Home prep list
GET YOUR PROPERTY
CAMERA READY.
The Leiser Media Property Preparation Guide
1. General Preparation — Every Room
These steps apply to the entire property.
No Parked Vehicles: All vehicles must be moved away from the property, driveways, and surrounding areas visible in the photographs.
Turn on all interior lights, including lamps and accent lighting. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light and showcase exterior views.
Thoroughly clean floors, windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.
Remove unnecessary clutter from countertops, shelves, and furniture.
Hide personal photographs, valuables, medications, and sensitive information.
Conceal visible charging cables, extension cords, and unnecessary electronics.
Turn off televisions, computer monitors, and ceiling fans.
Straighten furniture, rugs, decorations, and other visible items.
Ensure all rooms and spaces being photographed are accessible.
Remove anything you do not want visible in your final photos or videos.
2. Living Rooms & Common Areas
Fluff and arrange pillows neatly.
Fold blankets and throws intentionally.
Straighten sofas, chairs, coffee tables, and rugs.
Remove remote controls, toys, pet beds, and unnecessary accessories.
Clear coffee tables and entertainment centers of clutter.
Make fireplaces presentable and remove ashes or debris.
Arrange furniture to create an open, inviting appearance.
3. Kitchens
Clear countertops of unnecessary appliances, dishes, food, and clutter.
Clean and polish countertops, sinks, faucets, and appliances.
Remove dish towels, sponges, soap bottles, and cleaning supplies.
Remove magnets, notes, photographs, and papers from refrigerators.
Empty sinks and remove dishes from drying racks.
Hide trash cans and recycling bins where possible.
Straighten barstools and dining chairs.
Keep decorations simple and intentional.
4. Bedrooms
Make every bed neatly with clean, wrinkle-free bedding.
Arrange pillows symmetrically and straighten comforters.
Remove clothing, laundry baskets, shoes, and personal belongings.
Clear nightstands of phones, chargers, medications, and other clutter.
Hide visible cords and unnecessary electronics.
Straighten furniture and rugs.
Close closet doors unless the closet is a feature being photographed.
Remove pet beds, toys, and unnecessary decorations.
Important: Beds must be fully made and staged before our arrival. Our photographers do not remake beds or rearrange bedroom furniture.
5. Bathrooms
Clean mirrors, countertops, sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets.
Remove toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, medications, and toiletries.
Remove shampoo bottles, soaps, loofahs, and other products from showers.
Clear the backs of toilets and surrounding surfaces.
Close toilet lids.
Remove toilet brushes, plungers, trash cans, and cleaning supplies.
Hang clean, neatly folded towels.
Straighten bath mats or remove them if they create clutter.
Ensure all bathroom lighting is functional.
6. Dining Areas
Center dining tables and arrange chairs evenly.
Straighten tablecloths, runners, and placemats.
Remove unnecessary paperwork, dishes, and clutter.
Use a simple centerpiece or tasteful table setting if desired.
Make sure chairs are neatly tucked in and evenly spaced.
7. Exterior & Landscaping
The exterior creates the first impression of your property.
Mow lawns, trim overgrown landscaping, and remove weeds.
Remove fallen branches, leaves, and visible debris.
Move vehicles away from the home and out of the driveway when possible.
Hide trash cans, hoses, ladders, tools, and maintenance equipment.
Remove unnecessary outdoor furniture, toys, and pet accessories.
Sweep porches, patios, decks, sidewalks, and entryways.
Straighten outdoor furniture and arrange cushions.
Clean exterior windows and glass doors.
Ensure outdoor lighting is functional.
Remove temporary signs and decorations that should not appear in marketing materials.
8. Cabins & Short-Term Rentals
Vacation rentals require a little extra attention to showcase the guest experience.
Stage all bedrooms and sleeping areas as they would appear for arriving guests.
Ensure game rooms, theaters, and entertainment spaces are organized.
Turn on arcade machines and decorative lighting where appropriate.
Clean hot tubs, pools, and outdoor entertainment areas.
Fill hot tubs and pools to their proper operating levels.
Remove pool chemicals, maintenance supplies, covers, and cleaning equipment.
Arrange outdoor seating, fire pit areas, and patio furniture.
Ensure fireplaces, accent lighting, and specialty amenities are ready to showcase.
Remove housekeeping carts, laundry supplies, and guest turnover equipment.
Make sure all advertised amenities are accessible and operational.
For vacation rentals: We recommend preparing the property exactly as you would for a guest checking in.
9. Drone Photography Preparation
Aerial photography is subject to FAA regulations, weather, and safety conditions.
Move vehicles, equipment, and unnecessary items away from the property when possible.
Ensure outdoor areas are clean and presentable.
Notify us of any known hazards, including power lines, unstable trees, or overhead obstructions.
Secure pets and notify anyone on the property that drone operations may occur.
Important Drone Policy: Properties surrounded by dense trees, overhanging branches, or nearby power lines may only qualify for distant aerial overview shots. Close-range flights will not be performed when our pilot determines conditions are unsafe.