Preparing Your Home for a Photoshoot: A Comprehensive Guide
To ensure your home looks its best for a photoshoot, follow these essential steps to create a clean, organized, and inviting space.
General Guidelines
Clean and Organized: Make sure the entire house is tidy and free of clutter.
Declutter Countertops: Clear countertops to create an open, inviting look.
Small Touches: Remove visible garbage cans and other small distractions.
Lighting: Check that all light fixtures have working bulbs and are turned on.
Exterior Preparation
Vehicle Parking: Move vehicles away from the house or park them in the garage.
Landscaping: Freshen up the yard, remove trash, branches, and leaves.
Dead Plants: Remove any dead plants or trees.
Outdoor Cleaning: Sweep outdoor spaces and walkways, remove foliage from roofs and gutters, and spread fresh mulch.
Pool Area: Remove debris, hose, and toys from the pool.
Trash and Recycling Bins: Store them in the garage or an outside shed.
Garden Hoses and Tools: Store hoses, garden tools, and outdoor equipment.
Toys and Bikes: Store outdoor toys and bikes.
GRILL: Clean the grill or store it away along with its accessories.
Windows and Doors: Wash windows and glass doors.
Outdoor Furniture: Clean, straighten, and accessorize with pillows and umbrellas.
Seasonal Decor: Store away any seasonal decorations.
Yard Maintenance: Mow the grass, rake leaves, pull weeds, and remove any dead vegetation.
Interior Preparation
Lighting: Natural light is preferred. But turn on all lights. The photographer will adjust the lighting if needed.
Window Treatments: Adjust horizontal blinds and shutters to a flat position to view outside unless you want to obscure a view, in which case, tilt slightly. Fully open vertical blinds for a uniform look.
Declutter: Clear all countertops and remove personal items and photos.
Fans and Mirrors: Turn off ceiling fans and store portable fans. Clean mirrors and windows.
Floors: Vacuum carpets and polish floors.
Wastebaskets: Hide wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.
Pet Items: Store pet dishes, toys, and beds.
Electronics: Turn off TVs and computers, and dust screens. Store remote controls and chargers.
Furniture: Straighten furniture and hide electrical cords and cables. Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks.
Decor: Remove rugs and runners from kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms to showcase the floor. Store seasonal decor.
Kitchen Preparation
Clean Dishes: Remove dirty dishes and food items.
Store Food: Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.
Refrigerator: Remove magnets, photos, and other items from the fridge.
Surfaces and Appliances: Clean all surfaces and appliances.
Cleaning Items: Hide soaps, towels, and other cleaning items.
Open Shelves: Organize and tidy open shelves.
Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor and any rugs.
Living Areas Preparation
Personal Items: Minimize photos and personal items.
Bookshelves: Organize bookshelves and minimize knick-knacks.
Furniture: Remove excess furniture and accessories. Set tables with simple place settings.
Bedroom Preparation
Beds: Make beds neatly and remove wrinkles. Arrange decorative pillows.
Clothing and Shoes: Store all clothing and shoes out of sight.
Under Bed: Remove visible items from under the bed.
Clutter: Remove all clutter and tidy master closets.
Bedside Tables: Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.
Children’s Rooms: Organize and declutter children’s rooms.
Laundry: Remove laundry and store hampers out of sight.
Bathroom Preparation
Toilet Lids: Close toilet lids.
Countertops: Clear countertops of all items.
Shower Items: Remove bath and shower items.
Accessories: Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets. Store towels, soaps, and candles.
Swimming Pool and Spa Preparation
Cleanliness: Ensure the pool and spa are clean and free of dirt and debris.
Pool Area: Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
Furniture: Straighten lounge chairs and store cleaning tools. Set up patio umbrellas if available.
Features: Turn on pool lights, spa bubbles, and waterfalls.
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your home looks its best for the photoshoot, enhancing its appeal to potential buyers.