There are a number of blogs online claiming that little to no money is required for starting a home staging company. Many of these blogs claim that no financial investment is required to make an income in the six figures.
Although this is technically possible, the chance of failure is high. There are a lot of costs that must be considered prior to starting a home staging business.
Before diving into the list of expenses, it’s important to understand why these upfront costs matter. Home staging is a trust-based business – clients are welcoming you into their home and relying on you to help influence one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make.
When you have even a modest amount of foundational tools, good branding, and a few basic systems in place, you appear far more credible and professional. That credibility is what helps you land your very first paying clients, even before you have a large portfolio.
With that said, here are the common expenses when starting a home staging business:
| Expense | Notes / Tips / Suggested Tools |
|---|---|
| Building your home staging website | Wix and Squarespace are easiest for beginners; WordPress is more flexible but more technical. Expect $10 – $20/month for hosting + $20/year for a domain. |
| Business licensing fees | Varies by state/country – but typically $50 to $300 to register your business name. Check your local government website. |
| Printing marketing materials | Business cards, flyers, brochures. Local print shops or Vistaprint are affordable. Expect $20 – $60 per batch. |
| Newsletter service | Mailchimp has a free tier, while CampaignMonitor and Mailjet offer better design options. Budget $0 – $29/month depending on list size. |
| Color printer & business computer | Optional if working mostly digitally. A basic color printer is $100 – $250; a reliable laptop for design & admin work ranges $800 – $1,500. |
| Business insurance | Liability insurance is essential. Expect $400 – $1,000/year depending on your location and coverage. |
| Funds to establish a business checking account | Some banks require $50 – $200 minimum deposit. Look for accounts with no monthly fees. |
| Graphic designer for a logo | Fiverr ($20 – $80), 99designs ($100 – $300), or Canva (DIY for free). |
| Tax license use and sales fees | Local business groups, realtor associations, and chambers of commerce. Usually $100–$500/year per membership. |
| Networking organization fees | Local business groups, realtor associations, and chambers of commerce. Usually $100 – $500/year per membership. |
| Business cards | GraphicRiver has templates for $5 – $12; printing costs $10 – $30, depending on quantity and finish. |
| Accounting software | FreshBooks and QuickBooks range from $15 – $30/month. Wave Accounting is a free alternative. |
| Tools for staff | Measuring tape, tool sets, picture hangers, drill, step ladder, bins for accessories. Expect $100 – $300 for basics. |
| Entity creation fees | Registering an LLC or company typically costs $50 – $3,00 depending on location. |
No official “home staging license” is required to start a staging business, but earning a home staging certification can make a meaningful difference when you’re just getting started.
Certification training teaches you the practical skills you’ll need to stage homes confidently from day one – everything from design principles to workflow processes.
It also gives you a certification badge for your website and marketing materials, which adds instant credibility and helps reassure your very first clients that you’re trained, professional, and serious about your business.
Building a Home Staging Business
Your initial investment creates the foundation of your business – your branding, basic inventory, insurance, and tools – so you’re prepared to take on paying clients with confidence.
Securing clients is the next step. The final goal is profitability. The majority of all types of businesses fail within three to five years. The most important steps for achieving success include:
- Ensuring there are enough funds to survive slow periods
- Taking educated risks
- Listening to the market and flexibility
- Consistent education
- Making a 100 percent financial and emotional investment
- Having more than one source of income in the beginning
- Having a mentor with a similar and successful business
In addition to a shortage of money, there are five top reasons home staging companies fail. Business growth must be steady. Revenue must be kept up and expenses down.
In the early years, many staging businesses operate with tight margins while they build their reputation, refine pricing, and grow referral networks – this is normal and part of the growth phase, not a sign of failure.
Building a staging business requires some upfront investment in tools, décor, and marketing – but these foundational expenses are what allow you to accept paid jobs and grow sustainably.
For a business to be profitable and successful enough for the individual to earn a living, money must be spent on the following expenses.
- Various styles and sizes of rugs, including the important 8×10
- Various sizes of art
- Orbs and fake fruit
- Fake plants in different textures and sizes
- Lamps
- Various accessories such as candles, books, candlesticks, vases, and knick-knacks
Even in occupied homes, small accessories like rugs, lamps, greenery, and décor make a noticeable difference – and owning these items yourself is usually far more cost-effective than renting them repeatedly. These essentials help you quickly transform a space without needing a full furniture inventory.
The majority of large furniture items can be rented from companies such as Cort. All of the items above are necessary in addition to pillows, linens, and so much more. When you rent large furniture pieces, part of your revenue goes toward rental fees – but it’s still a smart option when you’re starting out, because it allows you to take on bigger jobs without needing to invest in expensive inventory upfront.
Tips for Starting a Home Staging Company on a Strict Budget
Starting a home staging business doesn’t have to involve a huge upfront investment.
In fact, many successful stagers begin with just a small collection of décor, a simple website, and a whole lot of determination.
If you’re working with a tight budget, the key is to be strategic about where you spend your money and how you set up the foundations of your business.
Below are the most cost-effective steps to take when launching your home staging company without overspending.
Research the Local Housing Market
Before investing in décor or furniture, take time to understand the homes in your area. The pieces you buy should match the neighborhood’s style and price point.
For example, staging in an upscale urban area will require different accessories than staging in a rural community with cottage-style homes. Look at local listings, open homes, and top realtors’ social pages to see what buyers respond to.
Choose a Strong Business Name and Handle Licensing Early
Your business name should make it clear what you offer and appeal to the clients you want to attract. Keep it simple, memorable, and design-friendly.
Once you choose a name, register your business, and get any required local licenses. This part is usually inexpensive but helps you operate professionally from day one.
Define Your Target Market
A clear target market helps you avoid wasting money on décor or marketing that won’t attract the right clients. You might focus on:
- Real estate agents
- House flippers
- Builders
- Investors
- Homeowners selling high-value properties
Choosing a niche makes it easier to tailor your services and pricing.
Create a Simple Pricing Structure
Staging quotes can be complicated, especially when you’re just starting out.
Build a simple formula that accounts for time, labor, inventory, travel, and any special challenges (like stairs or difficult access). You can do this in Google Sheets or Excel. For students in our home staging certification course, check the resources page for a template to use. For others, there is a basic home staging pricing calculator on our website for free.
Creating such a resource allows you to give quick, accurate quotes (something realtors love).
Protect Yourself With Liability Insurance
Even small staging jobs involve risk. A scratched wall or damaged floor can cost hundreds to repair.
Liability insurance protects your business financially and reassures clients that you’re a responsible professional.
Use Clear Contracts
Well-written contracts make every job smoother. They outline responsibilities, timelines, payment schedules, damages, and cancellation terms.
You can start with a simple template and customize it for each client as your business grows. We have one you can use in our home staging courses (available only to enrolled students), and other websites have templates you can buy for a few hundred dollars. Use these as a starting point, and remember that it is always a good idea to seek your own legal advice as well.
(We’ve also seen very cheap home staging contracts available on Etsy. If you use one of these, definitely get your own legal advice before using it with a client)
Build a Professional Website on a Budget
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy – it just needs to be clean, modern, and easy to navigate. A simple site built on Wix or Squarespace with:
- A few portfolio photos
- Your process
- Services
- Pricing guidance
- Contact details
…is enough to make you look polished and credible. This is especially important when you’re still building experience.
Keep Your Branding Clean and Consistent
Your logo, website, business cards, and social media should all share the same look and feel. Consistent branding makes your business appear trustworthy and professional – even if you’re operating on a tight budget.
Network With Local Realtors
Realtors are often the fastest path to your first few staging jobs. A simple introduction, a quick pitch, and a link to your portfolio can be enough to get referrals rolling in. The more value you provide to realtors, the more they will recommend you to their sellers.
Plan for Storage Early
Even on a small budget, you’ll eventually accumulate décor, rugs, lamps, and accessories. Renting storage adds up quickly, so look for cost-effective options such as:
- A spare garage
- A small shed
- Shared storage with a partner business
Start small and scale up when needed.
Shop Smart Using Discount Suppliers
You don’t need high-end décor to start staging effectively. Great pieces can come from:
- Clearance sections
- Discount furniture stores
- Local auctions
- Facebook Marketplace
- Secondhand stores (for books, vases, side tables, etc.)
Look for neutral, versatile items that work in multiple homes.
Use Furniture Rentals Strategically
Renting furniture is a smart way to stage large or high-end homes without spending thousands upfront. It helps you take on jobs you otherwise couldn’t – especially early on when you don’t have your own inventory.
Build a Simple Portfolio
You don’t need dozens of projects to start attracting clients. Even a few well-photographed rooms can show your style and skill. Use these images on your website, social media, and in your proposals.
Craft a Short “Quick Pitch”
A quick pitch helps you explain the value of home staging in 20–30 seconds. Focus on:
- Faster sales
- Higher offers
- Better first impressions
Realtors and homeowners should instantly understand why staging matters. Here is a sample to get you brainstorming what you’re pitch may sound like:
“I help homeowners present their property in the best possible light so it sells faster and for a higher price. Most buyers struggle to visualise how spaces can be used, so I create a warm, modern look that helps them instantly connect with the home. Staged homes consistently get more attention online and far stronger first impressions during viewings.“
If you are pitching a realtor, consider amending your pitch accordingly:
“I partner with realtors to make their listings stand out. Staged homes photograph better, attract more buyers, and typically sell faster and for more money. My goal is to take the pressure off your sellers by transforming the home into a space buyers can emotionally connect with from the moment they walk in.“
Collect Testimonials Early
One or two testimonials can build credibility. Ask past clients, realtors, or homeowners to share a short review based on professionalism, style, and results. Add them to your website and marketing materials.
Try Low-Cost Local Advertising
Start with grassroots marketing: Flyers, business cards, community groups, small sponsorships, or local newspapers can help you get known in your area – all on a modest budget.
Develop a Simple Content Strategy
You don’t need to post daily, but consistent content helps clients trust you. Ideas include:
- Staging before/after photos
- Tips for sellers
- DIY styling advice
- Market insights
Posting once a week positions you as a helpful expert.
Stay Inspired and Keep Learning
Trends change quickly, and clients rely on you to understand what’s fresh and modern. Stay inspired through magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and open houses in your area.
A Smart, Sustainable Way to Start Your Staging Business
The truth is that while you can start small and be resourceful, building a successful home staging business without any investment simply isn’t realistic.
What is realistic is starting with a modest budget, growing slowly, and reinvesting your early profits. Many stagers begin with just a few carefully chosen décor pieces, basic marketing materials, and a simple website – then expand as client bookings increase.
With smart planning and steady effort, you can absolutely build a profitable staging business without overspending in the beginning.
