Owning a location home is an exciting way to open your doors to exciting brands, connect with inspirational creative professionals and earn extra income. But if it’s your very first booking, it’s natural to feel a little unsure about what’s expected. Don’t worry – with some simple preparation, you can ensure your home looks its best, the shoot runs smoothly, and clients leave happy.
At Styled Home Studios, we’ve helped countless homeowners turn their properties into sought-after locations. Here are our top tips to help you get your home shoot ready for your first booking.
Shoot crews love clean, flexible spaces. While your home doesn’t need to look sterile, decluttering and removing personal items will make it easier for creatives to style the space to their needs. Your home should look as close to the images in your listing as possible so it can help to take a quick look at your listing to remind yourself.
Tidy away laundry, paperwork, and toys – these can distract from the overall look and takes time for crews to move themselves, impacting their schedule.
Clear kitchen and bathroom counters – less is more when it comes to surfaces.
Pack away personal photos and artwork if you’d prefer they aren’t moved by crews or included in shots.
Think of your home as a canvas. Decorative items can stay, but avoid the clutter of everyday life.
Good lighting is everything for photography and film. Before your booking:
Open curtains and blinds fully.
Give dirty windows a quick clean to maximise natural light.
Turn off big overhead lights.
You don’t need to be a stylist – just a little attention to detail goes a long way and makes a great first impression.
Fluff cushions and throws to add texture.
Straighten rugs, bedlinen, and furniture.
This helps your home feel polished, but still lived-in and inviting.
Clients often book your home with specific areas in mind. If your listing highlights the kitchen, living room, and garden, make sure these spaces are ready.
Check that bathrooms are spotless – even if they’re not the main focus, crews may need to use them.
If exteriors are included, tidy gardens, sweep paths and hide bins.
Walk through your home from a visitor’s perspective to spot anything out of place.
A smooth start sets the tone for the whole shoot. Before the booking kicks off:
Share parking details and access instructions.
Note any unique house rules (e.g., areas off-limits, moving furniture, use of props).
Provide WiFi details if needed.
A printed welcome note with these details is also very helpful.
As the homeowner, it’s reassuring for clients if you’re available at the start of a shoot. Welcome the crew in, answer questions and then step back so they can get to work.
If you’re staying on-site, find a quiet spot so you’re nearby but not disruptive and if you’re going to be out for the day make sure that the crew have a number to reach you on if needed.
Before each booking, run through a simple checklist so you never miss anything. Include:
All rooms tidy and decluttered
Surfaces cleared
Curtains and blinds open
Bathroom and kitchen spotless and stocked with basics (extra loo roll in the bathroom and tea, coffee and milk in the kitchen for example)
This will make preparing for shoots quicker and stress-free.
Your first booking is a brilliant milestone – and with some thoughtful preparation, you’ll not only wow your clients but also boost your chances of repeat bookings and glowing reviews.
At Styled Home Studios, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From creating a standout listing to ensuring you feel confident welcoming clients, our goal is to make hosting enjoyable and rewarding so please get in touch if you have any questions.
And if you’re interested in becoming a Host you can find out more and apply to join us here.
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