How to Prepare Your Property for Professional Photos
A simple, proven checklist for real estate listings, Airbnb rentals, and interior spaces — designed to help your property look clean, bright, and market-ready.
Well-prepared spaces photograph better — whether you're selling a home, marketing a short-term rental, or showcasing a designed interior. Small details like lighting, clutter, and styling can completely change how a space is perceived online. This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare your property to make the strongest possible first impression.
Decluttering
WHOLE PROPERTY CHECKLIST
- Clear surfaces (leave a few intentional, styled items)
- Remove overly personal items
- Create space — less is always more in photos
- Remove towels/small rugs, hide trash cans, hide hygiene items
Kitchen
- Clear counters except one styled vignette (cutting board, bowl of fruit, or coffee setup)
- Hide trash cans, dish soap, sponges, and paper towel rolls
- Wipe appliances and stovetop
Living Room
- Balanced, inviting layout — straighten cushions and throws
- Remove personal photos, mail, remotes, charging cords
- Clear coffee table to 1-2 intentional items
Bedrooms
- Beds made, neutral bedding, no wrinkles
- Light styling only — a pillow or folded throw, avoid overcrowding
- Nightstands cleared except a lamp or single small item
bathrooms
- Hotel-clean: no visible toothbrushes, products, or hygiene items
- Remove bath mats/small rugs, close toilet seat
- Fresh towels, neatly folded or hung
Exterior / Curb Appeal
- Park all vehicles on the street — not in the driveway, and not directly in front of or visible from the property's windows
- Put away garbage cans and hoses
- Sweep walkways, porches, and patios
- Pull weeds and tidy flowerbeds
- Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and clear fallen leaves
- Clean and arrange patio/outdoor furniture; stage with cushions or simple decor if applicable
For Airbnb & Rental Properties
- Set the space as if a guest is about to arrive
- Add subtle lifestyle touches (fresh towels, made beds, staged seating areas)
- Ensure all amenities shown are clean and intentional
- Remove excess or mismatched decor
Guests book based on feeling — your photos should reflect a clean, cohesive experience.
WHAT WE DO
Adjust blinds, curtains, and lighting for the best possible exposure
What We're Not Able To Do
We are not a cleaning or moving service — please don't expect us to deep clean, do laundry, or move furniture and large items
We will not pick up or organize clutter on your behalf (toys, dishes, paperwork, etc.)
We will not handle, move, or crate pets or pet items — pets must be crated or in a separate room with the door closed before we arrive. If we arrive and a pet is loose with no one home to contain it, we'll need to reschedule the appointment
We will not touch personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, shampoo, makeup, etc.)
We will not edit out vehicles, power lines, cords, walls, lawns, or other fixed elements in post-production
We will rearrange small styling items (pillows, decor) but will not move or rearrange furniture in excess
day of the shoot
All lights on
Blinds or shutters open
Ceiling fans off
No people or reflections visible
Property fully ready before arrival
