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.