HOUSE PREP CHECKLIST
Get Your Home Photo-Ready!
Before the camera starts clicking, a little prep goes a long way! We’ve put together a handy home prep checklist to help you get everything picture-perfect before your photographer arrives. Taking the time to tidy up and stage your space helps create beautiful, eye-catching photos. With just a few easy steps, you’ll be setting the stage for a smooth shoot—and a great first impression for buyers!
General
o Thoroughly clean the whole house (vacuum, mop, clean countertops, & windows)
o Turn on all ceiling lights and lamps
o Replace all burnt out light bulbs with matching warmth bulb
o Turn off ceiling fans
o Turn off TVs and computer screens
o Open all blinds letting all the light in
o Remove personal photographs if privacy wanted
o Make all beds
o Remove small floor rugs to show the floor
o Place all shoes and jackets in the closet
Exterior
o Close garage doors
o Remove cars from driveway and front of home
o Tidy up the landscaping
o Remove empty planters
o Remove cobwebs from eaves and door frame
o Remove toys (soccer goals, basketball hoops, kids toys, dog toys, etc)
o Clean porch and tidy up outdoor tables, chairs, and chair cushions
o Remove pool cleaning equipment
o Remove trash cans
o Turn on any fountains
o Remove pet waste
o Remove visible water hoses, trash cans, recycling bins, and other miscellaneous items that are not directly part of the exterior area
o Arrange outdoor furniture as you would like it photographed. If there is a patio umbrella, please open it.
o Sweep/remove leaves and other items in patio areas and walkways
o Remove yard signs (landscaping, home security, school, pest control etc.)
o Clean pool, remove pool cleaning equipment and any toys
Entryway
o Place all shoes and jackets in closets
o Remove all mail and clutter from entryway tables
Kitchen
o Clear countertops completely. Remove small appliances like toasters & blenders
o Clear the refrigerator of magnets, photos, etc.
o Hide trash can in pantry or closet
o Remove dishes, soaps, sponges, dish towels from sink
Dining Room
o Clear, dust and polish table tops
o If available, you may use decorative table settings
o Up to one centerpiece may be used
o Remove kid’s chairs and booster seats
o Straighten all chairs and space them out evenly
o Living Room
o Remove all magazines, papers, and mail, etc
o Remove kid’s toys
o De-clutter fireplace mantel, side tables, and coffee table
o Arrange pillows
o Master Bedroom
o Make bed
o Clear nightstand of personal items
o Remove cell phone charging cords
o Remove clutter from dresser
o Remove family photos
o Remove any stickers and posters from walls
o Remove visible items from under bed
Bathrooms
o Clear countertops completely
o Remove soap, toothbrushes, medication, make-up, deodorant, etc
o Close toilet lid
o Clean shower and remove shampoo, soap, razor, etc
o Set out clean towels
o Remove floor mats to show floor
o Hide trash cans in closet
Pets
o Remove food and water bowls
o Remove pet beds
o Remove toys
o Remove all waste and pet hair
o Contain pets in a hidden kennel or outdoors