The Ultimate Airbnb Photography Checklist (Room by Room)

What to do before the photographer arrives

The single biggest factor in how your photos turn out is the state of the property when we walk in. A photographer can fix light and composition. Nobody can fix a bin in the frame after the fact without it looking edited. Work through this the day before.

Whole property, first

• All bulbs working, and matched within each room so the colour is consistent.
• Every blind and curtain open. Windows cleaned on the inside.
• Ceiling fans off so blades render sharp.
• Bins emptied and moved out of sight. Every room.
• Cables, chargers and remotes gathered and stored.
• Floors vacuumed, hard floors mopped. Reflections show streaks.
• Cars moved off the driveway and away from the front of the house.

Kitchen

• Counters cleared completely, then two or three styled items back on.
• Fridge front bare. No magnets, photos or schedules.
• Sink empty and dry, dish rack away, sponges and soap hidden.
• Hob, faucet and stainless surfaces wiped for fingerprints.
• Bar stools level and evenly spaced, chairs pushed in.

Bedrooms

• Bedding ironed or steamed. Creases read as dirty.
• Duvet square, overhang even on both sides.
• Pillows stood against the headboard, two or three cushions maximum.
• Nightstands cleared to one lamp.
• Nothing visible under the bed. Suitcases and boxes out of the room.
• Wardrobe doors closed.

Bathrooms

• All personal products removed. Toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, bins.
• Toilet lids down, every time.
• Fresh white towels, folded identically on every rail.
• Mirrors and chrome polished.
• Shower glass squeegeed, mats and scales off the floor.

Living spaces

• Cushions plumped and squared, throws folded rather than draped.
• Coffee table cleared to one or two deliberate items.
• TV off. A black screen photographs better than a paused frame.
• Rugs straightened and lying flat.

Outside

• Hoses, tools, pool equipment and toys out of sight.
• Patio furniture squared, cushions on, umbrella open if presentable.
• Grill clean, cover off, lid closed.
• Pool skimmed within the hour, filter run.
• Leaves cleared from the deck and entry.

Two to three hours of prep is normal for a whole property and it is the highest-return time you will spend on the shoot. Book a shoot and we will send this list again with your confirmation.