Prepare your home for photography

A photography appointment is easier to prepare for when the decisions happen beforehand. Once a date is arranged, ask your real estate professional and photographer what they need, which rooms they expect to photograph, and how the home should be ready. Their guidance should shape your final checklist.

Begin with the visible surfaces

Walk through the home as though you are seeing it for the first time. Kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, bedside tables, and entryway surfaces often collect everyday items. Put away what is not needed for the presentation, then look again. Keep the home comfortable and coherent rather than trying to fill every empty space with something new.

Consider light and consistency

Check that curtains and blinds work, replace any bulbs that have stopped working, and ask the photographer how they prefer window coverings and lights to be arranged. Clean windows and mirrors where practical. Straighten rugs, smooth bedding, and check that chairs and cushions look intentional. These small tasks are easier to complete before the appointment than while someone waits.

Plan for the things you use every day

Choose a temporary place for laundry, pet supplies, chargers, and personal paperwork. Store valuables and identifying documents securely. Make a plan for pets and anyone who will be home during the appointment. If exterior photography is included, discuss parking and access, and tidy the visible approach to the door.

Take a few simple phone photos of the rooms as a final check. A small screen can help you notice a stray cord or an item you have stopped seeing in daily life. You do not need to make the home unrecognizable. The goal is an accurate, considered presentation. Ask Erica which preparation steps are worth prioritizing for your home and timeline.