Why Preparing Your Home Matters
First impressions matter enormously when selling a property. Approximately 95% of home buyers begin their search online, and your listing photographs directly influence whether they’ll arrange a viewing. This guide will help you prepare your home to look its absolute best.
Whilst photographers can digitally remove and tidy clutter in images, extensive editing on multiple photos significantly extends turnaround times. More critically, heavily edited images risk appearing unnatural or unfaithful to the actual property; creating problems when buyers arrive for viewings expecting what they saw online. Proper preparation ensures authentic, attractive photographs delivered quickly.
The Goal
Your aim is to present a clean, neutral, spacious, and well-lit environment. Think of your home as a blank canvas; lived-in and welcoming, but without personal touches that distract buyers or prevent them from imagining the space as their own.
Best time: Mid-morning to early afternoon for optimal natural light
Preparation timeline: Allow 3-5 days minimum. Create a checklist and tackle one or two rooms each day rather than rushing the morning of the shoot.
Avoid: Late afternoon sessions in winter when daylight fades quickly (unless capturing west-facing features)
General Rules
- Remove at least 50% of visible items from every surface
- Kitchen worktops should be essentially clear (kettle, toaster, coffee machine etc. only)
- Bathroom counters should hold minimal or no toiletries
- Remove excess furniture; if you must navigate carefully around furniture, there’s too much
- Tidy all visible storage areas (wardrobes, under-stairs cupboards, utility rooms)
- Reduce the number of free-standing personal photographs. Wall-hung photos should stay (as removing them entirely may expose marks on the wall or sun-faded paintwork
Cleaning Recommendations
WINDOWS AND GLASS
- Clean windows inside and out if possible, including frames and sills
- Mirrors, glass doors, and reflective surfaces benefit from polishing
- Remove visible fingerprints and smears
Floors
- Hoover carpets, paying attention to pet hair if applicable
- Mop hard floors where you can
- Focus on corners and edges where dust accumulates
- Address obvious scuff marks on hardwood floors if time allows
KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
- Polish taps, sinks, and appliances for best results
- Address any visible limescale on taps and showerheads
- Clean hobs and splashbacks
- If photographing inside appliances, ensure they’re presentable
GENERAL TOUCHES
- Dust visible surfaces, particularly skirting boards and door frames
- Clean light bulbs and lampshades where practical
- A quick wipe of high-traffic areas makes a difference
- Open all curtains and blinds fully
- Consider removing net curtains temporarily
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs
Living Room
- Arrange furniture to create clear pathways and conversation areas
- Plump cushions and fold throws neatly
- Remove remote controls, magazines, everyday clutter
- Clean fireplace and consider adding logs or decorative element
- Ensure TV screen is spotless or de-emphasise it
KITCHEN
The kitchen sells houses, make sure to dedicate substantial effort here.
Clear:
- All worktops except kettle or coffee machine
- Toasters, bread bins, knife blocks, everyday appliances
- Dish drainers, washing-up liquid, sponges
- Clutter from top of refrigerator
- Bin (ensure empty/clean or remove)
Style Subtly:
- Bowl of fresh lemons or fresh flowers
- Cookbook on stand (optional)
- Simple centrepiece or clear kitchen table
- Remove high chairs and pet bowls
BEDROOMS
- Make beds with best linen; crisp, clean, wrinkle-free (white or neutral photographs best)
- Clear bedside tables (single lamp, small plant, or one book only)
- Remove charging cables, medications, water glasses
- Keep wardrobes closed unless walk-in wardrobe is a feature
- Remove exercise equipment, laundry baskets, ironing boards
- Close en-suite doors unless bathroom is particularly attractive
Bathrooms
- Remove all personal toiletries or leave only attractive bottles grouped simply
- Close toilet lid
- Display fresh, fluffy towels in white or neutral colours
- Remove bath mats or use clean, attractive versions
- Clear shower/bath of all products
- Remove any limescale, soap scum, or mildew
- Check and clean grouting between tiles
Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
- Mow lawn, trim hedges, remove weeds
- Rake leaves and tidy borders
- Sweep and consider pressure-washing patio/decking
- Remove children’s toys, sports equipment, garden clutter
- Coil or hide hoses
- Hide or remove bins from photographed areas
- Clean garden furniture and arrange invitingly
- Remove dead or dying plants
- Add colourful flowers near entrance for kerb appeal
HALLWAYS AND STAIRS
- Polish front door and clean door furniture
- Remove doormats unless particularly attractive
- Clear all shoes, coats, and bags
- Empty coat racks or leave just 1-2 items hung neatly
- Remove keys from visible hooks
- Clear shoe storage
- Remove stair gates and safety equipment (unless marketing to families)
- Clear anything stored on stairs
HOME OFFICE
- Organise desk minimally (laptop, lamp, 1-2 accessories)
- Remove or hide cables
- Organise bookshelves (not overflowing)
- Clear or neutralise whiteboards and noticeboards
Remove Completely
- Pet accessories (bowls, litter trays, beds, toys)
- Visible laundry (clean or dirty)
- Clothes draped over furniture
- Washing hung to dry
- Calendars with family schedules
- Children’s artwork on fridges
- Personal documents
- Sports memorabilia (if prominently displayed)
- Religious items (if prominently displayed)
- Political materials
- Tabloids or magazines with controversial covers
Styling Do’s
- Add texture through cushions and throws in neutral colours
- Use the rule of three when styling surfaces
- Display neutral coffee table books (architecture, travel, photography)
- Add fresh flowers or potted plants (simple, elegant arrangements)
Styling Dont’s
- Over-style or make it look staged
- Use overly themed or strongly personalised décor
- Add clutter while trying to add warmth
Flats / Studios / Apartments
- Decluttering even more crucial due to space constraints
- Emphasise private outdoor space (even small balconies)
- Ensure communal areas within your control are tidy
Period and Listed Buildings
- Highlight original features (fireplaces, cornicing, architectural details)
- Ensure features are clean and well-lit
- Consider whether modern items clash with period features
New Builds
- Emphasise contemporary, pristine nature
- Ensure everything is spotless
- Consider adding warmth through subtle styling
The temporary disruption of living in a slightly depersonalised, overly tidy home is a small price to pay for a successful sale. Work collaboratively with your estate agent and photographer—they’re professionals with experience in what works. Good luck with your sale!
