You know that moment when the last house guest leaves, or your youngest goes back to school, and you pause to look around at the summer's accumulated chaos and think

"Where do I even start?" or

"I'd love to host shoots but..." 

September often feels like a new beginning, doesn't it? That first hint of autumn still brings the fresh start feeling. At The Shoot Academy we call it mum's New Year - and it might just be the perfect time to start on your hosting journey.

BUT with a whole summer of children, visitors, and chaos behind us, most of our homes don't exactly feel photo-ready. And that can be the sticking point for so many would-be shoot hosts.

We hear it all the time:

"I love the idea of hiring out my home, but it's not ready. There's clutter everywhere."

Here's the secret: your home doesn't need to be perfect to host shoots. In fact, the most in-demand locations aren't the polished show homes you see on Instagram - they're lived-in, character-filled spaces. The biggest barrier is confidence. And clutter can eat away at confidence as this month's podcast guest knows only too well.

Tidying vs organising

In this week's podcast, we sat down with Andrea Lewis, professional organiser and founder of The Organised Curator. Andrea makes the brilliant distinction between tidying and organising.

Tidying is surface level: making the bed, clearing the kitchen counter, stacking things neatly. Organising, though, is about creating systems that last. When you've got good systems in place - cupboards that aren't bursting, surfaces that aren't forever catching clutter - tidying becomes quick and easy.

It's a small mindset shift, but it's powerful.

Why September is the reset moment

Andrea suggests using the seasons as natural markers to reset and declutter. And September is perfect: the kids are back at school, routines return, and the year suddenly feels like it's getting serious again. It's a brilliant time to:

✨ Sort wardrobes before autumn layers creep in

✨ Tackle the cupboard of doom that's been haunting you all summer

✨ Re-set hallways, cloakrooms and kitchens before the winter clutter piles up

And let's talk about the Monica cupboard

Regular readers & listeners will remember our Monica cupboard philosophy from the course and previous blogs - and yes, that Monica cupboard from Friends. Even Andrea admits she has one. And honestly? If you don't have one yet, you should.

Because, the thing about shoots is: they are smoke and mirrors. One side of the room looks magazine-ready, the other may be stacked with boxes and kit. That's completely normal. Professional photographers work this way all the time. The trick is giving yourself a designated "safe space" - your Monica cupboard or spare room - where the everyday clutter can hide for the day.

It's not cheating. It's practical hosting and living.

Quick wins for shoot hosts

If your house feels overwhelming, Andrea's advice is to start small and smart. Clear your fridge doors of magnets and school notices - visual noise like this shows up surprisingly strongly in kitchen shots. Tackle hallways next, since these become high-traffic corridors for crews moving equipment around.

Her golden rule? Time-box just 30 minutes, put your phone on aeroplane mode, pick one space, and go. And if you can swing it, even half a day with a professional organiser can transform things completely.

Remember: it's not about achieving perfection. It's about giving yourself the confidence to open the door when that booking comes in.

A fresh start

So if clutter (and the confidence dent that comes with it) has been holding you back from hosting, September is your reset moment. Tidy surfaces, reclaim space, and give yourself permission to keep a Monica cupboard.

Because here's the truth: nobody's house is flawless. But with a little order and calm, your space can be the perfect backdrop for a shoot whilst still feeling like a real, lived-in home. And that's exactly what clients are looking for.

✨ Listen to the full conversation with Andrea Lewis on The Shoot Academy Guest Sessions podcast for more gentle wisdom and practical hosting tips.

Happy hosting x