Front of House

• Close Garage Doors
• Remove Cars from Driveway
• Hide Garbage Cans/Recycling Bins
• Remove Empty Planters
• Clean up Landscaping 
(mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves/grass clippings)
• Remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove toys, sports balls, nets, ect
• Clean and sweep walkways

Backyard

• Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
• Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
• Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
• Clean pool
• Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
• Hide pool cleaning supplies
• Turn on pool fountains/water features
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove trash cans
• Clean up dog poop
• Clean and sweep walkways
• Mow the lawn within 24 hours of the shoot if during summer or spring to get the optimal

Kitchen

• Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
• Leave out max of 1-2 small appliances (ex. 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
• Remove tea towels and kitchen mats
• Put away dish cleaning supplies (sponge, scrub brushes, ect)
• Remove Pet Items

Dining Room

• Clear table, dust and polish the table top
• Use decorative place setting if available - neutral is best
• Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers or beautiful bowl
• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
• Remove child seats/booster chairs
• Take away all personal items including family photos
• Clear all horizontal spaces - maximum of 1-2 decorative items
• Remove all area carpets

Family Room

• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
• De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 3 items, including art)
• Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
• drape a throw blanket over sofa
• Remove all area carpets
• Remove kid's toys
• Remove Pet Items

Offices

• Clear away paper work
• Unplug and hide cords if possible
• Ensure table lamps are working
• Put away personal identifying items (family photos, important paperwork, diplomas)
• Organize book shelfs - group like-sized books or organize based on colour
• Turn off monitors

Bedrooms

• Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
• Press bed linens and bed skirts
• Clear nightstands of all personal items
• Ensure bedside lamps are working - same brand of light bulb in both if possible
• 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
• Hide Hampers
• Ensure ceiling fan light bulbs are working
• Have ceiling fans OFF for the photoshoot - lights on - fan off

Kids Rooms

• Remove personalized names from walls
• Remove wall stickers/posters
• Remove diaper genies
• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
• Remove cords if possible
• Ensure table and floor lamps are working
• Put away toys

 

Bathrooms

• Clear countertops completely of personal items. 
• Put toilet seats down
• Close closet doors
• Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
• Remove dirty towels - leave out only new white, unused towels
• Remove floor mats
• Stack towels neatly if on display
• Remove hanging items from back of doors
• Clean mirrors
• Put up a new fabric shower curtain

Pets

• Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
• Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
• Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
• Clear back yard of pet waste/toys
• We love pets - and if your furry besties aren’t friendly with new people, it is better for them to not be home for the shoot if possible. Save your friend the stress.

Laundry Room

• Put away hampers
• Clear counters
• Put away detergent and fabric sheets
• Hide mops/brooms/etc

Quick Prep List for Showings

• Remove all animal items
• Clear countertops in Kitchen
• Empty Kitchen trash
• Remove all fridge magnets
• Remove coats/backpacks/shoes 
• Fold towels nicely on racks
• Remove personal hygiene items
• Empty bathroom trashes 
• Lower toilet lids
• Make beds and fluff pillows
• Put away clothes/laundry
• Remove cars from driveway
• Put away Toys
• Put away Pet Items
• Air Freshener (I recommend Bad Air Sponge @ Bed Bath and Beyond or Air Sponge @Walmart)