Shoot-Day Staging Checklist

Hocking Hills Real Media · hockinghillsrealmedia.com

Before the shoot (whole property)

Deep clean every room first, then stage. Cameras catch dust, smudges, and water spots the eye misses.
Declutter aggressively: remove cleaning supplies, trash cans, lockboxes, and personal items.
Hide or unplug visible cords and cables (TV, chargers, lamps); remove the ones too long to hide.
Take down printed house rules, sticky notes, and operational signage.
Replace burned-out bulbs and match bulb color temperature within each room.
Wipe down all mirrors, glass, stainless, and fixtures until they shine.
Aim for soft morning or late-afternoon light; midday sun blows out windows.Golden hour also makes the best twilight exterior shots.

Turn ON every interior light and lamp for a warm, lived-in glow.
Open all blinds and curtains to let natural light pour in.
Turn OFF all TVs and wipe the screens; black screens and reflections hurt photos.
Turn ceiling fans OFF for photos so the blades stay crisp.For video, set fans to LOW for gentle, natural motion.
Quiet anything distracting during video: AC/heat vents, loud fridges, and appliances.
Close all toilet lids and tuck trash bins out of frame.
Conceal pet bowls, litter boxes, and beds unless staging pet-friendly.

Fluff and arrange 1 to 3 pillows per sofa; drape a throw with intention, not a messy fold.
Style coffee and side tables with the rule of three: a candle, greenery, and a book.
Straighten rugs and square up the furniture.
Prep the fireplace: light the gas fire or stage clean logs, and clear ashes from wood units.A lit fire reads especially well in twilight and video.
Add one lifestyle touch: a board game set out, a record on the turntable, or fresh flowers.

Clear countertops of nearly everything: small appliances, dish soap, sponges, and clutter.
Leave one styled vignette: a cutting board, a bowl of citrus or fresh fruit, or a coffee setup.
Empty the sink and dish rack; shine the faucet.
Stage the dining table simply, or set 2 to 4 place settings for a lifestyle look.
Clear the fridge of magnets, photos, and notes.

Make beds with crisp, wrinkle-free neutral or white linens.
Layer pillows (2 sleeping, 2 decorative) and fold a throw at the foot of the bed.
Clear nightstands to a lamp and one small accent, like a book or a plant.
Remove chargers, alarm clocks, water bottles, and personal items.
Open closet and en-suite doors only if those spaces are styled and clean.

Sweep porches, decks, and walkways; clear leaves, cobwebs, and debris.
Clean and arrange outdoor furniture; add cushions and a throw or two.
Clean and uncover the grill; remove the cover and tidy the propane tank.
Clean the hot tub until the water is crystal clear; remove the cover and wipe the surround.A little steam reads beautifully in twilight shots; keep jets calm for stills.
Prep fire pits with clean, stacked wood and clear out old ashes.
Set string lights, lanterns, and landscape lighting to glow for twilight photos.
Mow, edge, and trim landscaping; clear hoses, toys, and trash cans from view.
Move vehicles, recycling bins, and seasonal storage out of the key sightlines.