How to Start A Cleaning Business

Have you always wanted to be your own boss? Looking to start a business in the house cleaning industry but don’t know where to start? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you have come to the right place. Being experts in the home cleaning industry, we have listed out what it takes to start a house cleaning business and the initial steps associated.

Research the house cleaning industry in your area

Take a closer look at what other house cleaning businesses are already in your vicinity. Looking at market saturation can help to determine how to set competitive pricing. Also, be sure to consider where the need is for home cleaning services. Maybe one city has a much larger need or larger population than the next town over. Knowing what you’re getting into can save you a ton of stress down the road and get you better set up for success. As we’ve always been told, do your homework! You can get a feel for different cleaning businesses by looking through their websites. A good place to check is a company’s blog. If you need help getting started with this research, you can check Feedspot’s Top Housekeeping blogs, on which we’re featured!

What do I need to start a cleaning business?

• A Defined Role. Many people think they can do it all when starting a company. Business owner, marketer, cleaner, office manager, and everything else in between. This will leave you feeling overwhelmed and burned out. While there are many paths to success, focusing on your role as business owner is most important to ensure that the business runs smoothly and effectively.
• Time. Many people think they can start a side business while keeping a full time job, and do their other everyday responsibilities. It’s important for new business owners to foster their new business with time and care in order to develop and grow. If you are thinking about starting your own cleaning business, you have to constantly make time to invest into growing and improving your business. If you have a trusted person in mind that could be a support system to help with daily tasks, this will help lighten the load while still putting in the necessary focus to build a business.
• Money. While starting a house cleaning business is more affordable than starting many other businesses such as restaurants, there are still large costs that come into play: cleaning materials, marketing materials, paying employees (this may come later as your business grows), necessary equipment (ex. scheduling software), building a website, etc. Take the time to brainstorm and list out all of the finances involved in not only getting your business off the ground, but how much will be required to run the business.
• A business mindset with a positive attitude. You must have the mentality that you will succeed. Without this, the time and money do not matter. Starting your own business is difficult and can be overwhelming. It’s okay to be scared and unsure, but you also have to be in the mindset that you CAN do this, and to approach decisions professionally and confidently.

Do I need to register my cleaning business?

Yes! It’s important to make sure you get the legal I’s dotted and T’s crossed so that you can operate properly from the get-go. Different states have different requirements, so check what your state’s licensing and permit requirements are before getting started.

Build up your clientele and reputation

Acquire as many customers as you can- friends, family, etc. to build up a strong customer base. And encourage these valued customers to leave reviews. Reviews are increasingly important when people are looking for a home service, so the more you have, the more credible your business will be when people are researching home cleaning companies.

Refine and perfect

Once you’ve started recruiting customers and are getting in the groove, don’t get comfortable. Always look for ways to improve. One constant area to refine is your profit margins. Can you rework your cleaning routes to make the most of your time and gas? Do you need to charge higher prices for homes that are larger and messier than initially quoted? Go through all of your processes with a fine-tooth comb to make sure you’re providing the most value in the most time and cost-effective way.

We hope we’ve been helpful in outlining the initial steps to take before considering opening your own house cleaning business. But if business ownership seems exciting, but a little too overwhelming to take on yourself, franchise ownership might be a great alternative. With franchising, you can still be your own boss, but you have the support and resources from an established brand to help you hit the ground running from the beginning.

Be in business for yourself but not by yourself. Call Home Clean Heroes at 844-949-4376 to find out more information about this great business opportunity!