Preparing Your Home for Photos: What We Recommend Removing Before the Shoot

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter more than ever. High-quality photos are often the first interaction potential buyers have with your property, so making sure your home looks its absolute best is crucial. At Ryan Hanson Homes, we understand the power of great visuals and want to help you showcase your home in the most appealing way possible. One key step in this process is knowing what to remove from your house before the photographer arrives.

Here’s a helpful checklist of items we recommend removing to make your home shine in photos:

1. Personal Items and Clutter 
Buyers want to envision themselves living in your space, so it’s important to create a neutral, inviting environment. Remove family photos, personal collections, and any clutter from countertops, tables, and shelves. This helps the space feel open and allows buyers to focus on the home’s features.

2. Excess Furniture
Too much furniture can make rooms feel cramped and smaller than they are. Consider removing extra chairs, bulky pieces, or anything that obstructs natural walkways. This creates a sense of spaciousness and flow that photographs can capture beautifully.

3. Pets and Pet Items
While your furry friends are part of the family, pet beds, toys, and food bowls can distract buyers. It’s best to remove these items and, if possible, keep pets out of the house during the photo session to avoid any unexpected photo interruptions.

4. Trash and Recycling Bins
Empty and remove all trash cans and recycling bins from visible areas. Cleanliness is key, and these everyday items can detract from the overall polished look of your home.

5. Personal Hygiene Products
In bathrooms, clear away toothbrushes, soaps, razors, and other personal items. A clean, spa-like bathroom is much more appealing in photos and helps buyers imagine a fresh start.

6. Excess Decorations and Seasonal Items
While tasteful decor can enhance a room, too many decorations or seasonal items (like holiday decorations) can date your photos or distract from the home’s features. Keep decor simple and timeless.

7. Dirty or Worn-Out Items
Make sure to remove any items that look worn or dirty, such as old rugs, stained cushions, or chipped paint. These can draw attention away from your home’s best qualities.

8. Vehicles and Outdoor Clutter
If your driveway or yard is visible in photos, try to park vehicles out of sight and remove garden tools, hoses, or toys. A tidy exterior sets the tone for the entire property.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll help us capture stunning photos that highlight your home’s strengths and attract serious buyers. At Ryan Hanson Homes, we’re committed to guiding you through every stage of the selling process with confidence and care. If you have any questions or want personalized advice on preparing your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we’ll make sure your home looks its absolute best and stands out in the market!



Ryan Hanson
Co-Owner / Realtor®
(218) 631-8926
Ryan@RHHPlace.com  
RHHPlace.com