How to Start a House Cleaning Service

Start a house-cleaning service as an avenue to self-employment. It will require hard work and dedication. Successful house-cleaning services hinge on the reputation of the business. Honesty, punctuality and service are key in creating a successful house-cleaning service. Before starting a house-cleaning service, consider the following steps to help make the endeavor successful and profitable.

Instructions

1. Check out your competition. Before starting any business it is important to discover if there is a demand for your service. Look into other house-cleaning services and learn as much as possible, such as what they typically charge for specific services.

2. Obtain a business license. Contact your local governmental office, such as city hall, to purchase a local business license. Decide what you will name your business, as you will need to obtain the license in your business name.

3. Purchase Insurance. Have a talk with your insurance representative about the type of insurance she advises. If you accidentally damage property while cleaning, you want to be covered. Also investigate bonding. If you are bonded, homeowners will be more willing to let you into their property unsupervised.

4. Develop a tax plan. Do not attempt to clean houses "under the table." Avoiding paying income taxes is illegal and costly. You may discover that you have many legitimate deductions, making any tax liability minimal. Talk to a tax expert, or contact the Internal Revenue Service for tax information.

5. Educate yourself on the art and science of cleaning. Just because you've been cleaning your own home for years does not mean you know about cleaning the many different materials in a home. In Europe many house cleaners attend school to teach them their profession. Start a notebook collecting cleaning instructions on the many surfaces found in homes, such as different countertops, flooring and interior paint. Cleaning a surface improperly can cause damage.

6. Develop a price sheet. Prepare a realistic price sheet, listing various services and rates. Ask yourself if you will be charging by the hour or by the task, and whether will you be using your client's cleaning materials and equipment or your own. Understand that some clients will want you to use their cleaning products, while others will not.

7. Order business cards. If you are bonded, include this information on your business card. Keep your business cards with you at all times and be prepared to hand them out and tack them up on community bulletin boards.

8. Develop an advertising strategy and budget. Decide how much you can spend on advertising, and decide where you plan to spend the money.

9. There are many options: local phone books, organizational directories, local publications and the internet.

10. Assemble your cleaning product inventory and equipment. Make a list of what you will need to begin with, such as vacuums, brooms and cleaning solutions.

11. Consider your cleaning attire. Instead of wearing old clothes, invest in professional looking work shirts or t-shirts with your cleaning service's business name embossed on the shirt. Wear your "uniform" to clean properties, to look professional. It will instill more confidence with your clients, and they will be more apt to refer you to their friends.

12. Make contacts. Begin by making a list of businesses who might use your services, such as real estate offices and property managers. Contact those companies and provide information on your services. Contact everyone you know and let them know what you are doing.

Tips & Warnings

• Join local business and service organizations to promote your business.

Resources

• Starting a Cleaning Service
• Housecleaning 101