1. Clear Out Clutter First
Garages, closets, basements and spare rooms full of belongings make a home feel smaller in photos. A property cleanout before your photographer arrives gives every room a clean, open look.
2. Remove Anything You're Not Taking
Old furniture, unused appliances and general clutter that will not make the move are easier to deal with before listing than after an offer is accepted. Clearing them early also gives you a more accurate sense of what repairs or touch-ups the space actually needs.
3. Wash the Exterior Surfaces Buyers See First
- Driveways and front walkways
- Siding, especially north-facing walls prone to mildew
- Porches, patios and entry areas
Not every surface needs the same treatment. The pressure washing vs. soft washing guide explains which method fits which surface so nothing gets damaged before photo day.
4. Patch and Touch Up Interior Walls
Small dents, scuffs and dated paint stand out in listing photos more than they do in daily life. Painting and drywall repair can be scheduled right after a cleanout so the crew is not making a separate trip.
5. Coordinate the Timeline With Your Realtor
Cleanout, repairs and exterior cleaning generally happen in that order, finishing a few days before your photographer or first showing. Sharing your listing date upfront helps everything land on schedule.
6. Consider What Repeat Buyers Notice
Buyers touring several homes in one day remember the ones that felt clean, open and well cared for. Clearing clutter and washing exterior surfaces are two of the highest-impact, lowest-cost steps available before listing.
Listing a home soon?
Send your listing timeline and photos of the areas that need attention. TrashOut can coordinate cleanout and exterior cleaning together.