How to Prepare Your Home for Photos
Make a lasting first impression — and help your photographer work efficiently
In today’s fast-paced real estate market, stunning visuals can make all the difference. Great photos grab attention online, spark interest, and drive buyers to book a viewing. But what most homeowners don’t realise is just how much preparation goes into a successful photo shoot - and it all starts before the photographer even arrives.
As professional real estate photographers, our goal is to capture your home at its absolute best. When the space is clean, tidy, and thoughtfully staged, we can focus entirely on creating beautiful, well-composed images - without having to stop and move things around.
Here’s your complete room-by-room guide to preparing your home for photos. It only takes a bit of effort, but the results are worth it.
General Tips
These simple steps make a big impact across the whole house. By taking care of these in advance, you’ll help us work faster and ensure every room photographs beautifully:
Turn on all lights throughout the home (including lamps). Bright, evenly lit spaces photograph best, and lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood.
Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light. Daylight adds warmth and depth to images - even on cloudy days.
Declutter all surfaces - from countertops to shelves to bedside tables. Minimal surfaces make a space feel larger, cleaner, and more welcoming.
Hide personal items like toothbrushes, hairbrushes, remote controls, clothing, pet bowls, and bins. Buyers want to imagine themselves in the home.
Clean everything - mirrors, floors, windows, benches. Dust, fingerprints, and streaks show up in high-resolution photos.
Tidy cords and cables, especially around TVs, desks, and kitchen appliances. Loose wires are visually distracting and can make a space feel messy.
Remove floor mats or rugs unless they’re stylish and well-placed. In small spaces, rugs can visually cut up the room and make it feel smaller.
Turn off TVs and computer screens - they pull attention away from the room and can reflect light in awkward ways.
Living Room
The living room is usually one of the key selling points in a home - it’s where buyers picture themselves relaxing or entertaining. Help it shine by:
Arranging cushions neatly on the sofa and folding any throws or blankets.
Clearing surfaces like coffee tables and sideboards of clutter or personal items.
Removing small electronics or remotes, and hiding visible cords where possible.
Positioning furniture to create an open, welcoming layout - even just pulling chairs slightly away from the wall can help the room “breathe.”
Dining Room
A clean, simple dining area suggests a lifestyle of order and ease. Here's what to focus on:
Set the table minimally (e.g., a centerpiece or one set of placemats), or leave it completely clear. Over-styling can feel forced.
Wipe down the table and ensure chairs are evenly spaced and aligned.
Remove high chairs, booster seats, or kids' items that take away from the overall look.
Kitchen
Buyers love a spacious, spotless kitchen — even if it's compact. Make the space feel open and functional:
Clear all countertops completely. Store appliances like toasters, kettles, and coffee machines in cupboards if possible.
Remove tea towels, fridge magnets, food items, bins, and pet bowls. These add visual noise.
Clean stainless steel surfaces, splashbacks, and glass. Shiny finishes look fantastic in photos when they're streak-free.
Bedrooms
A well-styled bedroom feels restful and inviting. Whether it's the master suite or a guest room:
Make the bed with care, using tidy, matching bedding - preferably in neutral or soft tones.
Remove excess pillows, toys, or laundry baskets to make the room feel calm and uncluttered.
Clear bedside tables, leaving only a lamp or small décor piece if you like.
Put away all clothes and shoes - nothing under the bed or hanging over doors!
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are often smaller spaces, so keeping them minimal and spotless is key:
Close toilet lids - a simple but easily missed step.
Remove all toiletries like shampoo bottles, toothbrushes, and razors from counters and showers.
Fold towels neatly or remove them altogether. One fresh towel can work as a pop of color or texture if styled intentionally.
Take up bath mats and bins, unless they add to the look.
Exterior
The outside of your home creates the all-important first impression - and it's the first image buyers see online. Make it count:
Remove cars from the driveway and curb directly in front of the house.
Put away bins, hoses, tools, kids’ toys, and anything that distracts from the structure or landscaping.
Mow the lawn, sweep pathways, and clean outdoor furniture.
Turn on exterior lights if your shoot includes twilight or dusk photos - it adds warmth and curb appeal.
Bonus Tip: Do a Final Walkthrough
Once everything’s ready, take 10–15 minutes to walk through your home with a fresh set of eyes. Try to see it as a buyer would - is anything out of place? Does anything feel “too personal”? A quick final tidy can make a big difference.
