How to Prepare Your Property for a Matterport Scan - UK Guide

How to Prepare Your Yorkshire Property for a Matterport 3D Scan

When you've decided to showcase your Yorkshire property with a Matterport 3D virtual tour, proper preparation is essential to achieve the best possible results. Unlike traditional photography where certain angles can be avoided, a Matterport scan captures everything in 360 degrees.

This comprehensive guide will help you prepare your property for scanning day, ensuring your virtual tour presents your home or commercial space in the most appealing light.

1. General Cleaning and Decluttering

Deep Clean All Areas A thorough clean is the foundation of a successful Matterport scan. Pay particular attention to:

• Windows and mirrors (streaks are highly visible in scans)
• Floors and carpets
• Kitchen surfaces and appliances
• Bathroom fixtures and tiles

Remove Personal Items Remember that your Matterport tour may be viewed by hundreds of potential buyers:

• Store away family photographs
• Remove personal documents
• Clear bathroom counters of toiletries
• Hide medication and valuables

Declutter Systematically Too many items can make spaces appear smaller and distract viewers:

• Remove excess furniture to maximise sense of space
• Clear worktops and surfaces
• Organise bookshelves and display cabinets
• Reduce the number of items on walls

2. Lighting Optimisation

Proper lighting dramatically improves the quality of your Matterport tour:

Maximise Natural Light

• Open all curtains and blinds fully
• Clean windows to allow maximum light penetration
• Remove any items blocking windows

Prepare Interior Lighting

• Replace any burnt-out bulbs
• Ensure all lamps and light fixtures are working
• Use consistent colour temperature bulbs (warm white works best)
• Turn on all lights before the scan

Consider the Time of Day For Yorkshire properties, especially during winter months, scheduling your scan between 10am and 2pm typically provides the best natural light conditions.

3. Room-by-Room Preparation

Living Areas

• Arrange furniture to create clear pathways
• Plump cushions and straighten throws
• Hide remote controls and electronics cables
• Consider fresh flowers for a welcoming touch

Kitchen

• Clear countertops of small appliances
• Remove tea towels, sponges and washing-up items
• Empty the sink and dish drainer
• Hide bins or ensure they're empty and clean
• Remove fridge magnets and notes

Bedrooms

• Make beds with your best linens
• Clear items from bedside tables
• Ensure wardrobes are closed (they won't be opened during scanning)
• Remove items from under beds if visible

Bathrooms

• Remove all toiletries from shower, bath and counters
• Close toilet lids
• Hang fresh towels
• Remove bath mats (they can create trip hazards during scanning)
• Clean mirrors thoroughly

Hallways and Stairs

• Remove coats, shoes and umbrellas
• Ensure stair carpets are visible and clear
• Remove obstacles that might impede the scanner's path

4. Exterior and Garden Preparation

For Yorkshire properties where outdoor space is a key selling feature:

Garden Areas

• Mow lawns and trim edges
• Weed flower beds
• Clear patios and decking
• Arrange garden furniture attractively
• Store away garden tools and equipment

Property Exterior

• Move vehicles from the driveway
• Remove bins from visible areas
• Sweep paths and entrances
• Consider seasonal touches like potted plants

5. Final Preparations on Scanning Day

Create Optimal Scanning Conditions

• Turn on all lights
• Open internal doors to create flow
• Turn off fans and moving objects
• Secure pets in an area that won't be scanned or arrange for them to be elsewhere

Weather Considerations In Yorkshire's changeable climate, be aware that:

• Bright sunlight can create harsh contrasts
• Very dark, cloudy days may require additional interior lighting
• Rain shouldn't affect interior scanning but may limit exterior captures

6. Special Considerations for Yorkshire Properties

Period Properties Many Yorkshire properties feature character elements that deserve highlighting:

• Ensure original features like fireplaces and beams are visible and unobstructed
• Clean stone floors thoroughly to showcase texture
• Consider removing modern items that detract from period charm

Small Spaces For terraced houses or cottages with smaller rooms:

• Remove more furniture than you might in larger spaces
• Use mirrors to enhance sense of space (but be aware they will create scanning challenges)
• Ensure low beams or doorways are clearly visible

7. What Not to Worry About

Some elements don't need addressing before your scan:

• Inside cupboards and wardrobes (these won't be opened)
• Loft spaces (unless they're converted and part of the tour)
• Utility areas (if they're not being included)
• Minor imperfections that would require significant work to fix

By following these preparation guidelines, your Yorkshire property will be showcased at its absolute best in your Matterport virtual tour. For more information about how these tours can benefit your property marketing strategy, explore our guide to Matterport vs traditional property photography.



Remember that a well-prepared property not only creates a more attractive Matterport 3D virtual tour but can significantly impact viewer engagement and ultimately contribute to a faster sale at a better price.