Honestly I just purchased my first blow up bed last week, blew it up, came back the next day to stage, and there was this flat limp bed. What the heck? I didn't have it tightly done up. So i blew it up again, continued to stage the home, and it was fine. I am actually going back there today (with pump in hand) just incase, to check on it.
Heather
Hi Heather - the nozzles are tricky so it is best to blow the bed up FIRST when you first get to the house and within the time that you are there you will know if there is a slow leak.
Gary - glad you like the humor AND you are the first guy on this blog post to actually write something - so great! And you may say you hate air beds. Back when I first started Staging and used my SUV to haul all the "stuff" I needed, there was no way I was going to fit a box spring or mattress in there - and some houses did not have the budget for rental. When rental companies have minimums and delivery fees - no way. Air beds have been a staple ever since. But we use the larger ones that have a higher look. I guess this is yet another (fun) dividing line for Stagers - those that like or hate air beds!
Great idea to blow it up when you first arrive. I had not thought of that. Thanks! By the way, I often leave a pump (one of the inexpensive battery powered ones) at the site in case I can't be there immediately, the problem can still be addressed.
Kim Dillon, Creative Eye Home Staging
Jennie... I am beginng to pick up on a THEME in your most recent posts. LOL
Me
Jennie,
I love the innuendo in the title, I'm sure it was perfectly innocent! NOT!!!