PREPARING YOUR HOME

Staging your home before professional photography is key to making it stand out online. This quick guide shows you how to prepare your property to look clean, spacious, and inviting—maximising impact and value.

The Kitchen

Goal: Clean, bright, and spacious – a functional space that feels fresh and clutter-free.

Clear all worktops except for 1–2 appliances or decorative items (e.g. a bowl of fruit or a plant)
Remove tea towels, utensils, washing-up liquid, sponges, and bins from view
Clean all surfaces, cupboard doors, and appliances
Hide fridge magnets, notes, and personal items
Ensure all lights are working and turned on for photos

Pro Tips:

Straighten or align any items left out to look intentional
Wipe down shiny surfaces like hobs and stainless steel to reduce streaks or smudges

Living Room

Goal: Bright, clean, and welcoming – a space viewers can imagine relaxing in.

Clear away toys, pet items, and clutter
Fluff and arrange cushions neatly
Open curtains or blinds fully to maximise light
Hide remote controls, cables, and personal items

Pro Tips:

Add a plant or fresh flowers for a pop of life
Turn off the TV and remove large speakers

General Preparation

Goal: Present the whole home as clean, bright, and ready to move into – with minimal distractions.

Replace any blown lightbulbs and turn all lights and lamps on for photos
Open all curtains and blinds, but keep the windows closed.
Hide personal items (family photos, paperwork, valuables)
Remove pet bowls, beds, litter trays, and toys
Tidy away visible cables, shoes, coats, and bag
Remove dressing gowns from the back of doors

Pro Tips:

Do a final walk-through with “fresh eyes” to spot anything out of place
Keep bins out of sight both indoors and outside
Make sure the home is fully ready before the photographer arrives – so we can spend all our time focusing on taking photos.

Bathroom

Goal: Clean, fresh, and spa-like – a hygienic, uncluttered space that feels inviting.

Remove all toiletries, toothbrushes, razors, and cleaning products
Take out bath mats, towels, and toilet brushes
Close toilet lids and ensure sinks, taps, mirrors, and tiles are spotless
Hide bins, scales, and laundry hampers
Ensure good lighting – replace bulbs if needed

Pro Tips:

Add a neatly folded hand towel, a candle, or a small plant for a hotel-style touch
If you have a glass shower screen, polish it with Windolene or similar to remove streaks or water marks
Double check shower trays to make sure all shower gels, loofahs etc. are removed

Bedroom

Goal: Calm, tidy, and restful – a peaceful space that helps buyers picture themselves living there.

Make the bed neatly with smooth, neutral bedding
Clear bedside tables and surfaces of personal items
Tuck away clothes, laundry baskets, and clutter
Remove dressing gowns from the back of doors
Hide phone chargers, wires, and anything under the bed that’s visible
Open curtains fully to let in natural light and urn on bedside lamps

Pro Tips:

Add matching cushions or a throw to dress the bed
Ensure wardrobes and drawers are closed properly
Straighten artwork or mirrors for a polished look

Exteriors

Goal: Neat, tidy, and low-maintenance – an outdoor area that looks usable and well cared for.

Mow the lawn and trim any overgrown plants or hedges. Tidy up flowerbeds, borders, and planters.
Remove toys, tools, bins, and pet waste
Clean patio areas, outdoor furniture, and decking
Take down washing line and hide away pole and pegs.
Open curtains fully to let in natural light and urn on bedside lamps
Move vehicles and bins from the driveway

Pro Tips:

Set out a small table and chairs to suggest outdoor dining or relaxing
Add a few potted plants for colour and life
If photographing in poor weather, brush away leaves and avoid muddy footprints

Office

Goal: Organised, productive, and clutter-free – a practical workspace that feels calm and focused.

Clear the desk surface of papers, cables, and stationery
Tidy away printers, shredders, and excess tech if possible
Remove personal items like calendars, post-it notes, and family photos
Neatly coil or hide any visible wires
Ensure the chair is pushed in and blinds or curtains are open for light

Pro Tips:

Add a small plant or lamp for warmth and balance
If the office is part of another room, make sure it doesn’t dominate the space

On The Day

All rooms clean, tidy and clutter-free
Beds made and cushions neatly arranged
All lights and lamps switched on
All curtain and blinds open, with windows closed
Vehicles and bins off driveway
Hide all towels and toiletries
Do not mop floors just before appointment - wet floors look worse than dusty floors.
Do not book any other trades/services for this day. They will turn up at the same time.