Starting a housekeeping business can be a great way to make some extra money, and it’s a business that you can start with very little up-front investment.
Here are the 8 steps you can take to get started on building your very own housekeeping business.
8 Steps to Launching a New Housekeeping Business
1. Name Your Housekeeping Business
Give your housekeeping business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your housekeeping business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your housekeeping business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that people will want to hire you to maintain the cleanliness of their homes.
2. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your housekeeping business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your housekeeping business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common housekeeping business structures.
3. Write a Housekeeping Business Plan
All housekeeping business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
Read our article about how to write a housekeeping business plan.
4. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your housekeeping business.
For example, in order to operate a business out of your home, you may need to obtain a home business permit from your city or county.
You must also register your housekeeping business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper housekeeping business licenses.
5. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your housekeeping business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your housekeeping business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your housekeeping business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a housekeeping business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your housekeeping business.
6. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your housekeeping business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in specialized housekeeping software to manage your cleaning schedule, customers and employees. This type of software can automate many of the tasks associated with running a housekeeping business so you can focus on other areas of the business.
Read our article about the technology and software you need to run a housekeeping business.
7. Market Your Housekeeping Business to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the housekeeping industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Housekeeping businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Develop a general marketing plan and budget
- Create promotional materials like business cards, flyers, brochures, etc.
- Develop relationships with realtors, property managers and others who may need your services
- Participate in community events or sponsor local sports teams
- Offer freebies or discounts to first-time customer
Read our article about how to market your housekeeping business for more tips.
8. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your housekeeping business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your housekeeping business to learn more.
Starting a Housekeeping Business FAQs
Why Start a Housekeeping Business?
There are many reasons why people start housekeeping businesses. Maybe you’re passionate about cleaning and want to turn your passion into a business. Maybe you’re looking for a business that gives you the flexibility to work around your family’s schedule. Or, maybe you’re tired of working for someone else and want to be your own boss.
Whatever your reasons for starting a housekeeping business, know that it can be a very rewarding experience. Not only will you get to work on something you’re passionate about, but you’ll also get to help people keep their homes clean and organized. And, as your business grows, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own schedule and hire employees to help you with the business.
What is Needed to Start a Successful Housekeeping Business?
If you want to start a successful housekeeping business, there are a few things you need:
- A passion for cleaning and helping others
- The right technology and software to run your business efficiently
- Promotional materials to market your business
- A system for training and managing employees
Of course, starting any business requires dedication and hard work. But, if you have a passion for cleaning and helping others, starting a housekeeping business can be a very rewarding experience.
How Can I Start a Housekeeping Business From Home?
Starting a housekeeping business from home is a great way to get your business off the ground without incurring a lot of overhead costs. When you start from your home, you can use your own cleaning supplies and equipment, and you won’t have to pay for office space or commercial insurance.
Of course, starting a business from home has its own challenges. You’ll need to be very organized and have a system in place to manage your clients, employees, and finances.
How Can I Start a Housekeeping Business Online?
Starting a housekeeping business online is a great way to reach a wider audience and promote your business. When you start online, you can use social media and your website to market your business, and you can use online tools to manage your clients and employees.
Ensure that clients can book your services online. This will save you time and make it easy for potential clients to find and book your services.
Then, use an online payment system like PayPal or Stripe to accept payments. This will make it easy for customers to pay you and it will save time by eliminating the need to process paper invoices.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Housekeeping Business?
Here are a few tips to help you get started with your housekeeping business:
Research the market. Be sure to understand the industry and what it takes to be successful.
Create a business plan. This will help map out your goals and objectives and establish a path for success.
Invest in the right technology and software. This will help run your business efficiently and save you time.
Promote your business. Be sure to market your business to reach your target audience.
Find and train the right employees. This is essential for maintaining quality control and ensuring that your clients are satisfied.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Housekeeping Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a housekeeping business is as follows:
- Name Your Housekeeping Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Write a Housekeeping Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Housekeeping Business to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a housekeeping business can be a great way to make money while helping others. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be on your way to starting a successful and profitable housekeeping business. With the right tools and planning, you can be successful in the housekeeping industry.