How to Prepare for Photos

• General Guidelines
  • Turn on all the lights on photo day
  • Clean everything!
  • Remove personal, pet, religious and seasonal/holiday items
  • Remove toys from main living areas and limit excess toys in other areas
  • De-clutter – less is more in photos
  • Limit knick-knacks and other decorative items on display
  • Dust (flat surfaces, light fixtures)
  • Vacuum carpets and rugs
  • Mop and sweep hard floors
  • Remove trash cans, air fresheners, tissue boxes and remotes
  • Wash windows inside and out
  • Close all windows
  • Open blinds and curtains
    • Curtains – open or tie back
    • Venetian blinds – leave down and open (slats parallel to floor or flat)
    • Mini blinds – pull open
    • Vertical blinds – slide open
    • Shades – pull up
    • Remove small rugs (except in entryways)
  • Light Bulbs
    • Check for burnt out light bulbs
    • Ensure you have all one type of bulb in a light fixture
  • “Rule of 3” – a simplified Staging Tip – Only 3 items allowed
    • On kitchen counters –small potted herb/flower, coffee pot, knick-knack
    • On bathroom counter – vase of flowers, small clock, knick-knack
• Front Entry or Foyer
  • Check bulbs in chandelier
  • Remove excess rugs
  • Provide clean rug
  • Remove excess shoes and coats
• Living Room
  • Remove kids’ and pets’ toys
  • Fluff throw pillows
  • Hide away visible cords
  • De-clutter coffee and end tables
  • Remove remotes, tissue boxes and excess blankets
• Kitchen
  • Clear off the counter and leave 2 to 3 small items
    • Keep coffee pot, stand mixer
    • Hide toaster oven, excess appliances
    • Add color with a lively plant or vase of flowers
  • Empty sink of dishes and dish rack
  • Hide soap, dish cloth, sponges and drain stops
  • Remove rugs from the floor
  • Remove pet food dishes
  • Straighten and evenly space bar stools
  • Remove everything from front, top and sides of refrigerator
  • Remove fingerprint from appliances
  • Remove calendar and mail
  • Hide trash can
• Dining Room
  • Remove items from chairs
  • Add a center piece
  • Straighten and evenly space chairs
  • Remove high chairs and booster seats
• Office
  • Remove documents from surface of desk
  • Clear desk of everything except computer, phone and desk lamp
  • Add one decorative item (ex. small plant), if desired
  • Hide or organize cords
  • Open your laptop
  • Remove garbage can
  • Make sure computer monitor is blank
• Bedroom
  • Make bed with coordinating bedding, including decorative pillows/shams, if available
  • Make sure sheets/mattress are covered by the blanket/comforter
  • Stand the pillows upright
  • Remove diaper genie/pail
  • Remove child’s name from wall
  • De-clutter night stands and dressers
  • Remove items from under the bed or use bed skirt
• Bathrooms
  • Clear off vanity
  • Leave only clean, unused towels and decorative items
  • Remove toilet brush, plunger and trash can
  • Close toilet lid
  • Clean mirrors (streaks will show in photos)
• Pets
  • Remove food and water bowls
  • Hide pet beds, toys and cat towers
  • Remove pet hair from furniture and floors
  • Let photographer know if there will be a pet in the home during shoot
• Laundry Room
  • Wipe down washer/dryer
  • Front-Loading Washer & Dryer – Remove & put away laundry
  • Put away iron & ironing board
  • Organize
    • Put laundry into bins/baskets
    • Organize laundry detergent/softeners, etc. (i.e. on shelf, in cupboard, etc.)
• Mudroom
  • Remove excess coats, shoes and clutter
  • Provide clean rug
• Exterior
  • Close garage doors
  • Hide trash cans
  • Mow the lawn
  • Remove vehicles and trailers from driveway
  • Remove weeds
  • Remove toys from yard
  • Tidy up patio furniture and add cushions
  • If you have a pool, clean and open on photo day