Media Day Prep

Everything you and your sellers need to prep the property to translate it's best on camera!

Media Day Prep List

For media day it is always best that all home owners and pets are out of the property while we are shooting. Especially when 3d tours and video are added to media packages.

  • Make sure all lights are functional & replace burnt bulbs + match colour temperature if possible.
  • Remove ALL visible clutter (if you think “it’s fine,” it’s not)
  • Clear floors completely — nothing should break up walking space
  • Hide cords, routers, power bars, chargers
  • Remove personal items (family photos, mail, calendars, paperwork)
  • Clean all surfaces (dust shows up more in photos than real life)
  • Wipe reflective surfaces (mirrors, glass, stainless steel)
  • Straighten everything — furniture, rugs, decor, chairs
  • Minimize decor (less = more expensive feel)
  • Remove anything overly bold, busy, or distracting
  • remove large bulky furniture, especially out of corners of the rooms
  • Put away pet items (beds, bowls, toys, litter boxes)
  • Take out garbage + hide garbage bins
  • Clean windows both inside and outside as best as you can
FRONT HALL
  • Remove shoes, coats, bags
  • Clear console tables (minimal styling only)
  • Straighten rugs
  • Clean doors and handles
  • Make sure this space feels open and welcoming (first impression)
  • Get as much off the floor as possible
KITCHEN
  • Clear counters almost completely
  • Remove dish soap, sponges, drying racks
  • Empty sink (no dishes)
  • Hide garbage can
  • Remove fridge magnets, notes, photos
  • Straighten bar stools evenly (if applicable)
  • Clean appliances (no fingerprints, especially stainless steel)
  • Put away small appliances (toaster, blender, air fryer)
  • Wipe backsplash (grease shows in photos)
  • Clean gas stove tops of food debris and grease


LIVING ROOM
  • Remove extra and oversized furniture if the room feels tight
  • Clear coffee tables
  • Hide remotes, controllers, cables
  • Fluff pillows + smooth cushions
  • Fold blankets neatly or remove entirely
  • Align furniture cleanly (not angled randomly)
  • Remove busy or overly personal decor
  • Ensure TV area is clean (no cords, no clutter below)
  • Keep pathways visually open
  • Avoid having large items in all corners of the room
BEDROOMS
  • Make beds tight + wrinkle-free (hotel style)
  • Use neutral bedding if possible, avoiding busy patterns
  • Remove excess pillows (clean, simple arrangement)
  • Clear nightstands completely (alarm clocks, phone chargers, family photos etc.)
  • Hide phone chargers and cords
  • Remove personal items (clothes, laundry, hampers)
  • Clean under beds if visible
  • Keep walk-in closets tidy (if they’ll be photographed — they often are)
  • Try to ensure that you don't have large items in all corners of the room if possible
BATHROOMS
  • Close toilet lids
  • Remove EVERYTHING from counters (toothbrushes, products, razors)
  • Hide garbage cans
  • Use clean, simple towels (preferably white or neutral)
  • Remove bath mats
  • Clean mirrors until spotless
  • Clean glass shower doors (water spots show badly)
  • Remove shampoo/conditioner bottles from shower
  • Straighten shower curtain
  • Keep decor minimal
  • Swap out toilet paper for fresh rolls
EXTERIOR/BACKYARD
  • Cut grass + edge lawn
  • Clean up leaves, debris, and dead plants
  • Remove hoses, bins, tools, toys
  • Clean patio furniture (or remove if worn)
  • Remove patio furniture covers
  • Place cushions out on furniture (If season allows)
  • Stage seating areas simply (less is more)
  • Open umbrellas if they look good — otherwise remove
  • Clean deck/patio surfaces
  • Remove cars from driveway
  • Clean front door + entry area
  • Clean up dog poop and toys
  • Skim and clean pool (if applicable)
  • Wipe exterior of bbqs
GARAGE
  • Remove as much as possible and try to tidy what needs to stay
  • Get cars out of the garage
  • Tidy the floor area, get things on shelves if possible
  • Hide or neatly coil hoses, extension cords, cables
  • Tidy garbage, recycling, and bulk storage overflow
  • Sweep floors
  • Clean oil stains or dark spots if possible
  • Straighten shelving and align items cleanly
  • Remove anything broken, messy, or half-finished if possible
  • Keep pathways open and obvious (you should “see” the usable space)
STORAGE ROOMS
  • Reduce volume — overfilled storage makes the home feel smaller
  • Stack boxes neatly and uniformly
  • Keep center floor space open and visible
  • Organize shelves with intention
  • Sweep floors + remove cobwebs (huge in basements)