How to Run a Local House Cleaning Business

Cleaning houses is a great service to people with houses and apartments who just don't have the time to clean. This type of business may be started with small start-up costs. All you really need is cleaning supplies to start this business. The expenses that will cost the most are getting a business license as well as insurance and marketing costs.

• Decide is what type of cleaning you want to do. You will have several choices here. There are many types of cleaning that you can choose to do or choose not to do. For instance, you can choose to do the basics of housekeeping such as dusting, mopping, sweeping and cleaning the bathroom. But you may decide that you do not want to do any laundry and that cleaning windows is not your thing.


• Even though you probably do your own housecleaning, you will have to have some references to show potential clients. You may have to clean a few houses for free in order to get some referrals. Offer to clean the houses of family and friends.


• As with any business, you will need a business plan written out regarding your house cleaning business. A business plan normally includes how you intend to begin your business, how you plan on getting clients and your plans for growing your business at a later time.


• You need to get a business license for your business. Check with your city or town hall to find out the requirements needed.


• Choose a name for your business and be sure to record the name you choose with the department that handles business names.


• You will need to get insurance that will help you in case something happens to the home that you are cleaning.


• Go to a bonding agency so that you can be bonded. This is a unique type of insurance that takes care of the homes that you clean in case that you or any employees that you may have commit theft or fraud.


• Purchase cleaning supplies. Most cleaning supplies can be purchased at discount stores. To start out, you will require a good broom, a bucket and a mop. Other supplies that you will require include sponges, rags, disinfectants and cleaners.


• To get customers for your new business, purchase or make business cards and flyers to post around town in areas such as grocery stores, hardware stores and home improvement stores. You can also take out an ad in your newspaper, purchase an ad in the Yellow Pages or just use word-of-mouth.