How To Start A Housecleaning Service
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Do you have what it takes to run a clean, organized, and efficient home? Do you enjoy a clean environment so much that cleaning is a joy; not a burden? Then you may have what it takes to become a paid housekeeper or cleaning service.

In our fast paced society, people are just as stressed out about time as they are about money. With our ever-growing "to do" lists, there just never seems to be enough time to get everything done; especially when it comes to housework. It's those people you want to cater your services to. It's those people who are willing to pay someone to clean their homes so that they have more time in their days.

No one wants a dirty house, but time constraints often keep people from living in "clean" homes. Many times, dishes sit for days in the sink, clothes pile up in the bathroom, floors get swept but not washed, and bathroom germs grow and fester as the home owner pushes those tasks aside for more "important" tasks.

But you can change all that!

When you enter someone’s house with all the necessary supplies and tools to free up their time while leaving them with a clean, sanitary environment you offer them a service that is priceless. You give home owners back some of their time, you give them a safe place to raise their families, and you offer them peace-of-mind.

Below are several tips to help you build a successful cleaning business; whether you're entering a home to merely clean the kitchen or bathrooms or you're offering a full-service complete with trash removal and laundry service.

5 Quick Steps To Getting Started

1. Select a business name. Choose a name that reflects who you are and what you are trying to accomplish.
   
   
2. Get legal. File for a business license, obtain business liability insurance, and set up a business account.
   
   
3. Set your fees. Your cleaning service fees are what keep your business afloat and pays your salary. Your fees can be based on an hourly rate or per job/task.
   
   
4. Set up your bookkeeping. You want a system that is easy to use and keeps track of all your outgoing expenses and income. If you're not good with numbers, hire an accountant. If you can't afford an accountant, barter services.
   
   
5. Find clients. Start with word of mouth advertising. Tell everyone you know (friends, family, church members, co-workers, etc.) about your new business venture. Pass out flyers and discount coupons. And don't give up. Getting the first client will be the most challenging part of your business, but once you get that client, you can ask for a written recommendation and referral to draw in more clients.

• Be flexible. It's important that you work with the person who hired you. If the home owner has a few quirks, don't shrug them off as inconsequential. You offer a personal service and that means meeting the "needs of your clients.
• Let your clients get involved. In the beginning, it's important to understand the needs of the home owner, which may mean that she (or he) shadows you around on the first day, pointing out what needs to be done and where things need to be returned.
  
  
• Pay attention to detail. Take notes regarding things your clients struggle with, then come prepared on the next visit. If the "new" service is labor intensive, or requires special cleaning materials, provide your clients with estimates on those "new" services.
  
  
• Provide free and paid training. Keep a running list of issues that constantly come up, then provide workshops in your area offering "tips and tricks" of the trade, such as getting stains out of furniture or odors out of the fabrics.
  
  
• Offer special services. Special services could range from cleaning up after holiday parties to spring cleaning before holiday guests arrive.

• Apartment buildings
• New home construction
• Office buildings
• Realtors and Home Staging services
• Small businesses