HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

Professional photography is one of the most important steps in getting your home sold. Great photos help your home stand out online, attract more buyers, and create a strong first impression before anyone ever walks through the door.

This photo prep guide was put together with the help of our professional photographers at Next Door Photos, who know exactly what details matter most once a home is viewed through the camera lens. It’s based on their experience photographing thousands of homes and is designed to help your home look bright, clean, spacious, and inviting online.

To help everything go smoothly, we’ve outlined a simple, room-by-room checklist below. You don’t need to be perfect—just thoughtful. Small details make a big difference on camera.

Before the Photographer Arrives

Please have the following items taken care of before the scheduled photo appointment.

Front Exterior

  • Close all garage doors

  • Remove vehicles from the driveway and in front of the home

  • Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and tidy landscaping

  • Remove visible hoses

  • Clean up pet waste

  • Remove toys, sports equipment, basketball hoops, soccer goals, etc.

  • Wash exterior windows if visibly dirty

  • Place trash and recycling bins in the garage or out of sight

  • Clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways, and decks (when applicable)

Backyard

  • Clean deck and patio furniture

  • Straighten or neatly arrange chairs and cushions

  • Clean pool (if applicable)

  • Clean up pet waste

  • Remove toys, sports equipment, and pet items

  • Remove trash cans from view

All Interior Areas

  • Open all window shades and blinds

  • Turn on all lights (including lamps)

  • Remove shoes from entryways and place them in a closet

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops completely (no knife blocks, mail, small appliances, or decor)

  • Remove magnets, papers, and photos from the refrigerator

  • Hide trash cans in a pantry or cabinet

  • Remove dishes from the sink and place them in the dishwasher

  • Remove rags, sponges, and soap dispensers from the sink

Dining Room

  • Clear the table and wipe the surface

  • Straighten all chairs

  • Remove booster seats or high chairs

Living Room / Family Room

  • Remove stacks of magazines, books, papers, and mail

  • Declutter the fireplace mantel

  • Neatly arrange pillows and blankets

  • Remove children’s toys and play items

Primary Bedroom

  • Make the bed neatly with sheets and comforter tucked in

  • Clear nightstands of personal items

  • Remove visible charging cables and electronics

  • Clear clutter from dresser tops

  • Remove items stored under the bed that could be visible in photos

Child or Guest Bedrooms

  • Remove posters, stickers, or wall clutter

  • Make beds neatly

  • Tuck in sheets and comforters

  • Remove items under the bed that may appear in photos

Bathrooms

  • Clear all personal items from countertops

  • Remove soap, toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries

  • Put toilet seats down

  • Close cabinet and vanity doors

  • Remove items from showers and bathtubs

  • Leave out clean, neatly folded towels (optional)

  • Empty visible trash cans

  • Remove towels hanging on the backs of doors

Pets

As much as we love pets, there should be no visible signs of them during photos.

  • Remove food and water bowls

  • Put pet beds and toys out of sight

  • Remove pet hair from furniture and floors

A Final Word

This may feel like a lot, but remember—photos are temporary, and the impact is huge. We’ll also arrive before the photographer to help with final touches and make sure everything looks its best.

If you ever have questions or aren’t sure whether something should stay or go, just ask. We’re here to help every step of the way.