Preparation Guide

    • Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.

    • Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.

    • Remove dead plants, trees, etc.

    • Sweep outdoor space and walkways.

    • Remove debris, hose, and toys from the pool.

    • Store outdoor trash and recycling bins - it is best to place them in a garage area, or in an outside shed for the photoshoot.

    • Store garden hoses and caddy.

    • Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.

    • Store toys, bikes, etc.

    • Store BBQ and accessories or clean it.

    • Clean windows and glass doors.

    • Clean outdoor furniture.

    • Fix pillows on outside furniture.

    • Straighten outdoor furniture.

    • Store seasonal decor.

    • Mow the grass, rake up leaves, pull weeds, and remove any dead vegetation.

    • Horizontal blinds and shutters - it is best to keep horizontal blinds down. However, open the blades in a flat position to see the exterior. The exception is when you do not want to see outside the window (side of a house when a neighbor's house is visible.) In those cases, turn the shutter blades up a little.

    • Vertical blinds - usually look best fully open. The most important thing is that any wall with multiple window coverings is adjusted all the same.

    • Clear all countertops and remove clutter.

    • Depersonalize home with photos, names, etc.

    • Turn off fans; store portable fans.

    • Clean mirrors and windows.

    • Vacuum carpets.

    • Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.

    • Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.

    • Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.

    • Display attractive books, magazines, etc.

    • Store remote controls and chargers.

    • Straighten furniture.

    • Fix Pillows

    • Hide electrical cords and cables.

    • Store toys and video games.

    • Store seasonal decor.

    • Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so that the floor can be seen clearly.

    • Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.

    • Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.

    • Store food.

    • Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.

    • Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.

    • Clean surfaces and appliances.

    • Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.

    • Store draining racks.

    • Organize open shelves.

    • Sweep and mop kitchen floor and rug.

    • Remove Trash Can/Bin

    • Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.

    • Arrange decorative pillows.

    • Store clothing and shoes.

    • Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.

    • Remove all clutter.

    • Tidy master closets.

    • Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.

    • Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.

    • Remove laundry and stow hampers.

    • Close toilet lids.

    • Remove countertop items.

    • Remove bath and shower items.

    • Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets and towels.

    • Store soaps and candles.

    • Ensure their cleanliness.

    • Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.

    • Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.

    • Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.

    • Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls.