Prepare your home.
Present it beautifully.
A room-by-room guide to getting your property ready for professional photography, video and viewings—without turning preparation into a renovation project.
Before you begin
Four priorities make the biggest difference.
Declutter first
Pack away excess items before deep cleaning. Clear floors and surfaces make every room feel more spacious.
Clean what reflects
Focus on windows, mirrors, taps, screens, stainless steel and glossy surfaces—the camera notices streaks.
Let the light in
Replace failed bulbs, match bulb colour where possible, open curtains and make sure shutters and blinds work.
Protect your privacy
Remove family photos, paperwork, medication, valuables and anything showing names, account details or addresses.
Room by room
Work through the home in a clear order.
Start with the areas buyers see first. Complete every essential task before adding finishing touches.
01Entrance & hallwaysCreate a clean first impression and give the camera a clear path through the home.
Essential tasks
- Remove shoes, bags, umbrellas and loose items from the entrance.
- Clear narrow passages and tuck visible cables safely out of sight.
- Wipe the front door, handles and any glass panels.
Finishing touch
Add one simple welcome detail, such as a healthy plant or an uncluttered console.
02Living areasLet buyers see the room's scale, flow and most inviting features.
Essential tasks
- Remove remotes, chargers, paperwork, toys and personal collections.
- Straighten cushions, fold throws and keep surfaces mostly clear.
- Clean windows, mirrors, television screens and glossy furniture.
Finishing touch
Open curtains fully and arrange seating so it feels conversational rather than crowded.
03Dining roomKeep the table purposeful and the room easy to understand at a glance.
Essential tasks
- Clear paperwork, keys, handbags and everyday household items.
- Centre the table and straighten all chairs.
- Dust the tabletop, light fittings and visible shelves.
Finishing touch
Use a restrained centrepiece; avoid tall arrangements that block the view across the room.
04KitchenA clear kitchen reads as spacious, practical and well cared for.
Essential tasks
- Clear countertops, the sink and the top of the fridge as much as possible.
- Remove dish racks, cleaning products, fridge magnets, bins and pet bowls.
- Wipe appliances, splashbacks, cabinet fronts and taps until streak-free.
Finishing touch
Leave one or two intentional items, such as a coffee machine or a bowl of fresh fruit.
05Main bedroomAim for a restful, uncluttered room that feels generous rather than overly personal.
Essential tasks
- Make the bed neatly and smooth visible creases in the linen.
- Clear bedside tables, dressers and the floor around the bed.
- Remove laundry, tissue boxes, medication, cables and personal photographs.
Finishing touch
Use matching bedside lamps where possible and keep decorative cushions simple.
06Children's & guest roomsKeep the character, but reduce the visual noise so the room's size remains clear.
Essential tasks
- Make every bed and clear clothing, toys, schoolwork and items behind doors.
- Simplify shelves and remove names or personal information from view.
- Make sure wardrobes and drawers can close properly.
Finishing touch
Group a small selection of toys or books neatly instead of trying to remove every trace of family life.
07BathroomsBathrooms photograph best when they feel bright, dry and almost hotel-like.
Essential tasks
- Remove toiletries, toothbrushes, bath mats, scales, bins and cleaning products.
- Close toilet lids and hang fresh, coordinated towels neatly.
- Polish mirrors, shower glass, taps and basins; clear hair from drains.
Finishing touch
Keep one small plant, candle or folded hand towel if it suits the space.
08Home office & flexible spacesHelp buyers understand exactly how the room can work for them.
Essential tasks
- Hide confidential documents, calendars and screens displaying personal information.
- Clear excess cables, stationery, boxes and equipment from the desk and floor.
- Choose one clear purpose for the room before the shoot.
Finishing touch
Leave a lamp, notebook or single decorative object to make the workspace feel intentional.
09Patio, garden & poolOutdoor areas should feel ready to use, especially in the KwaZulu-Natal lifestyle market.
Essential tasks
- Mow lawns, sweep paving and remove hoses, tools, bins and pool equipment.
- Clean outdoor furniture and arrange it into welcoming conversation areas.
- Skim the pool, remove the cleaner and switch off visible sprinklers.
Finishing touch
Open umbrellas in good condition and add simple cushions or a neatly set braai area.
10Garage & utility areasThese spaces do not need to be empty; they do need to look organised and functional.
Essential tasks
- Group tools and storage items neatly and clear walkways.
- Remove washing from lines, racks and machines before the photographer arrives.
- Hide detergents, buckets, mops and loose garden equipment.
Finishing touch
If the garage will be photographed, move vehicles out and open blinds or doors for light.
On shoot day
Your final 30-minute reset.
Walk through every room
Switch on interior lights, open curtains, straighten cushions and remove anything left on floors or counters.
Reset the exterior
Move vehicles away from the front, hide bins and hoses, open gates and check that outdoor furniture is clean and arranged.
Secure pets and valuables
Arrange for pets to be safely off-site or in one closed room. Put keys, devices, documents and valuables out of view.
Give us a clear canvas
Leave the home ready before the scheduled start so we can use the full appointment to create your property media.
What we can adjust
Small details on camera.
We may fine-tune curtains, cushions, chairs or a small decorative item to improve the composition of an individual frame.
What needs to happen before
Cleaning and decluttering.
Moving heavy furniture, cleaning rooms and hiding large amounts of household storage are not part of the shoot. Please complete these before arrival.
Ready when your home is
Let's show your property
at its very best.
Professional property photography, cinematic video and drone media across Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
