The actual equipment needed is just some cleaning supplies and you can probably find it already in your home or you can improvise with some rags. Some clients even prefer you use their own cleaning equipment but make sure you ask beforehand. If you offer green cleaning services, you can mix your own solutions in which case it will even be cheaper. By offering environmentally friendly cleaning services, you can actually demand higher cleaning rates.

Another cost that business owners have to consider is a marketing budget in order to get house cleaning jobs. Luckily, this as well can be minimal. Promotional flyers can be printed off a personal computer and if need be, you can manually draw it yourself. It will depend on your local bylaws if you’re allowed to distribute the flyers in mailboxes but you can also leave flyers in the shopping carts of grocery stores, its pin-up board, etc. This method does work but nothing is more effective than referrals and social proof of a job well done. But first off, you need that first client.

To get your first client, it actually does not need to be a cleaning job. You can offer other services such as yard work. This actually does not require you to enter the client’s home but shows initiative on your part. Go to a well-off neighbourhood and offer to rake their leaves for an agreed upon price. Do an amazing job and tell them you offer cleaning services as well and that you have a business license and you are insured and bonded. Leave them your flyer. This will undoubtedly leave a good impression and will lay the groundwork of trust for future cleaning jobs and referrals. Go off to the next house and offer to rake their leaves as well. This works especially well in a pricey neighbourhood as no one likes to be the last one withe the messy lawn. All you have to do show them your handiwork with the first lawn.

Starting a house cleaning business does not require one to have a lot of money.  In fact, it is one of the easiest businesses to start.  There are no more excuses so get started now!

Once you come up with a unique selling point, it is time to wrap this theme up with a business name that will be memorable. Remember that the name that you are going to use will be the staple of your service as long as you are operating. It should relate with what you want other people to perceive in your business.

Many residential cleaning services use the owner’s name as the business name. This can be a good strategy to give it a more friendly face to the business. Or, you might want to brand the business on its own to sell later on if you wish to take it that far.

When coming up with a business name, you should brainstorm and come up with at least a few dozen names and ask the opinions of your friends and family. Frankly, they can act as your target market. What emotions come to mind when hearing these names? Is it one of trust, dependability, confidence? If your friends and family are not in the cleaning industry, do a blind test comparing your choices with that of other established local house cleaning businesses. Compare the results and what makes your competition special (or not special). Another thing to consider when coming up with a business name is if the concept is easily transferable to flyers and logos. Having some visual identity will help make your business stand out.

A lot of independent cleaners who are looking for house cleaning jobs might not be at the stage to start their own business but the concept of standing out amongst the competition is the same whether you’re an individual or an entity. Promote yourself and get paid handsomely for your unique selling point. Get thinking NOW.

The benefits of starting your own domestic cleaning services business are that you can keep your own schedule, hours and rates.  No longer will you be sent off to clean a dirty house site unseen while the company rakes in the larger profits.  You have the right to refuse a house cleaning job; or if the house will require a lot of heavier cleaning than usual, you can charge more for it.  In other words, you will be compensated as you see fit.

At the beginning, it might be hard starting out to find clients who need house cleaning.  Thankfully, your start up costs is not a lot as you only require cleaning supplies.  In fact, some households would probably prefer you use eco friendly products.  If that is the case, homemade house cleaning recipes involving baking soda and vinegar are just as good and cheap to boot.  Furthermore, in the age of the internet and social networking, it can save you a lot of money in terms of advertising for your house cleaning services.  All you need to do is post on your local job boards giving listing your services, rates and time availability.  Be ready to have references available in case they ask for it.  Perspective clients might be very careful with who to choose for their housekeeper job you have to expect this as they are letting a stranger into their house.   On the other hand, the good news about picky clients is that if both parties are a good match, then you can pretty much expect a long working relationship.  Clients are creatures of habit and once they pick a housekeeper they are comfortable with and trust, they will stick with you.  That is the benefit in getting into the house cleaning business as it is repeat business.

Once you establish a regular client base, you can choose to expand or not.  As stated, clients are creatures of habit and pretty soon you’ll settle into a comfortable routine of cleaning for your regulars.  However, as your reputation of trustworthiness and work ethic gets around, you might find yourself in high demand amongst your clients who recommended you to their friends.  When that time comes, you will require more help to expand your house cleaning business.  If that is the case, you will soon be on your way to becoming an entrepreneur.