Preparing your home for the Photo Shoot
Tips for All Areas
Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
Frontyard
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Remove trash cans
Spruce up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
Remove any seasonal decor
Backyard
Clean patio, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible water hoses
Open all umbrellas
kitchen
Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear the door of the refrigerator of any magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher
Dining Room | Table
Clear the table and remove all clutter
Dust and polish the table top
Feature one centerpiece such as a bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Remove children’s chairs or high seats
Living Room
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove magazines, papers, mail, etc.
Remove clutter from fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 3-4 items, including art)
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove toys, personal effects, and random clutter
Bedrooms
Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
Bathrooms
Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Close closet doors
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats
Pets
Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys