Are you looking for a business idea that is recession-proof? Consider starting a house cleaning business! This is a great way to make money and doesn’t require a lot of start-up capital. This article will discuss how to start a house cleaning business from scratch. We will also provide tips on marketing your business and finding clients. So, whether you are underemployed and looking for something new or just looking for some extra income, starting a house cleaning business may be the perfect solution for you!
Starting a House Cleaning Business
The first step to starting any new business is a good business plan. Think about the size of your business, how many clients you’re aiming for, and if you’ll have a team to manage. Many house cleaners start out independently and run their business as solo entrepreneurs, while others hire staff immediately. There are several types of cleaning businesses too - you can clean residential homes or choose to expand into commercial offices as well. Your plan should include all of these specifics and any investments you may need.
Once you’ve solidified your business plan, start taking a look at your local area. It’s always a good idea to look at your competition to know what you’re getting yourself into. If you notice there aren’t as many commercial cleaning companies, maybe you can find a niche there. You may want to also consider neighboring areas and what the competitors are doing there. You can also see what they’re doing well and what you think you could do better.
While starting a house cleaning business may not require any particular license, there are still legal issues to consider. Insureon recommends a general liability insurance plan to cover any accidents while on the job. This will ensure that if any accidents, such as slipping and falling occur while you’re there, you will have insurance to cover you.
House Cleaning Supplies
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of how to start a house cleaning business, let’s go over what supplies you’ll need to do the job right. You likely have most of the supplies already in your cabinets! If you’re focusing on residential properties, take a look at your own home and start there. You’ll also need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner and mop system if you don’t have those.
You may be surprised to find new ways of cleaning. We recommend testing a few products to find your perfect fit. For example, you may have only used newspaper and Windex on your windows, but branch out and try using a rag and vinegar solution.
Another important thing to consider is buying supplies in bulk. If you’re only cleaning a few homes a week, you may be able to get by with having a small stock, but once you have a team of cleaners, you’ll likely want to invest in a big box store membership to buy in bulk.
House Cleaning Rates
Now that we’ve discussed how to start a house cleaning business and what supplies you’ll need, let’s talk about pricing. You will need to decide how much to charge per hour or per job. This will depend on many factors, such as the size of the home, the number of rooms, and the level of cleaning required. You can use online tools, such as the Home Advisor Cleaning Calculator, to help you determine your pricing. Don’t forget to pay yourself well; your time is valuable!
Another factor to consider is what your competition is charging. You don’t want to be undercharging for your services. Reach out to other house cleaning companies and check their current rates. This can help you get an idea of where to start.
Marketing a House Cleaning Business
Next, it’s time to market your house cleaning business. An excellent place to start is by having your own unique website. Not only will this help you by housing all of your business information in one place, but this will allow new clients to find you. Consider adding a section to your site for reviews. This is a great way to set yourself apart from your competition. Nothing speaks louder than good reviews!
While the traditional marketing landscape is changing, you can still use paper flyers! House cleaning is one industry that makes sense to go door to door dropping off materials. You may even find that local businesses also allow you to advertise with them. Ensure that your marketing materials have your company name, phone number, and even an email address to reach you.
It may seem daunting to start a house cleaning business from scratch, but we’ve given you the tools to do it right. With a successful business plan and some elbow grease, you’re on your way to a home cleaning business!