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Side Hustler – I’m a Cleaning Geek

When I started my first blog (Finance Fox) , I used it as an online journal to keep my self liable for getting out of debt. I knew the journey out of debt was going to be a long one, so I started with the basics of trimming my budget, putting more money towards my debt and even went cold turkey on shopping which you can read in my post called; It’s been 127 Days Since I Last Shopped.

Eventually the excitement towards debt freedom became tiring. And after months of sticking every last available penny towards my debt, I became exhausted and the road seemed longer than initially planned.

Something needed to be done. I wanted to eliminate my credit-card debt at a faster pace. And after weeks of pondering it, I picked up a part-time cleaning job at the local pharmacy. Fives days a week, two hours every night after working 9 hours in my full-time job. And it was worth it. The long hours and the extra money gave me the opportunity to dump more cash towards my debt, and 347 days later I became credit-card debt free.

This eventually motivated me and I started my own cleaning company called Father & Son Cleaning Services.

One of the biggest reasons for turning my part-time cleaning gig into a part-time cleaning business was due to;

  • Low start up costs
  • I already had one customer
  • I ran it out of my home (invoicing and storage of supplies)
  • Made easily an extra $500/month to start

The above four reasons were enough for me to start my own cleaning company, so without much hesitation I started it.

Low Start Up Costs

When I first started cleaning for the local pharmacy the agreement was that they’d supply all the supplies. All I had to do was show up each evening for 1-2 hours of cleaning.

After a few months of cleaning, they asked for some carpet cleaning to be done and windows washed on regular basis. We worked out a fair price and I did both on top of my regular cleaning.

I got a few extra cleaning supplies for the window cleaning and they cost me less than $40. The carpet cleaning machine I rented from my local Home Depot, and purchased the carpet cleaning solution to do the clean. The total for the supplies for carpet cleaning ran me $150.

Eventually I got around and got my logo designed for $80 and printed 1000 business cards for $75 (shipping included).

I went ahead and got liability insurance and a bond.  This was kinda optional but not only does it protect me and my clients, it also helps me stand out from the crowd.  Insurance and the bond cost me $65/month or $780 for the year.

My total start-up cost for my newly formed cleaning business was less than $1,000. And I didn’t have an issue forking the money out because I’d make it back in less than three months.

One of the best parts of doing cleaning part-time or owning a small cleaning business is flexibility. I control how much work I want to take on. I do the carpet cleaning, window cleaning and general cleaning around my schedule.

I don’t need to work a part-time sales commissioned job, which consists of standing around and if I don’t sell anything, I don’t get paid, but I still stood around for hours and had to be there.

Anytime I’m working, I’m actually making money. Not having a physical place of business also leads me to my next needed quality, running my business out of my home.

Home Business Space

Another amazing part of starting a small cleaning business is that you don’t need any fancy office space. I run my cleaning business out of my home. The second bedroom was converted into an office, which is where I do all my invoicing and customer contact. I’m also fortunate enough to have a large storage in my condo unit, which also happens to be the place where I store all my cleaning supplies and tools. Having a home office helps me keep the costs to a minimum, and therefore profits to a maximum.

My ultimate goal for this business is to eventually turn it into a 5+ employee business that brings in over $100K annually in sales.  I realize that it will take time. If I charge $25 an hour and have costs of $15 an hour (payroll and overhead), then I would have $10 an hour profit.  Which means I would have to work 10,000 hours per year.   This works out to 192 hours per week, or 5 full time employees.  Of course, these are very rough numbers, but it’s something definitely worth striving towards.

Eddie

How I Started My Cleaning Business

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