How to Start a Domestic Cleaning Business

Well run domestic cleaning services are always in demand.

Although a clean home is important for health and comfort, there are not many people who enjoy doing the actual work. If you are a person who is known for cleanliness and you have the desire to start your own business, a domestic cleaning service may be just the right endeavor for you. People with disabilities, busy professionals or people who just need a little help with keeping their homes clean, are all examples of the type of person who hire domestic cleaners. By taking the right steps, you may quickly find yourself with a successful business that has more work than you can imagine.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Business plan
• Insurance
• Cleaning supplies

Instructions

1. Conduct market research. Because of the popularity of cleaning services, make certain that there is enough available business in your area. Gather information on how many cleaning businesses operate within your desired location. Determine who your target customers are and if they have a need and willingness to pay for your services. Check out your competition to assess how successful they are, their business model and how much they charge for services.

2. Write out a business plan. There are many ways to get help and guidance when preparing your business plan. Go online and type "Business Plan" or "Business Plan for Cleaning Business" in the search engine box. There will be numerous websites that give advice on how to write out a great business plan, basic free templates and detailed templates sold for a fee. It is important to take the necessary time to write out a detailed business plan as it will serve as an ever evolving blueprint for your business.

3. Acquire funding if necessary. Your business plan will help you to determine what your expenses will be, if funding is required or if you will be able to handle the cost with your own resources. Apply for small business loans through your local banking institution or research other loan options that are listed on websites such as the Small Business Administration (SBA). Seek private investors for your cleaning business or ask family members for a loan.

4. Apply for a business license or permit. The type of license that you will need to run a domestic cleaning business will vary according to which state you are conducting business in. Contact your state's Department of Revenue or look up your state agency from websites such as Business.gov. Apply for the appropriate licensing, pay the required fee and any applicable taxes.

5. Insure and bond your business. Contact your insurance agent or a broker that specializes in small business insurance. Because domestic cleaning requires that you work in the homes of your customers, you will want to protect your business from any potential problems that may arise. Your broker will advise you on what coverage is best for cleaning services in your area, as well as business insurance to cover your vehicle.

6. Establish an office and buy office and cleaning equipment. Locate an office space for your business and equip it with at minimum, a desk, computer, fax machine, printer, and telephone. Create an account with a distributor of professional cleaning supplies and products. Buy cleaning chemicals for floors, windows, and toilets as well as cleaning equipment such as mops, vacuum cleaners, brooms and dusting cloths. If needed, buy a truck or van to carry your cleaning supplies and equipment between jobs.

7. Advertise your business to gain customers. Word of mouth will be the best form of advertisement that your business can receive. When starting out, offer to clean the home of friends or acquaintances for free in exchange for referrals or a letter of recommendation. Place advertisements in your local newspaper or on Internet based classified ads. Offer discounts for first-time services or half-off the second cleaning service. Create and pass out business cards or fliers in areas where your target customers reside.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have your business plan on hand whenever you or seeking financial help from any source and create a contract that outlines the terms of any family or friend loan.

• If you are hiring employees it is important to conduct background checks.

References

• SBA: Start Your Business
• Business.gov: Business Licenses and Permits