Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in knowledge. These books will teach you the core principles of staging, design, and running a profitable staging business. Reading them upfront saves you thousands in trial-and-error mistakes.
Home Staging for Dummies by Melanie Votaw
This book covers the fundamentals of staging in plain language—how to assess a room, identify what sells, and make strategic decisions about furniture placement and décor. It’s practical, not theoretical, and gives you the mental framework you’ll use on every single job before you buy a single piece of equipment.
Shop Home Staging for Dummies on Amazon →
The Stager’s Bible by Barb Schwarz
Barb Schwarz founded the home staging industry. This book is the authoritative guide on staging techniques, client management, and building a professional reputation. If you’re serious about this business, this book belongs on your shelf.
Shop The Stager’s Bible on Amazon →
The Home Stager’s Manual by Barbara Jennings
This is a step-by-step operational guide for running the actual business side of staging—pricing, contracts, safety, client communication, and managing your inventory. It bridges the gap between knowing how to stage and knowing how to run it as a profitable venture.
Shop The Home Stager’s Manual on Amazon →
Home Staging: The Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money by Barb Schwarz
This book teaches you how to communicate staging benefits to homeowners and real estate agents in a way that justifies your fees. Understanding your client’s perspective and pain points makes you a better stager and a better salesperson.
Shop Home Staging: The Winning Way on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
You won’t need thousands of dollars in equipment to start. Much of your business comes from the ability to see potential and give direction. That said, certain tools make you faster, more professional, and more productive.
Photography and Documentation
- DSLR or mirrorless camera: You’ll take before-and-after photos for your portfolio. Smartphone cameras work initially, but a dedicated camera shows professionalism and captures better lighting details.
- Tripod: Steady shots without blurring, especially important in lower-light rooms.
- Wide-angle lens: Makes rooms appear larger and more open—useful for both staging decisions and marketing photos.
- Portable LED lighting kit: Brightens dark corners and creates even exposure in photos and client presentations.
Shop LED lighting kits on Amazon →
Measurement and Assessment Tools
- Laser measure: Quickly measure rooms and furniture. More accurate than tape measures and saves time on site visits.
- Digital level: Ensures artwork, mirrors, and shelves are properly aligned—details that buyers notice.
- Tape measure (25-foot): Still useful as backup and for tight spaces where a laser won’t work.
- Clipboard with notepad: Document observations, measurements, and client requests during walkthroughs.
Shop laser measures on Amazon →
Shop digital levels on Amazon →
Cleaning and Prep Supplies
- Microfiber cloths: Clean mirrors, windows, and surfaces streak-free. Essential before any staging work.
- Vacuum cleaner: Powerful upright or portable model for quick floor refreshes between stages.
- Ladder (6-8 foot): Hang curtains, adjust lighting, reach high shelves and artwork.
- Tool kit: Basic hammer, screwdriver set, nail gun, picture hanging hooks, anchors, and wall anchors for different drywall types.
- Touch-up paint supplies: Small cans of neutral white, gray, and beige; paintbrushes and painter’s tape for walls and trim.
Shop microfiber cloths on Amazon →
Shop vacuum cleaners on Amazon →
Furniture and Décor Sourcing
- Storage unit or warehouse space: You’ll acquire staging furniture, artwork, and accessories. A climate-controlled 10×10 or 10×15 unit typically costs $50–$150 monthly depending on location.
- Furniture dolly and hand truck: Move heavy pieces safely and efficiently without injury or damage.
- Moving straps and padding: Protect your back and the furniture when repositioning pieces on stage.
Shop furniture dollies on Amazon →
Shop moving straps on Amazon →
Software and Business Tools
- Project management software: Asana, Monday.com, or similar to track projects, timelines, and client communications.
- Design visualization software: Tools like RoomSketcher, Canva, or MagicPlan help you present staged layouts to clients before execution.
- Business accounting software: QuickBooks or Wave to manage invoices, expenses, and tax documentation.
- Portfolio website or platform: Showit, Wix, or WordPress to display before-and-after photos and attract clients online.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean. You don’t need everything immediately. Prioritize equipment that directly generates revenue or builds your portfolio.
- First (Month 1-2): Smartphone or basic DSLR camera, tripod, tape measure, notepad, basic tool kit, microfiber cloths, and business management software. These let you start staging and documenting work.
- Next (Month 2-4): Laser measure, digital level, portable LED lighting, and a small storage unit for décor inventory. You’ll have your first few clients and can justify these upgrades.
- Later (Month 6+): Once you have steady revenue, invest in better camera gear, furniture dolly, professional design software, and larger storage space as your inventory grows.
New vs Used Equipment
You have real flexibility here. Most staging equipment doesn’t wear out quickly if treated well.
Buy new: Measurement tools (laser measures, levels) where accuracy matters and failure can derail a job. Also buy new any tool that directly appears in client photos or affects their impression of your professionalism—camera, tripod, and lighting. Buy used: Furniture and décor for your staging inventory. Thrift stores, estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, and local auctions are goldmines. Used frames, lamps, throw pillows, and side tables cost 50–70% less than retail. Restoration knowledge (reupholstering, repainting, refinishing) will stretch your budget significantly. Storage solutions, ladders, and hand tools are fine used if they’re structurally sound.
Where to Buy
- Thrift stores and consignment shops: GOODWILL, Salvation Army, local consignment shops for furniture, artwork, and décor at bottom prices.
- Estate sales and auctions: High-quality vintage and mid-century furniture often priced below retail; check local auction houses and online platforms like AuctionZip or Craigslist.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Direct-from-owner sales; you can negotiate prices and inspect items before buying.
- Home improvement stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s for paint, brushes, tools, hardware, and ladder rentals.
- Camera and photography retailers: B&H Photo, Adorama, or local camera shops for advice and slightly better pricing than general retailers on camera gear.
- Office supply stores: Staples or Office Depot for clipboards, notepads, and organizational supplies.
- Storage unit facilities: Search local options online or ask local real estate agents for recommendations; prices vary by market and unit size.