7 Things to Put Away Before Your Real Estate Photographer Arrives

When you’re preparing to sell your home, professional photography can make a major difference in how your property is presented online. For many buyers, listing photos are their first real look at a home—and those photos can influence whether they keep scrolling or decide to schedule a showing.

The good news is that getting your home photo-ready doesn’t necessarily require a major makeover. One of the most effective things you can do is simply remove everyday items that create visual clutter.

Before your real estate photographer arrives, walk through your home and put these seven things out of sight.

1. Trash Cans and Recycling Bins

Trash cans are practical, but they rarely improve a photograph. This includes the kitchen trash can, bathroom wastebaskets, recycling containers and outdoor garbage cans that may be visible near the house.

Move them into a garage, closet or another area that won’t be photographed. Outside, make sure bins aren’t sitting next to the front door, garage or driveway.

The goal is to keep attention on the home—not on where the trash goes.

2. Toiletries and Personal Bathroom Items

Bathrooms usually photograph best when they feel clean, simple and almost hotel-like.

Put away toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, hairbrushes, medications, makeup, shampoo bottles and other personal products. Clear the vanity as much as possible and remove products from the shower or bathtub.

Fresh towels and a simple decorative item can stay, but less is usually more. You want buyers looking at the vanity, tile and size of the bathroom rather than your morning routine.

3. Pet Supplies

Your dog or cat may be part of the family, but pet supplies can quickly make a room appear cluttered.

Before photographs are taken, put away food and water bowls, pet beds, crates, toys, litter boxes, leashes and bags of food.

If you have a large crate that normally occupies a significant portion of a room, removing it can also help buyers better understand the room's actual size.

4. Countertop Appliances and Kitchen Clutter

The kitchen is one of the most important areas of many homes, so give those countertops room to shine.

Consider temporarily putting away the toaster, blender, air fryer, coffee supplies, dish rack, paper towels, vitamins and other everyday items.

You don't necessarily need completely empty countertops. A coffee maker, attractive bowl or small decorative item can work well. The key is making sure buyers can see the counter space, rather than a collection of appliances.

Don't forget the kitchen sink. Put away sponges, dish soap and cleaning supplies before the photographer arrives.

5. Excessive Family Photos and Personal Collections

You don't have to remove every sign that a family lives in the home. However, dozens of framed photographs can make listing photos feel busy and highly personal.

Consider leaving a few tasteful photographs while packing away the rest. Do the same with large collections, trophies, memorabilia and heavily personalized décor.

This has another benefit: you'll already have some of your belongings packed when it's time to move.

6. Cords, Chargers and Electronics

Cords are small, but they're surprisingly noticeable in professional photographs.

Walk through each room looking for phone chargers, laptop cords, extension cords, power strips, gaming accessories and unnecessary electronics. Tuck television cables out of sight when possible and remove chargers from kitchen counters, nightstands and desks.

Also pay attention to home offices. A desk covered with wires, paperwork and electronics can make an otherwise attractive workspace look much smaller.

7. Refrigerator Clutter and Everyday Paperwork

Your refrigerator may be covered with family photos, magnets, school schedules, artwork and reminders. That's completely normal—but it can create a large block of visual clutter in kitchen photographs.

Clear off the refrigerator before your photo session.

Then take another look around the house for mail, paperwork, calendars, sticky notes, schoolwork and miscellaneous items. Don't simply create piles and move them to another room. Put them inside drawers, cabinets or storage containers where they won't appear in photographs.

Give Buyers a Clearer View of Your Home

Preparing for real estate photography isn't about making your home look like nobody lives there. It's about helping buyers focus on the property itself.

After you've put away the obvious clutter, walk through each room and ask yourself one question: What do I want buyers to notice here?

If it's the hardwood floors, clear them. If it's a large kitchen island, don't cover it with appliances. If it's a beautiful bathroom vanity, remove the toiletries. If it's a spacious living room, eliminate unnecessary furniture and clutter.

A little preparation can help your photographer capture cleaner, brighter and more inviting images—and give potential buyers a better first look at your South Shore home.

Have a question or thinking about listing? Contact us today.