Home Staging Guide for Property Photography
Home staging is an essential step in preparing for professional property photography. A well-staged home appears inviting, spacious, and well-maintained—qualities that attract potential buyers, generate more interest, and help achieve the best possible price.
Tips for Preparing Your Home
Deep Clean and Declutter
Before the photography session, thoroughly clean and declutter every room from top to bottom. A spotless home captures well in photos and makes a strong first impression. Clear away unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and tables, and keep rooms as spacious as possible.
Remove Personal Items
When viewing homes, potential buyers want to imagine themselves in the space. Removing personal items such as family photos, certificates, bills, letters and other personal belongings will allow buyers imagine themselves living in the home and protects your privacy.
Note: If personal photos are left out, I will blur them in editing. If you’d prefer not to see the blur effect, please remove them before the shoot.
Create Open, Welcoming Spaces
Aim to maximize the sense of open space. Ensure that furniture placement allows for an open flow, and remove any bulky items that may crowd the room. Light curtains or blinds to let in natural light can also make rooms feel more airy and inviting.
Turn On All Lights and Lamps
Switching on all available lights, including lamps and ceiling fixtures, helps brighten the space and reduces shadows, giving the home a warm and welcoming feel. Well-lit spaces photograph better and appear more inviting.
Tidy Exterior Spaces
For outdoor shots, first impressions matter, and a well-maintained exterior enhances curb appeal.
- Remove vehicles from the driveway.
- Put away bins, garden tools, toys, and hoses.
- Mow the lawn and clear leaves/dead plants.
- Clean doors, windows, patio, and garden furniture.
Room-by-Room Checklist
The Exterior
Move vehicles from the driveway
Remove any clutter (bins, tools etc)
Remove dead plants & leaves Mow the lawn
Clean doors, windows, driveway, patio & garden furniture
Close doors & windows
Reception & Bedrooms
Open curtains and blinds.
Make beds neatly, plump cushions.
Store TV remotes, magazines, toys, and clutter out of sight.
Close cupboards and turn TVs off.
Remove clutter from under beds.
Remove clothes/coats from behind doors
The Kitchen
Clear countertops — remove food items (oils, spices, bread, etc.).
Small appliances can remain.
Empty sink, hide tea towels, oven gloves, utensils, and cutlery.
Remove fridge magnets.
Move bins, pet bowls, and bedding out of sight.
Close cupboards.
The Bathrooms
Close toilet lids.
Clear all toiletries, bottles, and cleaning products from view.
Remove towels from radiators and rails.
Pull back shower curtains.
Ensure toilet roll and brushes are presentable.
Special Situations
What if the Property is Empty?
Unfurnished or empty properties require the same attention to cleanliness and tidiness as furnished homes.
Ensure the property is spotless, with floors cleaned, surfaces dusted, and no visible clutter.
Empty properties can also benefit from adding simple furnishings or staging elements (such as a few plants or light furnishings) to help define each space and give prospective buyers a sense of scale.
Holidays and Celebrations
To keep photos timeless and ensure they remain relevant throughout the year, avoid displaying seasonal or holiday decorations (e.g., Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or birthdays).
Decorations can make the photos feel dated and may limit their appeal. Since seasonal decorations cannot be removed during the editing process, it’s best to keep them packed away during the shoot.
Notes for 360° Photography
If your property photoshoot includes 360° or virtual tour content, remember that there is nowhere to hide clutter out of the camera’s view.
As a result, make the most of storage space, and follow all steps to ensure a clutter-free environment throughout the entire property.
Every angle is captured, so it’s important that each area is organized, clean, and staged effectively.
On the Day of the Shoot
On the day of the photoshoot, I may recommend further adjustments to enhance the property’s presentation. While I may suggest moving certain items or refining the staging setup, please note that I do not use props or take responsibility for any cleaning or tidying.
I encourage property owners to have all spaces prepared and cleaned ahead of time to achieve the best possible results.
I will photograph the property as presented. Reviewing this guide beforehand is the best way to ensure your property looks its absolute best.
Your Personal Data
To protect your privacy, please ensure that all personal data is removed from view before our visit. Personal data includes (but is not limited to) photographs of friends and family, certificates, bills, letters, and any other documents that may contain sensitive information.
This helps me avoid capturing private details in photos or visual content. I cannot be held responsible for sharing any personal data that you do not remove prior to the shoot, so a thorough check of each area is recommended.
Clear Expectations
To avoid confusion, here’s what you can expect from me and what I expect from vendors/agents:
Vendor’s Responsibility
- Review and follow this staging guide before the appointment.
- Ensure all rooms are cleaned, decluttered, and staged ahead of the shoot.
- Be present (or have someone available) if last-minute adjustments are needed.
My Responsibility
- Provide this guide in advance and highlight key steps.
- On the day, I may make small suggestions if something catches my eye
- Photograph the property to the highest standard possible in its presented state.
What I Do Not Provide
- Full staging, cleaning, or tidying.
- Repeat visits free of charge if the property is not staged in line with this guide.
Final Note
Following these steps ensures your property is captured in its best light, helping potential buyers connect with the space and envision it as their future home.
Guidance on the stages of how I work can be found here.