How to Stage a Home for a Photoshoot: A Step-by-Step Guide

How You’ve decided to invest in professional real estate photography—a fantastic move that will help your listing stand out. But before the photographer even arrives, there's a crucial step that can make or break the final images: staging the home.

Professional photos can only do so much if a home is cluttered or unkempt. A well-staged house looks more spacious, inviting, and well-maintained, allowing the photographer to capture its true potential. Here’s a simple, room-by-room guide to preparing a home for a professional photoshoot.

1. The Big Picture: Declutter, Clean, and Depersonalize

This is the most important step for the entire house.

* Declutter: Remove all non-essential items from every surface. This includes appliances, toiletries, and personal knick-knacks. The goal is to make the space look as big and clean as possible.

* Deep Clean: A sparkling clean home shows buyers that the property has been well cared for. This means scrubbing floors, wiping down windows, dusting all surfaces, and cleaning mirrors. Don't forget the details—clean baseboards and light fixtures, too.

* Depersonalize: Take down family photos, remove children’s artwork from the fridge, and put away personal mementos. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in the home, and personal items can make that difficult.

2. Living Room & Common Areas

These are often the first spaces buyers see, so make them count.

* Arrange Furniture: Create clear pathways and avoid pushing all the furniture against the walls. Pulling a sofa slightly away from the wall can make a room feel larger.

* Fluff and Style: Plump up pillows on sofas, straighten rugs, and fold throw blankets neatly. Add a stylish touch with a few carefully chosen decorative items, like a vase with fresh flowers or a stack of books.

3. Kitchen

The kitchen is a key selling point, so it needs to look pristine.

* Clear the Counters: Remove all small appliances, dish racks, magnets, and anything else from the countertops. A clear countertop makes the kitchen feel more spacious and modern.

* Hide the Trash: Stow away all trash cans and recycling bins.

* Organize the Pantry: While a photographer may not shoot the inside, an open door can be a distraction. Make sure everything is tidy.

4. Bedrooms

Bedrooms should look like a peaceful retreat.

* Make the Bed: This is non-negotiable. Use fresh, clean linens, and style the bed with pillows and a duvet or comforter.

* Clear Nightstands: Leave only a lamp or a single book. Remove chargers, tissues, and personal items.

* Open Closets: If the photographer plans to shoot the closets, make sure they are neat and organized.

5. Bathrooms

A clean bathroom is essential.

* Clear the Counters: Just like the kitchen, remove everything from the counters, including toothbrushes, soap dispensers, and hair products.

* Fresh Towels: Hang clean, folded towels. White or neutral-colored towels often look best.

* Stow the Unmentionables: Close the toilet lid and hide the toilet brush, trash can, and any cleaning supplies.

By following these steps, you will not only make the photographer's job easier but also ensure the final images showcase the property in the best possible light. A well-staged home translates into better photos, more interest from buyers, and ultimately, a faster and more profitable sale.