Do you want to start a house cleaning business? Find here a detailed step-by-step business plan guide on starting the business from scratch covering aspects like the costs, licenses required, equipment, and much more.
A house cleaning business is a profitable opportunity and has good income potential. The house cleaning business demands very fewer infrastructure costs. In addition, this business demands very little equipment to operate. You can start your own house cleaning business with much less capital investment.
Firstly, to start with it is important to choose the service you will offer. You must get trained in the service you are offering. This business demands some basic knowledge about vacuum cleaners, sprayers, etc. Consider taking some classes in the operation of cleaning equipment and safety measures.
11 Steps to Start a House Cleaning Business
1. Understand the Market
To build a successful house cleaning business is to understand the local market. Do market research and collect information regarding the expectations of the local customers, the competitors, and the going rate for house cleaning services in the area where you are going to cater. based on the information, you will be better placed to explore the gaps and plan your business accordingly.
2. Find Your Niche Audience
A house cleaning business caters to a wide range of niche services. These are office cleaning, home cleaning, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, car washing, air duct cleaning, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to concentrate on only one segment. At least in starting. Don’t go for a wide range of services.
You must be responsible and committed to your offers to the customers. This business is all about winning the trust of clients.
3. Create a Business Plan
It is essential to write a detailed business plan before actually starting a house cleaning business. Clearly outline your company goals, operational plan, and financial projections in your plan document. Below find some key components that you must include in your house cleaning business plan:
- Target Customer Profiles
- Services you are planning to offer
- Pricing Plan
- Financial Plan
- How do you plan to sell your house cleaning services?
4. Make Your House Cleaning Business Legally Compliant
The house cleaning business might require licenses and registrations to operate in some localities. First of all, check your state and tax laws applicable in the area where you have to plan to serve. Talk to a local attorney and register your business and choose the most-suited business structure as per your resources and scale of operation.
If you are living in the United States and intend to start a cleaning business, forming an LLC is a popular option. It protects your personal assets and filing makes it much easier.
For example, someone in Texas planning to start a house cleaning business can electronically file almost all types of business forms with the Texas Secretary of State using the SOSDirect website.
5. Cost of Starting a House Cleaning Business
Determine all the costs associated with your business and allocate how much money, resources, and time you have to dedicate to each. It includes business registration costs, licensing, transporting, labor, supplies, and advertising.
On average, you can start a house cleaning business by investing as little as $3000.
6. Name Your Cleaning Business
Find a catchy name for your business. Craft a logo and catchline. This is important to have a professional look and approach. Choose a name that can convey the message clearly. However, you must choose a short and memorable one.
Related: How to Name Your Business
7. Arrange A Vehicle
The business demands a lot of movement with your cleaning equipment. Due to this reason, you will need to arrange a vehicle. Maybe it is a two-wheeler, three-wheeler 0r four-wheeler.
Choose the right vehicle according to your specific needs. Don’t over-invest in it. You may also consider having a vehicle on a monthly rent basis. You can attach professional signage to it.
Don’t forget to include the name of your company, logo, and contact number. It gives an enormous scope of outdoor advertisement without raising any recurring expenses.
8. Procure The Required Equipment
According to your area of activity, you must procure the required equipment. Every different type of cleaning service demand some special tools and equipment. Apart from the cleaning equipment, you will need to use a mobile phone, a computer with an internet connection and a printer. Here I have listed some of the basics.
- Mops and Pads: Use mops made of microfibers. Pads are essential items. You can use the pads wet or dry.
- Brooms: This is a must-have item for a domestic cleaning service.
- Vacuum Cleaners: This is an important item for almost every type of cleaning business. However, you must procure a vacuum cleaner that has a blower and sucker both.
- Toilet Brushes: This is an essential item for any type of toilet cleaning.
- Cleaning Solutions
9. Fix Pricing
Fix your charges carefully. Competitive pricing will definitely help in fetching new customers quickly. However, never go for undercharging. Figure out your cost first. It will help you in fixing your charges. Put every detail work on the assignment sheet. Get ready with your business cards and catalog.
Related: How To Price A Product
10. Consult an Accountant
Accounting is critical in running a successful cleaning business. Consult with an accountant. Investing in proper accounting software that can help you manage your appointments, payroll issues, expenses, and income. You can also store your clients’ databases with their specific needs for services. You must give a proper bill and money receipt to your clients.
11. Promote Your House Cleaning Business
While you are starting with a shoestring budget, go for low-cost ways to promote your business. You must have a lot of customers to get the business successful. In addition, You must take care of retaining the customers to get more returning customers. Start advertising locally.
Build a website of your own. Make your business visible in local online classifieds. There are a lot of free tools on the internet. Use them judiciously. A house cleaning business is self-rewarding. And it gives a quick return on your investment.
Final Words:
Building a successful house-cleaning business requires hard work and patience. However, if planned and executed properly, it can not only fetch good profit returns but also satisfying. Give your best to provide good and prompt customer service. Also, try to keep improving and stay updated with newer technologies.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
