Your house is so clean that you never panic when the doorbell rings. When people are on your front stoop, you relish opening the door so the fresh, summer-breeze scent that permeates your spotless home can waft out and invite them in. In fact, you’ve been known to invite the postman and proselytizers inside simply to show off your pristine home.
If you’re this good at cleaning your own crib, just imagine what you could do with other people’s houses! Before you laugh, consider the many benefits owning your own house cleaning business would provide. You get to be your own boss and decide the hours you want to work, whether part-time or full-time. The start-up costs are extremely low; basically, all you need is a reliable car and the right cleaning supplies. Here’s how to get started.
Plan Your Hours
First, decide what your goals are. What do you want to accomplish with your business? A full-time income or some extra cash each month? If you want to start slow and see what happens, make a goal to secure two clients per week. For a full-time gig, put in a little more legwork to secure a full schedule of clients.
Create a Menu
Make a comprehensive list of services you’ll provide. Most housecleaning businesses provide a range of basic services, including:
- Vacuuming
- Mopping
- Dusting
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Disinfecting surfaces
- Sweeping
Now consider the “extras,” or the specialty services that you’ll charge a bit more for. These may include:
- Cleaning furniture
- Polishing silver
- Removing mildew or mold
- Washing windows
- Cleaning curtains or blinds
- Washing walls
Calculate how much time each service will take you; this will make it easier to estimate how much to charge per hour.
Check out the Competition
Take an hour or two and figure out what your competitors are up to. How much do they charge? What services do they provide? How are they advertising? You might even want to call a couple and do some first-hand research to learn how they negotiate prices and fees.
The Right Tools
Most of the time, you’ll probably use the clients’ supplies when you’re cleaning their homes. However, when it comes to keeping furniture looking fresh and new, the key lies in the products you use. For the best in furniture care, you’ve got to have the right tools, and that means professional grade cleaning products. This is an area where you don’t want to skimp; after all, new furniture doesn’t come cheap, so if you can get your customers’ furniture looking amazing, they’re going to be very happy with your service.
Marketing Your Business
Now that you’ve got the tools you need, it’s time to get those clients! Start by creating a website that lists your contact information, the services you offer, your rates and the locations you’re able to service. If you create flyers or business cards, include your website on them. Build a client list by contacting local realtors; many need people to help them stage homes or prepare for open houses. Home builders are another resource, as are apartment management companies.
Starting your own housecleaning business may seem daunting, but it’s actually one of the simplest types of business to start, thanks to the low overhead costs. With the right tools and the right attitude, you’re sure to be a success. Plus, houses always get dirty, so your services will always be in demand.
Originally posted on May 8, 2013 @ 4:23 am
