Your main purpose in staging is to de-clutter and de-personalize. Remove all personal photos on walls or furniture. Remove paperwork and loose items from counter tops and tables. Accessorize with a few generic objects that do not necessarily reflect your taste or sense of style, but fit with the house.

The goal is for potential buyers to envision their own belongings and photos in your house, and it's usually a distraction for them to see your mementos and knickknacks.  It can make them feel uncomfortable being in someone else's home rather than mentally placing themselves there.  It's also important to de-clutter your cabinets and closets, as those will be looked at during a showing.  You definitely do not want a potential buyer opening your closets to find them overflowing.  It doesn't make a good impression and the fuller they are, the smaller they look.  Pack all but a few items in boxes and store them at a friend or family member's place, or do a short-term rental on a small storage unit. Again, taking these items out of the house will make it seem cleaner and bigger. Also remove large boxes or large items that you may already be storing in your own basement, garage or attic. Give potential buyers as little opportunity as possible to object to your house!