General –Tips for all areas in the home
- Remove personal photographs or replace with general landscape/object photographs
- Make all beds
- Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
- Place all shoes/jackets in closets
- Arrange cushions to look smart and tidy
- Thoroughly clean whole house
- vacuum carpet
- mop hard floors
- clean countertops
- clean windows
- Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON for the shoot
- Replace all burned out light bulbs
- Use bulbs of the same temperature Ideally Warm Yellow
- Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF
- Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Living Room / Dinning Room / Table – The place to enjoy conversation and spend quality time
- Clear table
- dust and polish the table top
- Use decorative place setting if available
- Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
- Remove child seats/booster chairs
Kitchen – One of the focal points, the kitchen deserves attention to detail
- Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
- Only leave out essential appliances i.e. coffee maker
- Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
- Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
- Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher or draws
- If you have pets, hide their food bowls and beds
Bathrooms – To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items
- Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
- Put toilet seats down
- Close closet doors
- Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
- Remove dirty towels and floor mats. Leave out only new, unused towels
Bedrooms – The place to rest
- Make bed, including decorative pillows and throws if available
- Press bed linens and bed skirts
- Clear nightstands of all personal items
- Store away phone/tablet charging cables
- Remove all clutter from top of dressers
- Remove family photos from walls
- Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos