Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photo or Video shoot

As much as I’d love to whistle or sing a tune to have adorable little critters clean my house for me… that’s not the way the world works, unfortunately. Honestly, I can’t even sing like Snow White; I’d probably scare them off!We all know the day before a real estate shoot can feel like total chaos. You’re in the middle of emotionally letting go of your home, and suddenly someone’s asking you to declutter, deep clean, and stage it like it belongs in a magazine, as if you never lived there. Add in kids who undo everything you just cleaned or pets who decide now is the perfect time for a mud bath, and you’ve got the perfect storm. Prepping your home for a photoshoot can feel overwhelming, not just physically, but emotionally too. You’re not just cleaning a space; you’re preparing to say goodbye to a place that’s held your memories. That’s a big deal. So if you feel a little stressed or sentimental during the process, that’s totally normal. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need to, and remember: you’re making space for your next adventure.

But don’t panic! We are here to walk you through it!

When you’re listing your property, the photography or videography is often the first impression buyers will get. So yes, cleaning matters a lot. But more than just tidying up, it’s about creating a space that lets buyers see your home, not your stuff.

People often get distracted by furniture, artwork, or even their favorite coffee maker. Decluttering and cleaning neutralizes your space, helping potential buyers focus on things that actually matter, like the layout, lighting, and overall feel. Less is more. The fewer items you have in your home, the easier it is for potential buyers to picture themselves living there.

I’ve moved over ten times and walked through more than 50 homes in my life. I’ve seen some that were spotless and others where I could barely see the floor. What I’ve learned is this: the homes that sold quickly were the ones that gave off a calm, clean, and organized energy. Not necessarily staged, just thoughtfully prepared.

If you’re staring at your rooms wondering where to begin, you’re not alone. Decluttering can take one to two weeks, depending on the size of your space. Most people don’t realize how much stuff they’ve accumulated until it’s time to hide it all.

Aim to remove at least half of your visible belongings, yes, really! Think of it as pre-packing. Use closets, the garage, the shed, or rent a temporary storage unit if you need to. You’re not getting rid of things forever, just tucking them away to show your home in its best light.

Here’s something else to consider: heavy staging isn’t always necessary. In fact, it can be expensive and sometimes impractical. You might end up living with furniture that doesn’t feel like yours. Let’s be honest, a white couch and a dog are rarely a good match. Stagers may have an eye for style, but they don’t always consider the practical side of living with their furniture choices. And let’s face it, if you have fur babies, a white couch is just asking for trouble. It’s not even the muddy paws that are the biggest issue, it’s the fur glitter. Pet hair sticks to everything like glitter, thats why I call it fur glitter, it sticks to leather, fabric, you name it. Take it from a lifelong dog mom: it somehow ends up on every surface, especially couches. And if something gets damaged? More often than not, you're the one footing the bill.

So by simply decluttering and keeping your home neutral, you may be able to skip the staging entirely and save yourself a lot of stress and money. In a different blog I’ll give staging tips for your home without using a stager!

When my partner and I listed our condo, we thought it would sell quickly. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. We listed in November, a rough time for condo sales, and didn’t get a good offer until May.

For months, we lived in a half-packed, semi-staged version of our home. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it was necessary. And looking back, I’m grateful we put in the effort early on. It made the process smoother and helped potential buyers see the property for what it truly was.

If you’re packing things up, make sure your everyday essentials are in clearly labeled, easy-to-reach boxes. There’s nothing worse than needing your favorite hoodie, your kid’s beloved teddy, or even a toothbrush and having no idea which box it’s in. Label things from the get-go to save yourself the headache and stay organized.

These days, many photographers use 360° cameras to create immersive virtual tours. That means every angle of your home, from floor to ceiling, is visible to online viewers. There’s really nowhere to hide anything.

No shoving clutter in the corner or under a bed. It will show up. So doing a proper tidy-up in advance isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

While decluttering is essential, you don’t want your home to feel cold or lifeless. You’re aiming for neutral and inviting, not empty and sterile. A few simple touches, like a cozy throw blanket, a small plant, or a neatly arranged coffee table, can go a long way in making the space feel livable without overwhelming the eye. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between personal and polished.

Lighting makes a huge difference in how your home feels on camera. Even the most beautifully decorated room can look dull if it’s poorly lit. Before your shoot, open all the blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Flip on every lamp and overhead light, even in the middle of the day. Bright, well-lit spaces feel bigger, cleaner, and more welcoming, both in person and in photos.

We absolutely adore animals! We have a few of our own! (Penny, black lab, Rosie, retriever and Holly, retriever) But as much as we want to meet your adorable fur babies, it's usually best if they’re safely tucked away during the shoot.

It’s not just about protecting our gear or focus; it’s about keeping your pets safe and reducing allergens. Some potential buyers are allergic to cats or dogs, and any visible fur or strong odors can unfortunately be a turnoff. A quick vacuum and wipe-down can go a long way, and afterward? Let the snuggles resume. We’d love to meet them!

Curb appeal still matters, even in photos. Your front entrance is the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for the entire showing. Take a few minutes to sweep the porch, put away garbage and recycling bins, tidy up the lawn or garden, and maybe even add a welcoming doormat or potted plant. It doesn’t take much, but it makes a big difference.

Selling your home is already a huge emotional and logistical process. Preparing it for a photo or video shoot might feel like one more overwhelming task, but it’s a powerful step in attracting serious buyers.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels open, inviting, and easy to imagine living in. Whether your home is big or small, freshly renovated or full of character, a thoughtful, clean, and decluttered home can make all the difference.

You've got this and we're here to help your home shine!