Outdoor Spaces and Curb Appeal
Avoid Scheduling Photos on Trash or Recycling Day
Trash bins, recycling containers, and bulk pickup items can take away from the home’s presentation — especially in exterior photos. Even if the home itself looks perfect, clutter at the curb can create a distracting and unpolished look that diminishes curb appeal.
Trash Cans Can Dominate the First Photo
In many listings, the first image buyers see is the front of the home. If trash or recycling bins are visible in that photo, they immediately pull attention away from the architecture, landscaping, or entryway. It’s a detail that might seem small, but it sends the wrong first impression.
Bulk Items and Curb Debris Are Difficult to Edit Out
If trash day includes large items like furniture, yard waste, or cardboard piles, those will be captured in the photos — and they’re not easy to remove during editing. It’s much more effective to plan the photo session for a different day, when the curb is clean and clear.
Coordinate Timing in Advance
If trash day is unavoidable, try to schedule the session before bins are set out or after they’ve been picked up. Alternatively, store bins temporarily in the garage or alongside the house out of view from the street. Just be sure they’re not visible from the front windows either.
Little Details Make a Big Difference
Buyers notice what shows up in photos — and what doesn’t. A clean, trash-free curbside helps the home feel better cared for and more appealing, especially in that critical first glance. Skipping trash day for the photo session is one of the easiest ways to keep the focus on the home, where it belongs.
When the curb is clean and clear, the home stands out for all the right reasons — and that’s exactly the first impression you want to make.