Home styling and staging consultant

Home sellers, landlords and real estate agents who want a property to look its best for photos and open homes.

A flat fee for a consultation and written plan, plus an optional hourly or fixed price for doing the styling on the day.

• Eye for layout, colour and décor
• Tactful with homeowners about clutter
• Organised and good at timing a job

• Public liability insurance, since you will be working in other people's homes
• Check whether your council requires approval if you run the business from home
• Agree in writing who is responsible for damage or loss when moving a client's belongings
• Agent referrals can be slow to build, so plan for a quiet start

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the size of your styling kit of cushions, throws, art and plants, plus insurance and marketing. You use the owner's furniture, so costs stay low.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many consultations you book and your pricing. Agent referrals can be slow to build, so plan for a quiet start.

Check public liability insurance, since you work in other people's homes. Check whether your council requires approval if you run the business from home, and agree in writing who is responsible for damage or loss when moving a client's belongings.