Picture-Perfect Listings: Your Ottawa Home Photo Day Prep Guide

Professional photos can make your listing shine, but great images start with smart prep. Here is a simple, room-by-room plan that helps Ottawa sellers get their homes camera ready while keeping stress low. Follow the timing checklist first, then use the room guide to finish the details.

What New Purveyors Provides

We cover professional photography, videography, and additional marketing, including print and social media for every listing. We do not offer staging, but we are happy to recommend reliable cleaners, handypeople, and organisers if you need an extra hand before photo day.

The 72–Hour Timeline

Three days out
• Walk through every room and make a fast list of items to donate, store, or toss.
• Book a cleaner if you want professional support.
• Pick up matching white towels and simple bedding to create a clean, cohesive look.

Two days out
• Clear countertops and visible surfaces. Store daily items in bins that can tuck into closets or the car.
• Tidy the yard, balcony, and porch. Put away hoses, toys, shovels, and bins.
• Replace any burnt bulbs with warm-white bulbs of the same colour temperature.

One day out
• Deep clean kitchen and baths, including stainless steel and glass. Wipe appliances carefully to remove streaks.
• Mow, sweep, or shovel as needed.
• Do a scent reset. Open windows for 15 minutes and avoid heavy air fresheners.

Morning of photos
• Make beds with smooth, neutral bedding and add two to four pillows per bed.
• Hide pet items, litter boxes, and food bowls.
• Remove fridge magnets, countertop chargers, and visible cables.
• Park cars away from the driveway and front of the house.
• Turn on all lights, open blinds and curtains, and wipe fingerprints from glass.

Room-by-Room Checklist

Entry and Hallways
• Clear shoes, coats, and parcels.
• Add one small plant or a simple tray on a console if space allows.

Living Room
• Keep three to five decor items per major surface. Fewer is better.
• Fluff sofa cushions and fold throws.
• Hide remotes, gaming consoles, and visible wires.

Kitchen
• Leave only one attractive item on counters, such as a wooden board or a plant.
• Remove drying racks, soap bottles, dishcloths, and bins.
• Polish taps, sinks, stainless steel, and glass. Check for streaks at different angles.
• Tuck stools neatly under the island.

Dining Area
• Centre the table under the light. Add a simple runner or a small vase.
• Remove high chairs and extra leaves unless they help the scale of the room.

Bedrooms
• Use neutral bedding with a visible headboard if possible.
• Clear nightstands except for one lamp and one small object, such as a book or plant.
• Store laundry hampers and personal items out of sight.

Bathrooms
• Remove all toiletries from counters and showers.
• Hang fresh, matching white towels.
• Close toilet lids.
• Polish mirrors, taps, and glass. Check for streaks in natural light.

Home Office
• Coil cables and hide power bars.
• Clear the desktop except for a laptop, lamp, and one plant or book stack.
• Store papers in drawers or uniform bins.

Basement and Laundry
• Fold and put away laundry.
• Clear tops of appliances and clean lint traps.
• Turn on every available light so the space feels bright and welcoming.

Outdoors
• Sweep steps and walkways.
• Arrange patio furniture neatly and remove covers.
• Close storage shed doors.
• If you have a pool, skim the surface and remove cleaning equipment.

Small Fixes That Photograph Big

• Touch up scuffs at eye level on walls and trim.
• Tighten loose handles and replace missing switch plates.
• Match light bulb temperature across each room for even colour in photos.

Common Photo Day Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving cords, towers of toiletries, or pet items visible.
• Over-decorating surfaces. A few simple pieces are enough.
• Forgetting glass and stainless steel. Streaks will show.
• Closing blinds or leaving lights off. Bright homes look larger.

After Photos: Keeping Your Home Show-Ready

Once the camera leaves, put a few labelled bins by the door for quick resets before showings. Your daily routine becomes simple: stash, wipe, lights on, blinds open, and go.

Why This Matters

Clean, bright, and clutter-free spaces help buyers notice room size, layout, and natural light. Thoughtful preparation supports stronger first impressions online, more showing requests, and a smoother sale.

Next Steps

If you would like a quick prep walkthrough, we can visit and tailor this plan to your home and timeline. When you are ready to list, our team handles the photography, video, and full marketing package so you can focus on your move.