Photo Prep Guide
Exterior
Remove Vehicles/Garbage Cans From Driveway
Sweep Dirt and Cobwebs Around Doors/Porch
Sweep Walkways
Pick Up Leaves, Sticks, Branches
Put Toys, Bicycles Away
Store Seasonal Décor
Stow Garden Tools, Hoses, Supplies
Mow Lawn/Shovel Driveway & Sidewalks
Straighten + Arrange Deck Furniture
Clean Pool Area
Turn All Exterior Lights On and Ensure They Work Properly
Close All Windows and Doors, Including Garage Doors
Open Umbrellas
Remove Pool Covers
Turn Off Exterior Floodlights (For Night Shoots)
INTERIOR: BATHROOMS
Make The Bathrooms Sparkle
Hang Fresh Towels
Clear Counters Of Toiletries
Clean Mirrors
Clean Toilet + Close Lid
Remove All Items From Tub + Shower
Remove Scale, Garbage Can, Plunger, and Toilet Brush
Replace Toilet Paper If Needed
INTERIOR: Foyer/Mudroom/ Laundry Room
Put Away Coats and Shoes or Display Neatly
Display Neatly or Remove Backpacks and Bags
Remove Baskets, Clothing and Laundry Products
Empty Washing Machine and Dryer (If Visible)
INTERIOR: MAIN AREAS
Clean Windows Glass & Tracks
Remove Personal Items/Photos
Remove All Visible Clutter
Open Shades/Blinds
Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs
Empty & Hide Waste Baskets
Hide Pet Dishes, Toys, Beds - If Possible Kennel Pets
Vacuum Carpets & Sweep Floors
Remove Any Mail/Keys From Walls/Counters
Display Attractive Books
Turn Off Televisions
Turn On All Lights and Ensure They Work Properly
Remove Small Rugs to Showcase Flooring (i.e. Kitchen and Bathroom)
Remove Extra or Unnecessary Furniture
Put Away Children's Toys, Video Games, Consoles and Controllers
INTERIOR: OFFICE
Remove Stacks of Paper and Clutter From Desk
Put Away Garbage Cans and Shredder
Straighten Books and Any Items on Shelves
INTERIOR: DINING ROOM
Straighten/Push In Dining Chairs
Add Centerpiece Or Fresh Flowers
INTERIOR: KITCHEN
Remove All Items From Refrigerator Door
Store Food In Cabinets
De-Clutter Counters, Stove
Stow Small Appliances
Hide Soaps, Cleaning Items
Hide Dish Towels, Sponges
Clear Sink Of Dishes
Put Away Drying Rack
Organize Items On Open Shelves
Place Bowl Of Fruit On Counter
Clean All Major Appliances
Remove Garbage and Recycling Cans
INTERIOR: BEDROOMS
Make The Beds
Arrange Decorative Pillows
Put Away Clothing, Shoes
Clean Under The Bed
Clear Surfaces Of Clutter
Remove Any Temp Hooks On Walls Or Doors
If Walk-In Closets Are To Be Photographed, They
Should Appear Neat and Organized
Preparing your house to sell
STAGING CHECKLIST
Things every seller should do before listing:
PURGE & DECLUTTER: Get rid of all the things you no longer use or need. Purge, donate, toss, repeat. Use the garage as storage space for the items you plan to move with you.
CLEAN EVERYTHING: Clean every surface of your house. It should be sparkling clean for showings. Clean vent fans, baseboards, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, light switch plate covers, walls, and handrails to name just a few. The exterior areas should be power washed and free of seasonal cobwebs and debris.
DUMP FLOWERY SCENTS: Remove plug-in air fresheners. These tend to overpower a room, and can be a distraction or deterrent to buyers. If you are trying to mask an existing odor use an odor removing gel, bead, or granule rather than a spray. Sprays tend to just mix with the exiting
odor and don’t fix the issue. Essential oil diffusers are a great way to infuse your house with a pleasing aroma.
LIGHT THE PLACE UP: Make sure every bulb is working. Max out the lumens by using the highest the fixture can take.Use a “Soft White” bulb with 2700-3000K. DO NOT use “Daylight” bulbs which make a room look blue, sterile, and unappealing.
MAKE YOUR WINDOWS SPARKLE: Clean all windows & screens. Screen removal in winter months is an effective way to brighten a space even more.
TURN YOUR BATHROOM INTO A SPA: Close the toilet lids, remove plungers, toilet brushes, tissue boxes, and personal hygiene items overall. Replace worn out towels with new white towels. Replace shower curtain liners. Add a cute piece of decor to the vanity counter for ambiance. An orchid or plant with a candle works great.
REMOVE PHOTOS & PERSONAL ITEMS:Remove family photos. Pack up all knick-knacks.
REDUCE BABY GEAR: Remove as many baby items as possible. High chairs, booster chairs, diaper disposal bins, and toilet training devices. Get by with as little as you can so you have less to organize and hide when a showing pops up last minute.
HIDE PETS: Remove all signs of pets including liter boxes, climbing structures, chew toys, crates, beds, and food.
PROFESSIONALLY CLEAN CARPETS: Unless your carpet is brand new as of preparing to sell, there are no exceptions to this rule. Professional cleaning removes stains and odors, lifts fibers, and removes pet hair/dander.