PROPERTY SHOOT PREPARATION
Thank you for allowing us into your home! This checklist will help ensure your property is fully prepared for a professional photo and video shoot. Completing these items ahead of time allows our crew to work efficiently and deliver the best possible results. Please review each section carefully and complete all applicable items before the scheduled shoot date and time.
To ensure the highest quality results and most efficient use of everyone's time, all occupants — including homeowners, family members, and tenants — must vacate the property prior to the crew's arrival and remain off-site for the duration of the shoot. All pets must also be removed from the property entirely (not crated on-site) and taken off the premises before the crew arrives. This is a requirement, not a preference. Thank you for your understanding!
GENERAL
Thoroughly clean the entire home — vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, wipe down all countertops, and clean windows
Declutter every room by organizing and putting away miscellaneous items
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON (unless otherwise directed by your agent or our team)
Replace all burned-out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same color temperature throughout the home (all warm OR all daylight — do not mix)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF
Open all blinds and window treatments to let in natural light
Remove personal photographs from walls and surfaces (or replace with neutral landscape/decor art)
Make all beds with clean, pressed linens
Remove small floor rugs to reveal the actual flooring underneath
Place all shoes, jackets, and personal items in closets — out of sight
EXTERIOR
Front Exterior:
Close all garage doors
Remove all vehicles from the driveway and from the front of the home
Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and clear leaves and debris from walkways
Remove empty planters and any dead plants
Use a broom to remove cobwebs from eaves, door frames, and light fixtures
Remove and store visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports equipment, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
Back Exterior:
Clean the porch/patio and tidy all outdoor furniture — arrange chairs, tables, and cushions neatly
Ensure outdoor pillows and cushions are fresh and not visibly faded or worn
Remove all children's toys, balls, frisbees, and recreational items
Clean the pool — water should be clear and free of debris
Remove pool vacuum, cleaner hoses, and any visible cleaning equipment
Hide all pool cleaning supplies and chemicals
Turn on pool fountains and water features (if applicable)
Remove and store all visible water hoses
Move trash cans and recycling bins out of sight
KITCHEN
Clear countertops completely — no knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, appliances, or clutter
You may leave out ONE small countertop appliance (e.g., a coffee maker) for a lived-in touch
Remove all magnets, papers, photos, and artwork from the refrigerator exterior
Move garbage cans and recycling bins into the pantry or a closet
Remove all floor mats
Remove dirty or worn towels — leave out only a clean, decorative hand towel
Clear the sink completely — place all dishes in the dishwasher
DINING ROOM
Clear, dust, and polish the table top
Set a simple, decorative place setting if available (optional but recommended)
Feature one centerpiece such as a fresh bouquet of flowers or a simple decorative object
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly around the table
Remove all child seats, booster chairs, and high chairs
FAMILY & LIVING ROOM
Remove all stacks of magazines, papers, mail, and miscellaneous clutter
Declutter the fireplace mantel and hearth — no more than 5 items total, including art
Clean the interior of the fireplace; repaint the firebox if visibly worn or stained
Fluff and neatly arrange all furniture pillows and throws
Remove all children's toys and play items
BEDROOMS
Primary Bedroom:
Remove all stacks of magazines, papers, mail, and personal items from nightstands and surfaces
Declutter the fireplace mantel and hearth (if applicable) — no more than 5 items
Clean the interior of the fireplace and repaint if needed
Fluff and arrange all pillows and decorative throws
Clean under the bed — remove anything visible from camera angles
Remove personal care items from dressers and nightstands
Additional Bedrooms (Child / Guest):
Remove personalized names, wall stickers, and posters
Remove diaper genies and changing supplies from view
Organize or put away all toys, games, and stuffed animals
Clean under the bed — remove anything visible from camera angles
Make beds with clean, pressed linens
BATHROOMS
Clear countertops completely — no soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, or personal items
Put all toilet seats and lids DOWN
Close all closet and cabinet doors
Remove all shampoo, soap, loofahs, razors, and products from showers and tubs
Remove dirty or worn towels — leave out only fresh, unused towels (white preferred)
Remove all floor mats and bathmats
PETS
Remove all pet food and water bowls — store in pantry or closet
Remove all pet beds, toys, scratching posts, and accessories from view
Use a lint roller on all upholstered furniture to remove pet hair
Clear the backyard of all pet waste and outdoor pet toys
All pets must be removed from the property entirely prior to the crew's arrival — pets may not remain on-site in crates, rooms, or the yard during the shoot
PARKING & ACCESS
Ensure our crew has clear, accessible parking near the property entrance
Confirm all doors, gates, and access points are unlocked or that entry instructions have been provided to your agent
If the property is in a gated community or secured building, provide gate codes or visitor access in advance
Ensure all areas of the home are accessible — unlock interior doors, storage areas, and any rooms to be photographed