Think of it this way: clean your home as if an important person is coming for dinner, or to stay the night. That is the standard we are looking for. When the home is ready, the photos show it — and when the photos show it, buyers notice. We also send this checklist at the time of booking. Print it out and walk through it room by room.
General — Whole House
- Turn on every light: lamps, undercounter lights, stove light, accent lights, exterior lights, market lights
- Turn off all ceiling fans (leave light kits on)
- Replace mismatched bulbs — use 3500K to 4000K throughout. Recommended bulb
- Never mix warm and cool bulbs in the same fixture
- Clean all light fixtures and globes
- Remove trash cans from all rooms
- Hide all cords, chargers, and electronics
- Open all blinds and window treatments to let in natural light
- Clean ceiling fans — they collect dust that shows in photos
- Remove or put away personal family photos if possible
Exterior and Curb Appeal
- Move all cars out of the driveway
- Remove hoses, trash cans, kids’ toys, ashtrays, and lawn or garden tools from yard
- Move trash and recycling bins into the garage or out of sight
- Clean up any pet waste in the yard
- Sweep the front entrance and tidy the front door area
- Clean the sliding glass door (inside and out)
Pro tip: Avoid scheduling photos on trash day. Neighbors’ bins on the street show up in drone shots and cannot be edited out.
Kitchen
- Clear all countertops — remove mail, food, paper, small appliances (blender, air fryer, vacuum sealer, etc.)
- Coffee maker or espresso machine may stay
- Remove dish soap, sponges, and anything from around the sink
- No dirty dishes — sink and counters must be clear
- Remove trash cans
- Remove Amazon Echo, Google Home, or other smart speakers
- Turn off or disable refrigerator display (family photos, date/time)
- Clean light fixtures and globes
Living Areas
- Clear all flat surfaces — tables, shelves, consoles
- Remove clutter, magazines, remote controls, and random items
- Straighten and clean TV screens (fingerprint free)
- Fluff pillows and straighten throws
- Tuck away anything under furniture — it shows in photos
Bedrooms
- Make all beds neatly
- All clothes out of sight
- Clear nightstands completely — no glasses, cups, medications, or personal items
- Push items under the bed all the way back, or move to a closet
- Hide cords and chargers
- Clean ceiling fans
Bathrooms
- Put out fresh, clean, unstained towels
- Clear all personal items from counter: toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, soap, etc.
- Remove all products from shower and tub (shampoo, body wash, razors, loofahs)
- Clean shower glass
- Clean sink, counter, and mirror
- Toilet seat down and clean
Pets
- Remove food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes, beds, and toys
- Do not put pets in the backyard — they will appear at the sliding glass door
- Secure pets in a room not being photographed, or take them off-site
- Clean the sliding glass door of nose prints
Day of the Shoot
- Have the home fully prepped and lights on before photographer arrives
- Homeowners may stay home — just remain out of the rooms being shot
- Do a final walkthrough 30 minutes before arrival
Questions? Contact Orlando Home Photography at kismet@orlandohomephotography.com or visit our contact page.