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Home Photo Preparation Checklist

The Moldenhauer Group · Seller checklist

Get your home ready for photos.

A room-by-room checklist for your photography appointment. Start with the cleaning, work through each space, then make one last pass before the photographer arrives.

Start the checklist

Your photo checklist

01Start with the whole home 02Front yard, back yard & patio 03Kitchen 04Dining area 05Living & family rooms 06Bedrooms 07Bathrooms 08Make a plan for pets 09Just before the photographer arrives

Jump to a room or final checks

0 of 38 checked

Clear all your checkmarks?

Check off each item when it is done or does not apply to your home. Use what you already have, and ask your agent before buying decor or making repairs.

Start with the whole home

Do the cleaning and tidying before the photography appointment.

Vacuum or mop floors, dust surfaces, and clean windows and mirrors.
Put away mail, paperwork, personal photos and items with names or account details.
Clear walking paths. Store shoes, bags, laundry and cleaning supplies out of view.
Replace burned-out bulbs. In each room, choose bulbs with a consistent light color.
Gather small loose rugs or mats that cover the flooring. Ask your agent before moving a large area rug.

Front yard, back yard & patio

Include the spaces a photographer will see from the street and around the house.

Mow, trim and clear leaves or loose yard debris where needed.
Sweep the entry, porch and patio; brush away reachable cobwebs.
Put away hoses, tools, toys, empty pots and movable sports equipment. Move bins out of the photo areas.
Wipe outdoor furniture and arrange clean cushions neatly.
If you have a pool, clear floating debris and put away loose cleaning supplies. Ask the photographer about covers and equipment; leave required safety barriers in place.

Kitchen

Give counters, appliances and the sink a clear view.

Clear counters of food, dishes, mail and extra appliances. Keep only a few intentional items, such as a coffee maker.
Empty the sink and put away drying racks, dish soap and sponges.
Take magnets, photos and papers off the refrigerator.
Wipe appliance fronts and counters. Move the trash can out of view.

Dining area

Keep the table simple and the seating tidy.

Clear and wipe the table. Add one simple centerpiece if you have one.
Straighten the chairs and space them evenly.
Put away booster seats, high chairs and everyday bags or paperwork.

Living & family rooms

Tidy the places where everyday items tend to collect.

Illustrative living room with straightened cushions, a folded throw and a clear coffee table. — Neat cushions and clear surfaces let the room lead.Illustrative example

Put away toys, magazines, remotes and loose charging cables.
Straighten cushions and fold or put away throws.
Clear excess items from the mantel, coffee table and shelves.
Tidy the hearth when it is cool. Ask your agent before making repairs or changing finishes.

Bedrooms

Include the primary bedroom, children's rooms and guest rooms.

Illustrative bedroom with a neatly made bed, clear bedside tables and no visible laundry. — Smooth linens, tidy bedside tables and a clear floor.Illustrative example

Make each bed and smooth the linens. Arrange pillows neatly.
Clear bedside tables and dressers of everyday items and loose cables.
Put away laundry, toys, diaper bins and items visible beneath beds.
Remove or cover visible names and personal photos where practical. Ask before removing anything that could damage a wall.

Bathrooms

Keep personal items out of the photographs.

Illustrative bathroom with a clear vanity, clean shower, neatly hung towels and a closed toilet lid. — Put personal items away and leave surfaces clear.Illustrative example

Clean mirrors, counters, sinks, showers and tubs.
Store toiletries, toothbrushes, razors and medications securely out of view.
Remove bottles, loofahs and other loose items from showers and tubs.
Hang clean towels neatly; put away laundry, bath mats and wastebaskets.
Close toilet lids and straighten shower curtains or doors.

Make a plan for pets

Arrange this before the photographer arrives.

Choose a safe, comfortable place for pets away from the rooms being photographed. Confirm the plan with the photographer before the appointment.
Briefly move pet beds, toys, bowls and litter supplies out of the photo areas. Keep water and other essentials available where your pets are staying.
Remove pet hair from upholstery and clean up the yard.

Just before the photographer arrives

Follow any specific instructions your agent or photographer has given you.

Open blinds and curtains, and turn on room lights unless your photographer asks otherwise.
Switch off televisions, computer screens and ceiling fans.
Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the home where permitted. Close garage doors.
Finish putting away personal items and secure valuables.
Walk through each room once more. Tell the photographer about anything that needs special care or should stay out of view.