Home Staging: How to Get Your Home Ready for Photos
Most buyers see your home online long before they step through the front door. Your photos on Rightmove and Zoopla are your first viewing, and a clean, tidy, clutter-free home stands out, attracts more interest and puts you in the strongest position to achieve the best possible price.
I’ve put everything I ask my sellers to do before a photo shoot into a free one-page guide. Download it below, or read on for the full checklist.
What is home staging?
Home staging simply means cleaning, tidying and de-cluttering your property so it looks its best in professional photos and at viewings. You don’t need new furniture or a stylist. It’s about letting buyers see the space, the light and the potential, rather than your everyday life.
Outside your home
The first photo is usually the front of your home, so give it a quick refresh.
- Move vehicles off the driveway
- Clear away bins, tools and other clutter
- Remove dead plants and leaves, and mow the lawn
- Clean doors, windows, the driveway, patio and garden furniture
- Close all doors and windows before the photographer arrives
Kitchen
Clear worktops make any kitchen look bigger and brighter.
- Clear the worktops and empty the sink
- Hide towels, cutlery, utensils and oven gloves
- Move bins, pet bowls and pet bedding out of sight
- Remove fridge magnets and close all cupboards
Living rooms and bedrooms
- Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible
- Make the beds neatly and plump up cushions
- Clear anything stored under the beds
- Turn the TV off and put remotes, magazines and toys away
- Close wardrobes and cupboards
Bathrooms
- Leave toilet lids down
- Clear bottles and toiletries from counter tops and the bath
- Pull back shower curtains
- Take towels off rails and radiators
- Make sure toilet rolls and brushes are presentable
Seasonal decorations
Please take down Christmas, Halloween, Easter and birthday decorations before the shoot. They date your photos, and if they’re captured on camera, they can’t be removed during editing.
Empty properties
An empty home still needs preparing. Make sure it’s clean, tidy and clear of leftover items, so buyers notice the space and the light, not marks, boxes or bags.
Video tours
If I’m filming a video tour, there’s nowhere to hide clutter, because the camera moves through every room. Make the most of your storage space and follow the steps above.
Protect your personal information
Your photos will be online for everyone to see, so put away anything personal before the photographer arrives: family photos, certificates, post, bills and letters. It’s worth a final check of fridge doors, noticeboards and desks.
Quick checklist for the morning of the shoot
- Turn on all the lights, including lamps
- Open every curtain and blind
- Put away laundry, shoes and bags
- Give mirrors, glass and taps a final wipe
- Do one last walk round, room by room
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional home stager?
No. For most homes, cleaning, tidying and clearing clutter makes the biggest difference, and it costs nothing. If you’re unsure, ask me and I’ll point out the quick wins before the photographer arrives.
How long does it take to get a home ready for photos?
Most homes can be ready in a day or two. Start with de-cluttering, then clean, then do the final touches on the morning of the shoot.
What if my property is tenanted?
Give your tenants plenty of notice of the date and share this guide with them, so the home is presented at its best on the day.
Thinking of selling?
If you’re selling in Isleworth, Twickenham, Richmond, Chiswick, Brentford, Barnes or nearby, I’d be happy to help. Professional photography is included in my service, along with straight talking advice on getting your home ready for the market.
For the full selling process, read my Seller’s Guide.
