This general guide will help you prepare your home for professional photography, ensuring the property is showcased in the best light for potential buyers.

GENERAL

• Clean all floors, counters, and carpets

• Clean windows; fix or remove broken blinds/screens

• Open blinds or curtains if there’s a nice view

• Turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens

• Remove large personal photos

• Make beds neatly, and remove laundry baskets

• Take up small rugs (large ones are fine)

• Store shoes, jackets, and personal wear in closets

FRONT EXTERIOR

• Close garage doors

• Move cars off the driveway and front of the house

• Clear away brooms, buckets, clutter

• Sweep cobwebs and debris from steps and door frames

• Hide hoses (summer) or shovels/pails (winter)

• Pick up toys, balls, etc.

• Hide trash and recycling bins

LIVING ROOM

• Clear away magazines, papers, mail, remotes

• Clear mantel (keep decor or tools only)

• Fluff and arrange pillows

• Hide kids’ toys and personal items

MASTER BEDROOM

• Make the bed nicely (add decorative pillows if you have them)

• Clear nightstands of personal items, chargers, tissues

• Remove small items and personal photos from dressers and walls

• Check around the bed for anything visible in photos

KITCHEN

• Clear the sink of dishes, racks, and soaps

• Clear countertops (leave small appliances like toaster, coffee maker)

• Remove magnets, papers, and photos from the fridge

• Hide garbage cans if possible

DINING ROOM

• Clear and dust the table

• Use decorative place settings if available

• Add a centerpiece (flowers, sculpture) if you have one

• Straighten and space chairs evenly

• Remove child seats or boosters

BATHROOMS

• Clear counters of soap, toothbrushes, meds, deodorant

• Put toilet seats down

• Close closet and vanity doors

• Remove shampoo, soaps, etc. from showers/tubs

• Leave out only new, unused towels (or remove all towels)

BACKYARD

• Mow the lawn (warm months)

• Clean porch/deck; tidy outdoor furniture and cushions

• Remove kids’ toys, balls, frisbees

• Hide hoses (summer) or shovels (winter)

• Hide trash cans and buckets

• If you have a hot tub, remove the cover and turn it on (summer)