Is a Cleaning Business Right For You?

Are you considering the prospect of starting your own home cleaning business? It's an attractive option because of the low start-up cost involved.

If you're completely new to professional cleaning, then you need to do your research about the pros and cons of what's involved. Below, I give tips based on my 4 years of experience as a home cleaning professional.

Here are a few of the best things I experienced in my business.

• You need very little money to begin and some clients may even want you to use their cleaning products.
  
• Expenses are tax deductible including cleaning items and mileage.
  
• You get paid directly rather than through a service. You're in control of what you charge.
• There is big potential for word-of-mouth business growth, so you may not need to spend too much in advertising.
• If you live near an affluent area, this can turn into a lucrative career. You may even get to the point where you need to hire other people.
  
• Most clients will stay out of your way to let you get the job done.
  

Here are some negatives about this job you should consider.

• You may have to purchase insurance and be bonded.
  
• This job is hard physically even if you think you're in great shape. Full-time work may be difficult to maintain.
  
• You or the client may be allergic to certain cleaning products. Green cleaning products are an alternative, though this can be more expensive. You can use cheap items like baking soda and vinegar, but some clients may not like that.
  
• Not all clients leave you alone. They may be home when you clean or they may have kids or pets which makes the job more difficult.
• You might be hit up by friends and family to give them a job.
  
• It's generally a solitary job which can also be a pro depending on your personality.
  

Since you'll be self-employed, you'll be responsible for paying taxes and accounting. Even if you hire an accountant, you'll need to keep appropriate records for your business.

Good referrals will grow your business but bad ones can hold you back. You may also find yourself in a situation where you have people you work for that all belong to one network. What if you accept a referral to a friend of a client and you don't get along with that person at all? Just something to consider to illustrate that even though this is a solitary job, you still need to have some people skills.

A cleaning business can be approached as a part-time venture or as a full-time career. As long as you seriously consider the pros and cons, not only will you be able to decide if this job is right for you but you'll be starting your business off on the right foot.