Today we want to talk to all you design enthusiasts! Have you ever walked into a beautifully decorated home and thought that it’s something you could do yourself, if so home staging might just be the perfect side hustle for you to go through with. Home staging is all about making a house look its absolute best for potential buyers, and it can be a fun, creative and lucrative way to earn some extra income.
In short, home staging is the art of prepping a home for sale by arranging furniture and decor to highlight the property’s best feature and make it more appealing to buyers. It’s all about creating an inviting atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Staging can range from simple decluttering and rearranging to full-blown interior re-designs with rented furniture and accessories.
Why Home Staging Makes A Good Side Hustle
One of the best things about home staging is its flexibility. You can take on as many or as few projects as you want to, making it perfect for those with full-time jobs, stay-at-home parents or anyone looking to supplement their income without committing to a rigid schedule. If you happen to have a knack for interior design or simply love decorating, home staging is a fantastic creative outlet. You get to experiment with different styles, colour schemes, and layouts while helping homeowners make their properties shine.
In today’s competitive real estate market, sellers are keen to make their homes stand out. Well-staged homes often tend to sell faster and for higher prices, which means there’s a steady demand for skilled stagers. Compared to other side hustles, starting a home staging business doesn't require a hefty investment. You can start small, using your own furniture and decor, and gradually build up your inventory as you gain more clients.
Alongside all of the practical benefits, personal fulfilment is also a huge benefit. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a space and seeing the positive reactions from homeowners and potential buyers. Your work can genuinely make a difference in someone's life by helping them to sell their home quickly and profitably.
Who Is Home Staging Perfect For?
Home staging can be an excellent side hustle for a whole variety of people. If you spend your free time browsing Pinterest for home decor ideas or watching HGTV, home staging is a natural fit. Real estate enthusiasts are also an obvious choice. Those who have an interest in the real estate market can use staging to get a closer look at the industry while contributing to it in a meaningful way.
If you’re at home with kids but looking for a flexible way to earn extra income, staging allows you to work around your family’s schedule. If you’ve also got an entrepreneurial spirit and love starting new projects, home staging is a great way to test the waters of running your own business.
How To get Started With Home Staging
Starting a home staging business may seem daunting, but with a bit of planning and creativity, you can hit the ground running. To start up you need to learn the basics, while you don’t need a formal education to become a home stager, it’s essential to understand the basics of interior design and real estate. Consider taking some online courses or attending workshops to learn about colour theory, furniture placement, and staging techniques.
You also need to build a portfolio, your portfolio is your digital resume. Start by staging your own home or ask friends and family if you can stage their homes. Take high-quality before and after photos to showcase your work. If you can, get testimonials from those who you have helped. Start up with what you have, use furniture, artwork, and decor items to stage homes. As you grow, consider investing in versatile pieces that can work in various styles of homes. Look for deals at thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections.
Real estatement agents are often your best source of clients. Reach out to local agents, attend open houses, and offer your staging services. Building relationships with agents can lead to a steady stream of referrals. Research what other home stagers in your area charge to get a sense of the going rate. When starting, you might offer introductory prices to help build your portfolio and gain experience. As you establish yourself, adjust your rates to reflect your expertise and the value that you have to offer.
Like with any side hustle, marketing yourself is extremely important. Create a simple website and use social media to showcase your best work. Instagram and Pinterest are particularly effective for sharing photos of staged homes. Join local business groups and attend networking events to get your name out there. Invest in some basic tools like a good camera for taking photos, a measuring tape, and a toolkit for any minor adjustments and installations. Having the right tools will always make your job easier and make you appear more professional.
Speaking of professional, while not mandatory, getting certified by a professional organisation like the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) can enhance your credibility and provide additional training resources.
Home staging is more than just a side hustle; it’s a chance to turn your creative passion for design into a fulfilling and profitable venture. With the flexibility to work on your own terms and the potential to make a real impact in the real estate market, it’s an opportunity well worth exploring! So whether you’re looking to make some extra cash, tap into your creative side, or even eventually turn it into a full time business, home staging offers a unique and rewarding pathway. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tape measure, dust off your decor skills, and start transforming spaces!
