Thaddeus Harden Photography · Real Estate

Getting ready
for photo day.

A practical guide for homeowners and agents. A clean, thoughtfully prepared property helps buyers see the rooms, the light and the features that make a home worth considering.

View the preparation checklist ↓

A little preparation makes a difference.

Please complete cleaning, decluttering and staging before the photographer arrives. Share this checklist with everyone helping prepare the property, and review any additional recommendations with your agent.

01 / Preparation checklist

Throughout the home

  • Finish cleaning and staging before the scheduled arrival window.
  • Clear floors, countertops and other visible surfaces of everyday clutter.
  • Clean windows, mirrors and glass doors; dust furniture and vacuum floors.
  • Turn on interior lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Use matching bulb colors within each room where possible.
  • Open blinds and curtains for natural light, unless your agent recommends otherwise.
  • Turn off ceiling fans, televisions and computer screens.
  • Tuck away cords, trash cans, tissue boxes and cleaning supplies.
  • Remove personal photographs, valuables and documents that should not appear online.
02 / Preparation checklist

Exterior & curb appeal

  • Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the property when practical.
  • Put away garbage bins, hoses, tools, toys and sports equipment.
  • Mow the lawn, trim landscaping and sweep walkways, porches and patios.
  • Remove leaves and debris from outdoor furniture and arrange cushions neatly.
  • Clean the pool and remove floating toys and cleaning equipment when safe to do so.
  • Arrange access to gates, garages and any outdoor areas to be photographed.
03 / Preparation checklist

Kitchen & dining

  • Clear counters of dishes, food packaging, dish racks and small appliances that are not part of the staging.
  • Clean the sink, stovetop and appliance fronts; put away sponges and dish soap.
  • Remove magnets, photographs and notes from the refrigerator.
  • Keep dining tables simple: one intentional centerpiece is usually enough.
  • Straighten chairs and barstools and put away high chairs and pet bowls.
04 / Preparation checklist

Living spaces

  • Arrange furniture before the appointment, keeping walkways open.
  • Straighten cushions, fluff pillows and fold throws neatly.
  • Clear coffee tables and shelves of excess items, remotes and loose papers.
  • Put away toys, exercise equipment and pet beds.
  • Clean fireplace glass and arrange visible hearth accessories neatly.
05 / Preparation checklist

Bedrooms

  • Make beds neatly, smooth bedding and arrange pillows.
  • Clear nightstands and dressers of chargers, medications and personal items.
  • Put away laundry, shoes, hampers and items stored under beds that may be visible.
  • Close closet doors unless the closet is scheduled to be photographed.
  • Tidy walk-in closets that are included in the shoot.
06 / Preparation checklist

Bathrooms

  • Clear vanities, tubs and showers of toiletries, toothbrushes, razors and cleaning products.
  • Clean mirrors, glass shower doors, fixtures and counters.
  • Close toilet lids and put away toilet brushes, plungers and wastebaskets.
  • Hang fresh towels neatly and remove bathmats if they distract from the room.
  • Keep decorative items simple and leave surfaces mostly clear.
07 / Preparation checklist

Before the photographer arrives

  • Confirm access instructions with your agent, including lockboxes, gate codes and alarm arrangements.
  • Secure pets in a safe area away from the rooms being photographed.
  • Plan for occupants to stay out of photographed rooms and reflections.
  • Use a garage or a room outside the agreed coverage for temporarily stored items; avoid moving clutter from room to room during the shoot.
  • Tell your agent about special features or priority views before the appointment.
  • Let your agent or photographer know promptly if the property will not be ready.