Thinking of cleaning homes for a living
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Anonymous
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Work a low-level admin job where I make $44k. It's weighing on me more and more that I want to be home when my children get out of school. Don't really have a job-related skillset that will translate to any WAH opportunities. Was talking to a coworker and am thinking of cleaning homes for a living. I actually enjoy cleaning and do a very good job, but I'm nervous about building/maintaining a client base.
Any suggestions on how to get this started? |
Anonymous
| Advertise at playgrounds and grocery stores and Starbucks bulliten boards. |
Anonymous
| word of mouth is best. I got my long term cleaner when she came to clean my neighbors place (her day job). She moonlights on weekends. I recommended her to another neighbor. Word of mouth is best. |
Anonymous
| There are forums for people who do this. Google is your friend. |
Anonymous
| A woman on my local moms listserv did this. She had a professional career but wanted to be with her kids more. She liked to clean so started her own company. Word of mouth/recommendations spread through the listserv and now they're always booked. Good luck. |
Anonymous
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I think it is a great business to be in.
When I was growing up I babysat in the summer for a women who clean homes to keep busy even though her husband pulled in big dough (she was really good at it). She loved the job and the hours were great for her school age kids. She use to have to turn away business. This was the early 90s. It was all word of mouth and she didn't clean in the neighbor she lived in. |
Anonymous
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Start before you quit your job, on the side. That way you can get somewhat established beforehand. Will be a bit tough for a while, but less gap in pay.
Where are you? I need a new cleaner. 
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Anonymous
| I think you just sent out a message on the PG County Parents listserve, no? Good start! Good luck, OP. Wish I had it in the budget to hire you! |
Anonymous
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My mom cleaned houses while we were growing up. She started with two and through word of mouth built up.
You have to find the 'right' rich people though to make it work. She found some rich people were really stingy, demanding and rude whereas others were really nice to her, gave her hand-me downs, bonuses and treated her with respect. Over time she dropped all the mean ones and built up a full schedule of really nice families. One of the benefits is that many rich families throw out a lot of stuff that is still perfectly functional, usable and wearable. So whenever my mom saw stuff headed for the garbage she would ask if she could have it. You need a good rapport first to do this. Families would end up leaving piles for her of stuff they were getting rid of and tell her to take what she wanted. Her entire wardrobe and many of the things in our home came from those families during those years. It was hard work but paid decently (she worked for herself) and she worked while we were in school. |
Anonymous
| Depending on your pricing, I'd advertize in apartment complexes. If I could find someone in my price range, I'd absolutely spring for someone to clean! And you could have several clients in one building -- less travel time. |
Anonymous
Yep, that was me. Thanks! |
Anonymous
This is a fantastic idea. Thanks for the tip! |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
This approach works in neighborhoods, too. Our former maid cleaned half the neighborhood. Pick a nice 'hood, make good flyers, and leave them in mail boxes. Write that you give free estimates, and will give a discount for 1st time cleaning. |
Anonymous
Rats. I'm in McLean.
And PP is right. We give our nanny tons of stuff. Just redecorated, and gave away a pretty new soft (king sleeper), dining room table. All the kids' clothing. Loads of mine + DH. First dibs on all, then the rest goes for charity pick up. (whatever is still in good condition, of course). |