How to Prepare a House for Real Estate Photos
Good photos start long before I walk in with the camera. A little preparation helps your home look brighter, bigger and more inviting, which can lead to more showings and stronger offers.
Cleaning and preparing a home for photo day can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. To make this easier, I put together a simple checklist to guide you step by step and help you focus on what really matters for great photos.
Big Picture:
What Matters Most
Do This First (Big Impact)
☐ Declutter every room
☐ Hide personal items (photos, mail, papers)
☐ Deep clean floors, windows, mirrors, counters
☐ Replace burned-out light bulbs
☐ Remove unnecessary furniture if spaces feel tight
☐ Remove broken or tangled blinds if possible
If you are unsure about something, it is usually better to remove it than to leave it.
Living Room And Common Areas
☐ Clear coffee tables and side tables
☐ Straighten pillows and throws
☐ Hide cords, remotes, chargers
☐ Clean floors and baseboards
☐ Put away toys, remotes and extra blankets
☐ If you have many small decor items, keep just a few and store the rest
Kitchen
☐ Clear countertops completely
☐ Remove dish racks, sponges, soap bottles
☐ Remove magnets, notes, photos from fridge
☐ Wipe appliance surfaces (fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave)
☐ Hide small appliances (coffee maker, air fryer, toaster)
☐ Hide trash cans and cleaning supplies
☐ Remove floor mats if worn or cluttered
☐ No food left out
☐ No paper towels, bags, or bottles visible
Bedrooms
☐ Make the bed neatly
☐ Use clean, neutral bedding if possible
☐ Smooth wrinkles and straighten pillows
☐ Clear nightstands completely or leave only one simple item
☐ Clear dressers and shelves
☐ Wipe visible surfaces
☐ Put away shoes, bags, laundry baskets
☐ Store loose items inside closets or drawers
☐ Remove excess décor if walls feel busy
☐ Hide personal photos if possible
☐ Straighten wall art and mirrors
☐ Nothing under the bed visible
☐ No clothing on chairs or doors
Bathrooms
☐ Clear countertops completely
☐ Remove toothbrushes, soap bottles, razors
☐ Remove shampoo bottles, loofahs, toys
☐ Clean glass doors or shower curtain
☐ Hang clean, neutral towels
☐ Remove personal items from hooks
☐ Keep accessories minimal
☐ Clean mirrors
Exterior And Curb Appeal
☐ Mow lawn if needed
☐ Trim edges and overgrown plants
☐ Remove weeds and fallen leaves
☐ Put away garden tools and hoses
☐ Remove clutter and excess furniture
☐ Arrange outdoor furniture neatly
☐ Remove toys, bikes, scooters
☐ Hide trash and recycling bins
☐ Store ladders, tools, and equipment out of sight
☐ Remove seasonal or worn décor if distracting
Pets
☐ Put away pet beds, crates, blankets
☐ Remove food and water bowls
☐ Hide litter boxes, pads, and scoops
☐ Pick up pet waste
☐ Remove outdoor toys, bowls, and kennels
Whole House Checklist
Photoshoot day
Light & Windows
☐ Open all blinds and curtains
☐ Make sure blinds are fully raised and even
☐ Turn on all interior lights
☐ Turn off ceiling fans
Final Surface Check
☐ Clear kitchen and bathroom counters
☐ Empty sinks
☐ Remove paper towels, soap bottles, sponges
☐ Hide remotes, chargers, cords
Floors & Visual Noise
☐ Quick vacuum or sweep if needed
☐ Remove shoes, bags, coats
☐ Check under beds, tables, and sofas
Rooms
☐ Beds made neatly
☐ Pillows straightened
☐ Chairs pushed in
☐ Trash emptied
Bathrooms
☐ Toilet lids closed
☐ Clean towels neatly hung
☐ No personal items visible
Electronics
☐ Turn off TVs and computer screens
Pets
☐ Pets secured or out of the house
☐ Pet items fully removed
Exterior (if shooting exteriors)
☐ Cars moved
☐ Garage doors closed
☐ Trash bins hidden
☐ Walkways clear
Final Walkthrough
☐ Stand at each doorway and do a quick visual scan
☐ If it feels distracting, remove it
Last tip:
If you’re unsure about something, don’t stress. I’ll guide you during the shoot.
I may make small adjustments on site, like moving a chair or straightening decor, but I do not deep clean or fully rearrange spaces. Having the home as ready as possible when I arrive helps your photos turn out their best.
