Checklist: Preparing Your Apartment for a Photoshoot

1. Cleaning and Surface Preparation

Thorough cleaning: Wipe down all surfaces, remove dust, stains, and fingerprints. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and glossy surfaces — they should be spotlessly clean and shiny.
Check mirrors and glass surfaces: Ensure there are no smudges or streaks.

2. Decluttering and Minimalism

Remove unnecessary items and personal belongings: The fewer items in the frame, the more spacious and tidy the apartment will look in photos. Remove any unnecessary items, including random trinkets and personal belongings.
Checklist of items to remove:
- Shampoo and shower gel bottles (unless they are stylish, branded toiletries for guests).
- Used soap.
- Toilet brushes.
- Sponges, cloths, and cleaning supplies.
- Items that look cheap or don’t match the interior style.

3. Decorating

Add a few decorative elements: Pillows, vases with flowers (preferably fresh), artwork, or books. These elements help create a cozy atmosphere and enhance the style of your interior.
Balance the decor: Avoid overcrowding the space — everything should look natural, harmonize with the color scheme, and complement the interior style.

4. Optimizing Lighting

Natural light: Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If there’s a beautiful view outside, this will be an additional advantage.
Artificial lighting: Turn on all light sources (ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps). If the room is still dark, check the lightbulbs and ensure they emit a warm, cozy light. Avoid using lightbulbs with different color temperatures in the same room.

5. Furniture Arrangement

Functionality and spaciousness: Arrange furniture to highlight the functionality of the space and create a sense of openness. Avoid excessive furniture that can make the room feel cluttered.
Symmetry and balance: Try to create symmetrical compositions. For example, place chairs on either side of a coffee table or arrange pillows symmetrically on the sofa.

6. Preparing the Kitchen and Bathroom

Kitchen: Ensure countertops are clean and free from unnecessary items. You may leave a few neatly arranged items, like a coffee machine or a bowl of fruit, to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Bathroom: Remove all personal items (toothbrushes, shampoos, etc.). Replace old towels with fresh, clean ones. Add a few decorative touches, such as candles or soap in a beautiful container.
Close the toilet lid: A small detail, but it plays an important role in creating a neat and aesthetically pleasing look in bathroom photos.

7. First Impressions

Focus on initial details: Remove or replace items that look untidy. They can spoil the overall impression of the apartment.
Special attention to the bedroom: Add soft pillows, a cozy throw, or replace the bedspread with something more refined or simple and elegant. This will make the bedroom look cozy and attractive to potential renters.

8. Checking Small Details

Walk through all rooms before the photoshoot and fix minor imperfections: Check mirrors, artwork, and arrange items harmoniously.
Remove random items: Ensure no random items, such as keys, chargers, or stationery, are left visible in the frame.

9. Creating Atmosphere

Final touches: Add a few finishing touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These could include fresh flowers, scented candles, or a soft throw on the couch.

If the photoshoot takes place during the day, choose a time when the apartment receives the most natural light. This will help make the photos brighter and warmer, which always attracts more attention.

By following this checklist, you can fully prepare your apartment for a photoshoot, make it more attractive to renters, and showcase the best features of your space.