Before Your Shoot
Pre-Photography Checklist
A clean, clutter-free home makes an extraordinary difference in real estate photography. Use this checklist to prepare every room — your photos will thank you.
Exterior
A dry driveway is photogenic — please avoid washing it down before the shoot.
Remove these
- Cars, boats or other vehicles
- Trashcans
- Children's toys
- Holiday decor
- Lawn and garden tools
- Rolling basketball hoops
Make sure to do these
- Remove cover from BBQ
- Test all lightbulbs (if twilight)
- Mow the lawn
- Trim bushes, hedges, etc.
- Rake fallen leaves
- Place cushions on furniture
Living Room
Arrange furniture to highlight your fireplace or other unique features.
Remove these
- Clutter from tables
- Easily moveable family photographs
- Holiday decor
- Children's toys / video games
- TV remote controls
- Excess furniture
Make sure to do these
- Arrange pillows and cushions
- Fold and drape any blankets
- Small room: remove table leaf
- Large room: add table leaf
- Open blinds and curtains
- Test / replace light bulbs
Kitchen
Add a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or cookbooks for a pop of color.
Remove these
- Clutter from countertops
- Items on refrigerator doors
- Small appliances (blenders, etc.)
- Hanging dish towels
- Sponges, gloves, and dish soap
- Paper towel rolls and rags
Make sure to do these
- Wipe down appliances
- Test all lightbulbs
- Open blinds and curtains
- Put away food
- Hide trash can
- Clean the sink
Bathrooms
Glass shower doors can sell a bathroom — make sure they are sparkling clean.
Remove these
- Clutter from countertops
- Soap, shampoo, etc. from shower
- Toilet paper
- Excess towels
- Dirty linens
- Plunger, toilet brush, etc.
Make sure to do these
- Put toilet lids down
- Test all lightbulbs
- Open blinds and curtains
- Clean the shower
- Clean the mirrors
- Clean the sinks
Bedrooms
Bedrooms look and feel best when they are light, airy, and uncluttered.
Remove these
- Clutter from nightstands
- Family photographs
- Children's toys
- Trash cans and hampers
- Clothing and shoes
- Excess furniture
Make sure to do these
- Make the bed
- Fluff decorative pillows
- Open blinds and curtains
- Hide jewelry boxes
- Test all lightbulbs
Miscellaneous
Help set your house apart — great photos can yield fantastic results!
Turn on all lights (lamps and ceiling) to brighten up spaces, and switch off ceiling fans. Remove all pet-related items, utilizing the garage for temporary storage. Temporarily remove religious or political artifacts for a neutral atmosphere.
Consider storing or minimizing personal collections like figurines, sports memorabilia, or hobby items to avoid distracting potential buyers. Move pet beds, blankets, and hide food and water bowls during the session. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mop floors. Ensure secure and tidy enclosures for caged pets, and temporarily hide litter boxes.
- Turn on all lights (lamps and ceiling)
- Switch off all ceiling fans
- Remove all pet-related items (beds, bowls, toys, leashes)
- Remove religious or political artifacts
- Store personal collections (figurines, sports memorabilia, hobby items)
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mop floors
- Clean and hide litter boxes
- Secure caged pets in tidy enclosures
Download the PDF version
Print it out and check off items as you go room by room.