Staging Prep for Photography
What we are doing
Think of a hotel room. The desk has a lamp & a pad of paper and the bathroom counter is clear with clean towels hanging on the rack. Make it look like a hotel room.
We will likely need access to your tenant’s rental unit so plans need to be made in advance of the scheduled photoshoot to have them tidy and be out of the unit for 1.5hrs.
Most Important on the day:
The Golden Rule: Think ‘Hotel Room‘.
- All Lights turned ON
- All window coverings opened
- Turn all fans OFF
- Toilet seats down
- Kitchen counters decluttered
- Bath mats and kitchen rugs put away
- Jackets & shoes put in closets
- Remove outdoor cooking covers
- Open patio umbrellas and put seat cushions on chairs.
Don’t Worry About:
Unless your agent requests otherwise, no need to focus on Garages, Closets, Storage Sheds & Unfinished, Basements or Crawl Spaces.
What to expect
Things to do a few days before:
- Declutter your kitchen & bathroom surfaces
- Remove all personal magnets and pictures from the front of the fridge
- Consider adding a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers as a centerpiece
- Replace burned out lightbulbs
- Clean the windows, inside and out
- Clean mirrors, sinks, and fixtures
- Enhance curb appeal with fresh flowers or potted plants
- Mow the lawn & tidy up landscaping
- Use a broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
- Remove seasonal decorations
Outside Checklist
- Remove items leaning against the house
- Remove Toys & Sports Equipment
- Put away lawn & garden tools
- Pickup dog poop
- Organize lawn or deck chairs
- Sweep the deck and patio
- Remove Visible Water Hoses
- Remove cars from driveway & front of the house
- Hide trash bins, garden hoses, and lawn equipment
- Close garage doors
- Avoid scheduling on trash pickup day if possible
- Pool & backyard (remove pool covers, set up patio furniture)
Inside Checklist
- Open all blinds & curtains to let in natural light
- Ensure all light bulbs are working
- Turn OFF all ceiling fans and televisions
- Clean and vacuum/mop all floors
- Remove personal photos, memorabilia, and sensitive documents
- Remove small rugs and mats in kitchen/bath to showcase flooring
- Put all jackets and shoes in the closet
- Clear countertops completely (store appliances, dishes, sponges, soap)
- Clear refrigerator of all magnets, photos, and papers
- Wipe down all surfaces
- Straighten and space dining chairs evenly
- Hide charging cables
- Make all the beds
- Clean under the beds
- Put toilet seats down
- Remove all items from showers and tubs (shampoo, soap, loofahs)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before the photo shoot should I start preparing?
We recommend starting preparation 24-48 hours before the scheduled shoot. This gives you enough time to deep clean, declutter, and address any last-minute issues without feeling rushed. Some tasks like lawn care or window cleaning may need to be done the day before.
Where should I put all my stuff?
We recommend starting using one area or room to store as much as you can. Garage, shed, basement, closets are all places we will not focus on and they are better used to declutter the rest of the house.
Do I need to be present during the real estate photo shoot?
It’s not ideal, but it can be helpful to be available at the start of the shoot to let the photographer in and answer any questions about the property. Many homeowners prefer to leave during the actual shooting to give the photographer space to work.
Should I leave the lights on or off for real estate photography?
Turn ON all interior lights, including lamps, under-cabinet lights, and closet lights. The photographer will adjust as needed, but having all lights on creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Make sure all bulbs are working and ideally the same color temperature (warm white is preferred).
What should I do with my pets during the photo shoot?
It’s best to remove pets from the property entirely during the shoot. Even well-behaved pets can get in the way or appear in photos unexpectedly. Also remove pet beds, food bowls, litter boxes, and toys. Use a lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair.
Can I leave some personal items for staging?
Keep personal items to an absolute minimum. Remove family photos, refrigerator magnets, toiletries, and children’s artwork. A few neutral decorative items are fine, but the goal is to help buyers envision themselves in the space. Think ‘hotel room’ – clean, impersonal, and inviting.
What rooms are most important to prepare for real estate photos?
Focus on the kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and bathrooms first – these are the most viewed photos in listings. The exterior and curb appeal are also critical as they create the first impression. If time is limited, prioritize these areas over secondary bedrooms or utility spaces.
Do I need to clean areas that won't be photographed?
Generally, photographers skip garages, closets (unless they’re walk-ins), pantries, and unfinished basements. You can use these spaces for temporary storage of items you’re decluttering from the main living areas. Check with your agent if you’re unsure which areas will be photographed.
What if the weather is bad on photo shoot day?
Exterior photos are best on overcast or partly cloudy days – harsh sunlight creates unflattering shadows. If it’s raining, the photographer may reschedule exterior shots or shoot interiors first. Discuss weather contingency plans with your agent.