As a teenager I used to clean offices alongside my parents. I enjoyed doing the cleaning. Despite not getting paid a lot (only was helping my parents) cleaning gave me a good perspective on running a business. Furthermore, I took pleasure in the ability to see a job complete – start to finish. We would arrive at a cleaning location and the office would be a disaster. A short time later, the office would be sparkling clean, fresh smelling and ready for the next work day.

We cleaned offices as a family for years. And earned a pretty good passive income with commercial cleaning. Hands down it was quick and easy cash. We were getting paid to clean someone else’s mess and we didn’t mind it one bit. Historically as a family, we are neat freaks. Sort of anyways.

Eventually my parents grew older and I started my post-secondary education, so we gave it up. We just didn’t have the time anymore. After all was said and done, I think we spent well over eight years cleaning offices, warehouses and various other commercial locations.

Ten years later!

Fast forward ten years later, I opened up my own cleaning business. And with good reason too. I was looking to make extra cash on the side and my father just lost his job after 17 years. He was a cabinet maker and the company closed it’s doors. Recession hit and tough times came along, so the company closed it’s doors.

The family was on a tight budget and additional income was needed. So, I decided to start a cleaning business.

I knew deep down inside that it would work well for my father. He already knew how to do clean and cleaning it self was not a tough job for a 55 year old man. The long and short of it, my father also became my first employee.

So, now that you know a little background and why I started my cleaning business, let me break down what you will need to start your own. And one thing that you DON’T NEED is money.

1. Registering Your Business

Since my business is based in Ontario, Canada, I ended up visiting Service Ontario to register my business. It’s a very simple process, which costs $75 (save your receipt to write it off at year end). You pay the $75, register your business name and you’ll get a business license registration, which is good for five years. I’m sure in other provinces across Canada the process might be slightly different, but it’s all very similar.

Register Your Cleaning Business In Other Provinces:

1. Ontario – Service Ontario
2. Manitoba – Province of Manitoba Business Registration 
3. Saskatchewan – Register Your Business 
4. Alberta – Service Alberta
5. British Columbia – BC Business Registry
6. Nova Scotia – Access of Nova Scotia 
7. New Foundland – Registry of Companies 
8. New Brunswick – Service New Brunswick

2. Open Up a Business Bank Account

Opening up a business account is fairly simple and straight forward. Since I do most of banking with RBC, it only made sense for me to open up my business account there as well.

There are many different business accounts out there, however if you’re unsure of which one to go with, use this business account selector to help you narrow your choice.

Finally you will also need the following to open up a business account (sole propreitor):

• Two pieces of ID
• Trade name registration or master business license
• Your signature

Once you open up a business account (it takes less than an hour), be sure to ask for some free business checks to get you started. It’s FREE.

3.  Business Cards

I’ve used Juke Box printing services for a few different business cards and every time they get it just right. They are professional, on time and mostly cost effective. You definitely get your bang for your buck.

Rather than boring you further with how I started my cleaning business, I will wrap it up shortly. I promise.

I can promise you that the process is simple and straight forward. You don’t need to know everything, you just need some balls to finally get started. Essentially you got everything to gain and nothing to lose by starting your own commercial/home cleaning business.

And if you’re ever unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to shoot me and email. I created the contact page for a reason – so you guys can contact me.

Cheers!

PCI