List Smarter, Not Harder

🧼 The Prep Checklist That Makes Listing Day 10x Easier

Let’s be real, listing day doesn’t always go as planned. I’ve shown up to homes where dishes are still in the sink, someone’s rushing out the door, and the pets are mid-zoomie. As a photographer, I totally understand that life happens, but moments like these can delay the shoot, impact the quality of the photos, and make the day feel a lot more stressful than it needs to be.

The good news? There’s a simple fix that makes a big difference: a photo shoot prep checklist.

Yep, that one little document can save time, ease stress, and help the entire process run more smoothly for everyone involved. And today, I’m sharing exactly what I recommend to make your listing photo-ready.

📋 Why a Prep Checklist Works

Sellers don’t always know what we need as photographers. A checklist helps set expectations and gives them confidence to prep their space the right way without guesswork or overwhelm. It also helps us move through the home faster, capture better angles, and deliver results that really show the home at its best.

How Sellers Can Prepare Their Home for Listing Photos

Here’s what I always suggest sharing with your clients before photo day. It’s simple, doable, and makes a noticeable difference in the final images.

Around the House

• Turn on all the lights, including lamps, and open the blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Lighting changes everything.

• Double-check that all bulbs are working and match in color (warm or cool).

• Clear off countertops, shelves, and floors. Less clutter means more space and cleaner lines in your photos.

• Tuck away trash cans, pet bowls, toys, and visible cords. These little things often sneak into the frame.

• Make sure all the rooms are clean, tidy, and staged simply. Think “model home,” not “lived-in.”

Living Room

• Fluff the pillows and fold any throws neatly over the back or arm of the sofa.

• Clear off coffee tables and side tables, or leave just one or two decorative pieces.

• Remove any personal items like remotes, toys, or extra décor that could feel distracting.

• Give the floors a quick vacuum or sweep.

Kitchen & Dining

• Clear the countertops completely. You can leave one or two clean, styled items like a bowl of fruit or a coffee maker.

• Hide dish racks, soap bottles, sponges, trash bins, and small appliances.

• Wipe down all surfaces and stainless-steel appliances so they shine.

• Remove floor mats and dish towels.

• If you want to go the extra mile, set the dining table with a simple centerpiece or neutral place settings.

Bedrooms

• Make every bed neatly using clean, wrinkle-free bedding. Smooth out the blankets and straighten the pillows.

• Clear off nightstands and dressers, or keep just one small lamp or neutral decorative item.

• Put away laundry, clothes, and anything stored under the bed if it’s visible.

• Keep the room feeling fresh, cozy, and uncluttered.

Bathrooms

• Close the toilet lids in every bathroom.

• Remove toothbrushes, razors, and personal products from countertops.

• Hang clean, neatly folded towels on the towel rack.

• Wipe down mirrors and clean the sink area.

• Hide floor mats, bins, and anything sitting on the back of the toilet.

Outdoor Spaces

• Move cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.

• Sweep the porch, front steps, and patios.

• Hide garden tools, hoses, trash cans, and anything else that clutters the exterior.

• Arrange outdoor furniture neatly, and make sure cushions are clean and fluffed.

• If the grass needs mowing or bushes need trimming, try to do that a day before the shoot.

From One Pro to Another

Even just a few of these steps can make a huge difference in how a home photographs—and how it looks online. The goal is to create a clean, bright, and welcoming space that buyers can imagine themselves living in. The more prepared the space is, the faster the shoot goes, and the better the photos turn out.

I always recommend sending this checklist to your sellers at least a day or two before the shoot. A quick reminder the night before doesn’t hurt either, especially for families juggling a lot.

If you ever need a copy of our seller-friendly prep guide to share, just let me know. I’d be happy to send it your way so you can pass it along.

Final Tip

The more we prep, the more we can focus on capturing the details that make each home special. And honestly, that’s my favorite part of the job.

If you’d like a downloadable version of our checklist—or need a custom one to match your branding—reach out anytime. At Sweetpeas Photography, I’m all about helping you and your clients shine on listing day.