Home decluttering and organising business

Busy families, people downsizing or moving, older people and their relatives, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by clutter.

Hourly rate or a half-day or day rate, with some organisers selling fixed-price packages for a single room or a house move.

• Patient and non-judgemental with people
• Good at sorting and planning
• Trustworthy in private homes
• Physically able to lift and carry

• Public liability insurance, check whether it covers working in clients' homes and handling their belongings
• Agree in writing what happens to items taken away, and check rules on waste disposal and whether you need a waste carrier registration
• Handling sensitive items such as paperwork, so consider a confidentiality agreement and data protection basics
• Some clients may have hoarding difficulties, so know when to suggest professional support
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,000, depending on your insurance, equipment, boxes and storage supplies, and how you promote the business. Your own costs may differ depending on how you set up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you work. The estimated minimum time commitment is around 6 hours a week.

Check that public liability insurance covers working in clients' homes, and agree in writing what happens to items taken away. Check waste disposal rules and whether you need waste carrier registration, and register as a sole trader with HMRC.