You’ve booked the best real estate photographer Melbourne has to offer. The date is set. The weather looks promising. But there is one crucial variable that even the most expensive camera lens cannot fix: clutter.
Think of a real estate photographer as a painter. We bring the skills and the tools, but you provide the canvas. If the canvas is messy, the final art suffers.
To help you get "magazine-ready" results, we’ve adapted the industry-standard "20-Step Checklist" specifically for Melbourne homes. Whether you’ve booked one of our standard real estate photography packages or a premium twilight shoot, following this guide ensures every dollar you spend translates into buyer interest.
The "Golden Rule" of Prep: Less is More
Before we dive into the room-by-room breakdown, remember this: The camera has a way of magnifying clutter. What looks "lived-in" to the human eye looks "messy" to a lens. When in doubt, pack it away.
Exterior & Curb Appeal (The First Impression)
Your façade photo is usually the "Hero Shot" on https://www.google.com/search?q=realestate.com.au. It needs to be flawless.
- Remove the Cars: This is the #1 mistake. Ensure the driveway and the street directly in front of the house are empty. Park down the street or in a neighbour's driveway.
- Hide the Bins: Melbourne councils have different bin days, but on shoot day, those red, yellow, and green lids must be out of sight. Wheel them into the garage or down the side alley.
- Tidy the Garden: Mow the lawn, trim the edges, and sweep the leaves. If you have a nature strip, give it a quick trim too.
- Remove Hoses & Tools: Coil up garden hoses and hide them. Put away rakes, kids’ bikes, and that half-finished DIY project.
- Uncover the BBQ: If you have a nice outdoor alfresco area, show it off. Remove the dusty cover from the BBQ (ensure the BBQ itself is clean!) and open any outdoor umbrellas if it’s not too windy.
The Kitchen (The Heart of the Home)
Kitchens sell houses. Our real estate photography services focus heavily here, so it needs to sparkle.
- Clear the Benchtops: This is critical. Remove the toaster, kettle, knife block, and air fryer. Aim for completely clear surfaces. One stylish bowl of fruit or a coffee machine is fine; everything else goes in the cupboard.
- The Fridge Face: Remove all magnets, school notices, and calendars from the fridge. A clean fridge front makes the whole kitchen look newer.
- Hide the Dishes: The sink must be empty. No drying racks, no sponges, and definitely no tea towels hanging on the oven door.
- Align the Stools: If you have breakfast bar stools, space them evenly and make sure they are straight.
Living & Dining Areas
- Cable Management: Visible cords are a photographer's nightmare. Tuck TV and lamp cords behind furniture. If they can’t be hidden, unplug them for the shot.
- Remote Control Roundup: Hide all TV, AC, and fan remotes in a drawer. They are visual clutter.
- Straighten Soft Furnishings: Fluff the cushions and arrange them neatly. Fold throw rugs perfectly or remove them entirely if they look messy.
- Depersonalise: We want buyers to imagine their life here, not yours. Remove large family portraits and personal accolades where possible.
Bedrooms
- The Hotel Look: Make the bed as if the King of England is visiting. Smooth out every wrinkle. If your doona cover is old or faded, consider buying a crisp white set just for the campaign.
- Clear Nightstands: Remove glasses, books, phone chargers, and tissue boxes. Leave only the bedside lamps.
- Under the Bed: If you can see under the bed, the camera can too. Remove storage boxes or ensure the bed skirt covers them completely.
Bathrooms
- Toilet Seats Down: This is non-negotiable. Always.
- Banish the Toiletries: Remove everything from the shower recess and vanity. No shampoo bottles, no loofahs, no toothbrushes.
- Fresh Towels Only: If you leave towels out, they must be brand new and perfectly folded. If in doubt, remove them entirely for a cleaner look.
Final Touches (15 Minutes Before We Arrive)
- Let There Be Light: Turn on every single light in the house. Ceiling lights, bedside lamps, rangehood lights, and outdoor sconces. This adds warmth and depth to the photos.
- Pro Tip: Open all blinds and curtains to let natural light flood in.
- The Pet Patrol: We love dogs, but they (and their beds/bowls) shouldn't be in the photos unless specifically requested. Secure them in the garage or take them for a walk.
Why This Matters
When you browse real estate photography Melbourne portfolios, the homes that stand out aren't just the expensive ones—they are the prepared ones.
A clutter-free home allows our photographers to focus on composition and lighting rather than moving boxes. By following this checklist, you ensure your property looks spacious, inviting, and worth the asking price.
Ready to book?At UberRE, we specialize in showcasing Melbourne properties at their absolute best. Whether you need a standard shoot or a full marketing suite, view our real estate photography packages today and let’s get your home sold.
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