Perfectly prepare your home for professional photographs

Remove any vehicles from the driveway. Hide away bins, hosepipes, garden tools, etc. Close all windows and doors eg. side door, garage door, shed door, etc. Remove covers or tarps from garden furniture. Remove or take down clothes airers. Remove children's toys or organise neatly in one corner. Tidy and clean the garden and the outside of the house. Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, sweep up gravel, weed, brush up dead leaves. Wipe the outsides of windows, doors, and drainpipes. Take down any outdoor signs eg. beware of the dog.

Remove shoes, coats, bags, etc from the hallway. Remove or neatly arrange throw blankets and cushions on furniture. Set the dining table as if ready for a family meal. Clear tables and surfaces of cups, magazines, notebooks, toys, clutter. Take down any birthday/holiday cards. Hide and loose cables/wires, or unplug and remove if possible. Clean the windows and windowsills. Open the blinds and curtains. Display some fresh flowers on tables or windowsills. Remove rugs and mats, particularly from wooden or tiled flooring.

Declutter worktops and keep visible appliances to a minimum. Hide or remove bins, composters, and pet bowls. Fully close all cupboard doors. Keep the sink and draining board clear of any dishes, soaps, or sponges. Remove magnets, postcards, drawings, etc from the fridge door. Clean outsides of cupboard doors. A bowl of fresh fruit can be an attractive touch.

Remove personal clutter such as shampoos, shower gels, toothbrushes, cleaning products. Put the toilet seat down. Remove children's bath toys. Consider closing over the shower curtain. Any towels present should be neatly folded or hung up, and should be a colour that matches the room.

Wipe down lampshades and light fixtures. Try to avoid using any conflicting bulb colours, like one warm and one cool in the same room. Remember that your professional photographer will likely be using flash, which will reveal any marks on your glossy surfaces. Natural light is invaluable in a good photograph, so consider moving around some furniture to let in as much light as possible.  
The addition of a little warm, homely lighting makes this kitchen feel brighter and full of life, whilst enhancing the beautiful colour of the wooden floor. The glow contrasts with the white ceiling and cupboards, making for a more dynamic image. All the available lights have been turned on, which makes it look and feel purposeful. This particular room has very subtle and attractive light fixtures, so nothing is too overwhelming in the image. The lights above the countertops, in particular, give the room depth and warmth. This improvement couldn't be simpler to achieve, just flick a couple switches!