How to start a cleaning business + checklist

But we understand that taking the plunge without having proper guidance on how to start a cleaning business can feel like trying to clean a hoarder’s house with only one rubber glove. The information provided on this website does not constitute insurance advice. All content and materials are for general informational purposes only. Complete Insureon’s online application and contact one of our licensed insurance professionals to obtain advice for your specific business insurance needs. If you don’t have customers who could give you referrals yet, you might consider cleaning homes for friends and family members then letting them know that you’re looking for new customers. They can share your new business with their friends and give you a foot in the door for future work.
Based on your market research, you’ll then need to determine an area of focus for your business. Is there higher demand for commercial services in your area, or residential? The route you choose will determine what kinds of training you’ll need and what insurance to carry, so choose carefully. From the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley to the sandy beaches of Virginia Beach, Virginia is known for its beauty and hospitality. As a cleaning business owner, you can help locals and tourists alike enjoy Virginia’s natural wonders without worrying about the mess.
top article said, here are a few bonus tips to help you grow your business faster. Beyond the money—house cleaners can make anywhere from $20 to $200 per hour—there are a range of perks to starting a small business in the cleaning field. Follow along with this guide on how to launch your own successful cleaning company and get started in a few simple steps. First, you will have to decide what type of legal structure is best for your business. Options include a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company.
Reviews also help your business get noticed in Google, which can attract even more customers. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to start, as you can always get more supplies once revenue starts coming in. Take some time to figure out what makes your company better than the rest.
Apply for a fictitious name certificate that states you are “doing business as” (DBA) whatever name you’ve chosen for your cleaning business with your local county clerk. Note that some cities in Virginia may also require you file a copy of this certificate with the city government where you plan to do business. Track all income and expenses, regularly review profit and loss statements, and ensure you are setting aside enough money to cover taxes.
If you haven’t started performing cleaning services yet, you won’t be able to deduct any of your earnings from this calculation. That said, if you’re leasing equipment or purchased something through a payment plan, you could apply future profit to those recurring expenses. For commercial cleaning services, it is common to charge per square foot. Many commercial cleaning services charge between $.05 to $.20 per square foot depending on the type of commercial space and the specific cleaning services being provided. The cost of cleaning supplies and equipment will vary depending on the specialization but typically requires at least $400, depending on the quality and quantity of the items.
This is made easier if you know where your potential clients are searching for cleaning companies and what they are looking for when it comes to hiring one. Many business owners make a decent income but may also let their expenses get ahead of them. Others set their hourly rate too low and never reach their full potential. Your goal should be to charge what you’re worth per hour and stay on top of your finances in order to make sure you maximize your time and make a good living. In the event you incur debt or someone files legal proceedings against your cleaning business, you’re personally on the line. Fortunately, if you register a formal business structure, you may be able to reduce your liability—and enjoy other perks as well, like a lower tax bill.

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