Preparing for property photography.

Put these out of sight

Everyday clutter: mail, papers, remote controls, chargers, loose cables, bags, shoes and coats.

Cleaning and laundry items: bins, cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, mops, laundry baskets, drying racks and dirty laundry.

Personal items: family photos, documents showing names, medicines, toiletries and visible personal information.

Remove notes and magnets from the fridge too.

Small valuables: put jewellery, money, keys and small electronic devices in a drawer or cupboard so they do not appear in the photos.

Let the light in

Draw curtains back neatly on both sides. Open blinds and raise roller blinds to let in daylight and show the view.

Keep blinds at a similar height within each room and clear windowsills. Clean visible window panes and mirrors.

Turn on ceiling lights, wall lights and lamps. Replace blown bulbs and use a similar light colour within each room. Turn off TVs and computer screens.

Kitchen and dining room

Clear worktops. Put small appliances, washing-up liquid, sponges, cloths and drying racks out of sight. One coffee machine or an attractive fruit bowl can stay.

Empty and clean the sink. Polish taps, the hob and appliance fronts. Keep the dishwasher, oven and cupboards closed.

Take out rubbish and remove pet bowls. Wipe the dining table and arrange chairs evenly. A simple decoration is enough.

Bathrooms and utility rooms

Remove toothbrushes, soap bottles, shampoo, razors and other toiletries, including those in the shower and bath.

Clean mirrors, glass, sinks and taps. Close the toilet lid and put the toilet brush, bin and spare rolls out of sight.

Hang clean, matching towels neatly. Remove bath mats if they hide the floor. Put laundry and detergents away.

Living room and shared spaces

Straighten cushions, smooth the sofa and fold blankets neatly. Keep coffee tables and shelves tidy and avoid too many decorations.

Put away toys, cables and work materials. Empty visible wastepaper bins and keep walkways clear.

Straighten rugs, chairs and wall pictures. Move small furniture that makes the room feel cramped, if it is easy and safe to do so.

Bedrooms

Make beds carefully with clean, preferably plain bedding. Smooth creases, straighten duvets and arrange pillows neatly.

Clear bedside tables and chests of drawers. Remove clothes, slippers, laundry and any visible items under beds.

Close wardrobes and drawers. Tidy toys in children's bedrooms and remove visible names and personal information.

Entrance, garden and balconies

Sweep the entrance, steps, balconies and decking. Remove rubbish, weeds and loose items. Mow the lawn and tidy plants as needed for the season.

Put away hoses, tools, toys and garden equipment. Move bins out of view where possible and put furniture covers aside during the shoot.

Clean outdoor furniture and arrange it neatly. Add clean cushions if the weather allows and keep as much of the balcony floor visible as possible.

Move cars away from the driveway and front of the property where possible. Make sure bicycles, trailers and other loose items do not block the view of the property.

People and pets

Arrange for people to stay out of the rooms being photographed. Watch for reflections in mirrors and glass too.

Keep pets safely away from the shooting areas or arrange for someone to look after them. Remove pet beds, cages, bowls, litter trays and toys; vacuum pet hair and clean any stains.

Let the photographer know in advance if pets will be present or if any special access arrangements are needed.

Access and arrangements

Confirm the time, address, flat number and contact phone number. Share parking details, entry-phone instructions and anything else that will help on arrival.

Have keys ready and make sure all agreed areas are accessible, including storage rooms, the garage, balconies and shared areas where relevant.

Choose a storage spot in advance for items that should stay out of the photos. Avoid repeatedly moving the same items between rooms during the shoot.

Tell the photographer about any priorities, inaccessible areas or building work before they arrive.