Seller prep checklist
Camera-ready in one pass.
Great listing photos are made before we arrive. Handle the first section in the days ahead, then do one 30-minute pass the morning of the shoot. We photograph the home as we find it — we’ll straighten small things, but we don’t move furniture, clean, or pack.
01The week before
- Declutter every room — less on every surface than feels normal
- Depersonalize: family photos, names, certificates, fridge art
- Deep clean, especially windows, floors, and glass shower doors
- Replace burned-out bulbs and match bulb color room by room
- Finish small repairs: touch-up paint, loose handles, cracked switch plates
- Remove seasonal decorations and anything political or religious
- Store boxes, bins, and extra furniture out of the rooms being shot
- Have the yard mowed, edged, and blown within two days of the shoot
02Whole house, morning of
- Every light on: overheads, lamps, sconces, under-cabinet
- Blinds and curtains fully open; screens off where practical
- Ceiling fans and TVs off
- Cords, chargers, remotes, and cables out of sight
- Floors clear: shoes, toys, pet beds, laundry, boxes
- Trash cans and laundry baskets in a closet or garage
- Interior doors open; closet doors closed
03Kitchen
- Counters cleared — small appliances put away, one or two décor items at most
- Sink empty and dry; sponges, soap, dish racks, and towels hidden
- Fridge exterior bare: no magnets, photos, or papers
- Stove and range hood wiped; burner covers off
- Pet bowls, high chairs, and step stools out of the room
- Bar stools straight and evenly spaced
04Bathrooms
- Counters clear — toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries in drawers
- Shower and tub cleared of bottles; glass doors squeegeed
- Toilet lids down; plungers and brushes hidden
- Fresh, solid-color towels neatly hung or folded
- Bath mats and scales removed
- Mirrors streak-free; trash cans emptied and hidden
05Bedrooms & living areas
- Beds made with a smooth top layer; pillows fluffed and squared
- Nightstands down to a lamp and one object
- Dressers and desks cleared; laundry out of sight
- Throw pillows and blankets straightened
- Coffee and side tables cleared to a book or a plant
- Kids’ toys and pet items boxed and stored
- Fireplace clean; screen off if you have one
06Exterior & curb appeal
- All cars out of the driveway and off the street in front
- Garage doors closed; trash and recycling bins out of view
- Hoses coiled or stored; tools, toys, and pet waste picked up
- Walkways, porch, and patio swept; cobwebs knocked down
- Patio furniture set as if for company: cushions on, umbrella up
- Pool clean with the cover off; spa cover off; water features running
- Doormats straight or removed; house numbers visible
- Trampolines, play equipment, and boats moved if possible — aerials see everything
07Pets & people
- Pets off-site or crated in a room we won’t shoot; bowls, crates, and litter boxes hidden
- Everyone out of the house, or ready to move ahead of the camera
- Lockbox, alarm, and gate codes left with your agent
- Please don’t clean or move furniture while we’re shooting
08If your shoot includes
- 3D / 360 tour or video — every room, closet, and hallway is on camera; prep the whole house
- Twilight session — every interior and exterior light on before dusk, including landscape and pool lights
- Aerials — cars off the driveway and street, pool cover off, lawn tidy
- Virtual staging — rooms being staged should be nearly empty; a bed, dresser, or sofa is fine, clear the small furniture, décor, and clutter
Questions the morning of? Email heather@theshowingstudio.com or call (805) 459-2283 — we answer fast on shoot days. Photos are delivered MLS-ready within 24–48 hours.