Whole House
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Remove all personal items — family photos, kids' artwork, posters, and visible cords✓
Declutter every room — move excess furniture and items to the garage or a closet✓
Clean all surfaces, floors, and baseboards throughout the home✓
Clean all windows inside and out✓
Replace any burnt-out bulbs — overhead lights and lamps both matter✓
Remove toys, fans, game consoles, and anything that doesn't belong in the space✓
Straighten books, games, and DVDs on shelves — or remove them entirely✓
Store all exercise equipment out of sightKitchen & Dining
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Clear countertops completely — put away small appliances, coffee makers, and anything stored there daily✓
Remove everything from the fridge — magnets, photos, notes, calendars, all of it✓
Put away all dishes, cutlery, dish racks, and drying mats✓
Wipe down all surfaces, cabinet fronts, appliances, and floors✓
Check that the range hood light works — it adds warmth and shows up in photosLiving Areas
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Clear off fireplace mantels, coffee tables, and side tables — keep only intentional décor✓
Hide all TV remotes, charging cables, and visible cords✓
Fluff and arrange throw pillows and blankets neatlyBedrooms
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Make all beds neatly — use solid color bedding if possible, as patterns compete with the room✓
Clear nightstands — one small lamp or décor item max✓
Hide books, tissue boxes, cords, remotes, and medications✓
Clear dressers and any other surfaces of personal items and clutterBathrooms
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Clear countertops entirely — toothbrushes, razors, cosmetics, hair tools, and soap dispensers✓
Remove everything from the shower and tub — shampoo, body wash, razors, and bathmats✓
Close all toilet lids✓
Hang fresh, neatly folded towels — white or neutral tones look best✓
Wipe down sinks, mirrors, and floors — they all show up in photosOutside & Curb Appeal
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Mow the lawn, trim hedges and shrubs, edge walkways, and rake any leaves✓
Put away all gardening tools, hoses, and equipment✓
Sweep the driveway, walkways, and any paved areas✓
Pick up all pet waste — your photographer will walk the full property✓
Remove pool cleaners, toys, and floats (if applicable)✓
Set out patio cushions, open umbrellas, and style any outdoor seating areasTwilight Photos
✦ Skip this section if twilight photography was not ordered.
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Open all blinds and window coverings throughout the home✓
Turn on every interior and exterior light✓
Turn on all landscape, pathway, and patio lights✓
Turn on garage lights if the garage door has windowsRight Before the Shoot
Your photographer is almost there. Run through these final steps — they have the single biggest impact on how your photos turn out.
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Open every blind, shade, and curtain in the house — natural light makes rooms feel larger✓
Turn on every light — overhead lights, lamps, under-cabinet lights, all of them✓
Move all vehicles off the street and out of the driveway if possible✓
Move all garbage and recycling bins out of sight✓
Secure or remove pets — they can disrupt the shoot and may appear in photos✓
Hide all pet items — bowls, beds, crates, leashes, and toys✓
Uncover the hot tub and make sure the water is clear (if applicable)✓
Do a room-by-room walkthrough — stand in each doorway and look at it as a buyer would✓
Do one last check: close all toilet lids and clear bathroom counters✓
Plan to leave during the shoot — your photographer works best without the homeowner present✓
Take a breath — you've done the work. Great photos are on the way!