Pre-move decluttering: Preparing for your house sale photos - a room by room guide
- Dunmow Decluttering
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 17
The decision is made. You've decided to put your house on the market and its time to call in the Estate agent for the photos. You're ready, but is your home ready for those photos?
When it comes to selling your house, first impressions really do matter and in today's market, most buyers will begin their search online. This means that your estate agent's photographs are likely to be the first thing that viewers will see, so it pays to be well prepared in advance. A clutter free, well presented home not only looks bigger and brighter in photographs, but can potentially help sell your property faster and at a better price.
At Dunmow Decluttering I specialise in providing pre-move decluttering services across Essex and East Hertfordshire, helping homeowners prepare their houses for beautiful property photos and a simplified move.
This guide concentrates on maximising the potential of each room. It may be that you want to only temporarily move possessions at this stage, but if you come across items while you work that you dont need or use, adding decluttering to the process could be beneficial.
Here is my room by room guide to preparing for your house sale photography:
The Living Room:
The living room is a busy, often multi functional area and one of the most important rooms for potential buyers, so its important to create a sense of space.
Remove any excess furniture to improve the sense of space.
Hide any wires, remote controls and small electricals.
Gather up and remove everday clutter.
Limit your decorations to a few tasteful pieces.
Ensure any cushions or throws are neatly displayed and coordinated.
Tip: Try to think 'show home' rather than 'lived in home'.
The Kitchen:
Kitchens can sell houses, but they're often one of the most cluttered areas that I encounter and clutter can make even the largest kitchen feel cramped and unfunctional.
Clear your kitchen surfaces of appliances, utensils and paperwork, leaving a couple of carefully selected items to display. This immediately creates a sense of calm and space.
Store bins, cleaning equipment and supplies out of sight.
Remove any magnets, photos, kids' artwork or paperwork from the fridge.
Clean cupboard doors and organise inside so doors can be opened during viewings.
Once clear, add some simple finishing touches, such as flowers or a bowl of fruit.
Tip: Aim for clean, spacious and minimal - the kind of kitchen buyers want to step into.
The bedrooms:
A sense of space and calm is really important here. Bedrooms should look peaceful and inviting.
Remove any spare furniture such as chairs, desks or other bulky items to allow viewers to focus on the space and potential.
Ensure that any clothing or accessories are neatly stored away in wardrobes or drawers.
Keep any bedside tables clutter free, leaving a simple lamp or book for display.
Use your most neutral bedding for a calm, fresh look.
Tip: Remove personal items (family photos, jewellery, excess toys) to create a neutral appealing space
The Bathroom:
Viewers don't want to see the contents of your bathroom - a clean, uncluttered bathroom makes a huge difference in photos. We're aiming for a calm and relaxed space.
Tuck away toiletries, toothbrushes, and make up from view for your photographs.
Hide away any cleaning products and equipment.
Remove any childrens toys or accessories.
Clear back surfaces and clean.
Once clear, add fresh towels and a small plant or candle for a calm, relaxed look.
Tip: Dont skip the cleaning - sparkling tiles, mirrors and taps are essential for photos.
Hallways and Entryways:
Hallways are usually very busy areas, but remeber that the entrance sets the tone for your whole home.
Coats, shoes and bags can build up in this area, so remove any bulky or excess items from sight.
Hallways often become a home for numerous bits and bobs, toys and outdoor equipment so look to temporarily remove these items for photos and viewings.
Clear back and clean the floor space and any flat surfaces.
Add a simple feature, such as a plant or small rug to create warmth without clutter.
Tip: A clear bright hallway feels welcoming for both your estate agent photos and during viewings.
Extra Tips:
Less is definitely more. Aim for clean, open spaces
Think 'show home'. Rooms should be minimal, tidy and bright.
Adding decluttering to the process while you work will save you time and effort when packing for your move.
Considering professional help?
If all this sounds like to much to tackle on your own, I'm here to support you in preparing your home for sale photos or viewings. Dunmow Decluttering offers professional pre-move decluttering services across Essex and East Hertfordshire to remove some of the burden of your move. Find out more about:
Pre-move decluttering
Happy decluttering!
Nikki
Dunmow Decluttering Herts & Essex Professional Organiser
Dunmow Decluttering Herts & Essex Professional organiser offers home organising services, home decluttering services & house move preparation & unpacking for the areas surrounding Great Dunmow - Saffron Walden - Stansted - Bishop's Stortford - Sawbridgeworth - Ongar - Epping - Chigwell - Loughton - Colchester - Chelmsford - Brentwood - Braintree - Cogeshall - Tiptree - Witham - Maldon - Halstead - Sudbury - Haverhill
