Decluttering for Property Photos: A Room-by-Room Checklist

As a property photographer with over 17 years of experience covering the beautiful areas of Somerset, Bristol, and Bath, I’ve seen it all. From sprawling farmhouses near Glastonbury to modern apartments in the heart of Bristol, the one thing that universally makes a home look its absolute best in photos is simple: decluttering. Before I even take out my camera, the most crucial preparation is creating a clean, inviting space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. I send this checklist to every client before a property photography shoot in Somerset, Bristol, or Bath.

Great property photography is about selling a lifestyle, a dream. When potential buyers are scrolling through listings, you have a split second to grab their attention. A cluttered, overly personal space can be an instant turn-off. It distracts the eye and, more importantly, makes rooms appear smaller and darker. My job is to capture your home in the best possible light, quite literally. I specialise in using natural light and advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques to create bright, airy, and realistic images. A well-prepared, clutter-free room allows that beautiful Somerset light to flood in and work its magic, making your property look its absolute best.

To help you prepare, I’ve put together my definitive room-by-room checklist. Think of this as our pre-shoot game plan to get your home camera-ready.

The kitchen is often the most important room for buyers. They imagine cooking, entertaining, and family life here. We want it to look spacious, clean, and functional.

This is where buyers will picture themselves unwinding. It needs to feel calm, comfortable, and spacious.

Bedrooms should feel like a sanctuary. A calm and tidy bedroom suggests a peaceful place to rest.

Think 'luxury hotel' when preparing your bathroom. It should be sparkling clean and completely free of personal items.

The hallway is the first thing a buyer sees, both in photos and in person. It sets the tone for the rest of the house.

The outside is just as important as the inside, especially as all my photography packages include drone shots to show off your property's setting. Whether you have a small courtyard in Bath or extensive grounds near Wells, kerb appeal matters.

Preparing your home for a photoshoot takes effort, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in the selling process. It allows me to create stunning images that will capture the hearts of buyers across Somerset and beyond.

If you’re ready to sell and want your property to stand out from the crowd, get in touch today to discuss how I can help.