A clean, clutter-free home sets the stage for a beautiful story. Tick each box as you prepare the property for its close-up. 5 rooms · 64 prep items.
Tip: Short on places to put things? Use the garage. We rarely photograph the inside of it, so it is the best spot for boxes, spare furniture, and anything else you clear out. Fewer pieces in a room also means more open floor, which makes it read larger in photos.
Exterior
For twilight shoots, turn on all lights — inside and out (except spotlights).
Remove These
Cars, boats, or other vehicles
Trash cans
Children's toys
Holiday decor
Lawn and garden tools
Rolling basketball hoops
Make Sure To Do
Remove cover from BBQ
Test all lightbulbs (if twilight)
Mow the lawn
Trim bushes, hedges, etc.
Rake fallen leaves
Place cushions on furniture
Straighten patio furniture into tidy groupings
Wipe down the grill and barbecue area
Skim the pool and spa; put hoses and cleaners away
Remove security signs from yard
Living Room
Arrange furniture to highlight your fireplace or other unique features.
Remove These
Clutter from tables
Easily moveable family photographs
Children's toys and video games
TV remote controls
Trash cans and waste bins
Excess furniture
Make Sure To Do
Arrange pillows and cushions
Fold and drape any blankets
Open blinds and curtains
Turn all lights on, ceiling fans off
Test/replace light bulbs (matching if possible)
Kitchen
Add a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or cookbooks for a pop of color.
Remove These
Clutter from countertops
Everything in and around the sink
Items on refrigerator doors
Small appliances (blenders, etc.)
Pet bowls, beds, and toys
Sponges, gloves, dish soap, and dish towels
Trash cans and waste bins
Make Sure To Do
Wipe down appliances
Turn all lights on, ceiling fans off
Open blinds and curtains
Put away food
Check recessed lights for dead bulbs
Clear and clean the sink
Bathrooms
Glass shower doors can make a bathroom — make sure they're sparkling clean.
Remove These
Clutter from countertops and around the sink
Soap, shampoo, etc. from shower
Toilet paper
Excess towels and dirty linens
Trash cans and waste bins
Plunger, toilet brush, etc.
Make Sure To Do
Put toilet lids down
Turn all lights on, exhaust fans off
Open blinds and curtains
Clean the shower and mirrors
Replace any burnt-out vanity bulbs
Clear and clean the sinks
Bedrooms
A made bed and clear surfaces make the room feel larger and calmer.
Remove These
Clutter from nightstands
Family photographs
Items from dresser tops
Children's toys
Laundry and clothing
Trash cans and waste bins
Make Sure To Do
Make the bed
Fluff decorative pillows
Open blinds and curtains
Turn all lights on, ceiling fans off
Clear items from under the bed
Tidy and close closets
Extra Credit
Not required, but it makes the front of the home photograph clean.
Clear The Front Of The House
Clear every car from the driveway and from the street in front of the home
Block the curb in front of the house the night before (cones or bins work well) so no one parks there, then pull them just before we arrive
Why it matters: If we have to edit a car or anything else out of an exterior photo, California’s AB 723 requires that photo to carry a digitally altered disclosure. A clear front means your exterior photos never need one.