I had a cute friend request that I tell the story of how I got started with my cleaning business. It's not a thrilling story, but there is some valuable information in it, so here goes.
My husband had a good job and we made decent money, but like most of us, I really wished we had some "extra" funds. We never seemed to be able to afford a vacation with our 6 kids, or any of those little luxuries like eating out with them. So, when my youngest started pre-school, I started looking for a part time job that would be flexible, and pay well. Turns out, it didn't exist. I had worked part time as a custodian at the local High School in the evenings and I really did love it. It was quiet, I could listen to audiobooks or music, and my batteries recharged while I was alone. The bummer was, it paid $9.00 an hour, which didn't add up very quickly.
I had thought about cleaning houses several times in the past, but it seemed kinda scary and overwhelming to me, so I never pursued it. Plus, if you announce on FaceBook that you're planning to clean houses, there's kind of a negative stigma that goes with it and I wasn't sure how I felt about it at the time. I was also worried that I'd put myself out there and NO ONE would be interested and then I'd feel like an idiot. One of my best friends cleaned houses in Oregon, and I called to pick her brain about how much she charged, how she planned her cleaning schedule, etc. and that was super helpful!
Thankfully, I got over myself and did it anyway. Much to my surprise, not only were people interested, I had a full schedule within 2 weeks. My first few jobs were a bit of a shock to me, because the cleaning was way harder than my custodial job had been and I would be totally worn out at the end of the day. I lost a ton of weight in the first few months. But, I also enjoyed my jobs way more because I was working for people who really appreciated my work. Teachers and students don't exactly send you thank you notes when you're a school custodian, not that I blame them, but you're so removed from the situation. When you clean for people you know, they are so appreciative and who wouldn't love that?
I also really love improving a space. To me, it's like a before and after show. And the good news is, I leave while it's still clean and don't see it till it's time to clean it again. If there's a frequent refrain I hear, it's people saying "Please don't judge me!" when I come to clean. It always makes me laugh because little do they know, I actually prefer to clean the messier houses. It keeps my brain so much more engaged and the payoff of mess to clean is so much better and enjoyable!
Anyway, it's been almost 2 years since I started my business and I still enjoy it every day. I also have two helpers who clean with/for me on occasion and I love having them to work. Plus, they're great for covering for me when I need to take a day off here and there. So, if you've considered starting a cleaning business of your own, I'd highly recommend it. It's a perfect "Mom" job as it pays well, is super flexible and allows you to set your own schedule.
My husband had a good job and we made decent money, but like most of us, I really wished we had some "extra" funds. We never seemed to be able to afford a vacation with our 6 kids, or any of those little luxuries like eating out with them. So, when my youngest started pre-school, I started looking for a part time job that would be flexible, and pay well. Turns out, it didn't exist. I had worked part time as a custodian at the local High School in the evenings and I really did love it. It was quiet, I could listen to audiobooks or music, and my batteries recharged while I was alone. The bummer was, it paid $9.00 an hour, which didn't add up very quickly.
I had thought about cleaning houses several times in the past, but it seemed kinda scary and overwhelming to me, so I never pursued it. Plus, if you announce on FaceBook that you're planning to clean houses, there's kind of a negative stigma that goes with it and I wasn't sure how I felt about it at the time. I was also worried that I'd put myself out there and NO ONE would be interested and then I'd feel like an idiot. One of my best friends cleaned houses in Oregon, and I called to pick her brain about how much she charged, how she planned her cleaning schedule, etc. and that was super helpful!
Thankfully, I got over myself and did it anyway. Much to my surprise, not only were people interested, I had a full schedule within 2 weeks. My first few jobs were a bit of a shock to me, because the cleaning was way harder than my custodial job had been and I would be totally worn out at the end of the day. I lost a ton of weight in the first few months. But, I also enjoyed my jobs way more because I was working for people who really appreciated my work. Teachers and students don't exactly send you thank you notes when you're a school custodian, not that I blame them, but you're so removed from the situation. When you clean for people you know, they are so appreciative and who wouldn't love that?
I also really love improving a space. To me, it's like a before and after show. And the good news is, I leave while it's still clean and don't see it till it's time to clean it again. If there's a frequent refrain I hear, it's people saying "Please don't judge me!" when I come to clean. It always makes me laugh because little do they know, I actually prefer to clean the messier houses. It keeps my brain so much more engaged and the payoff of mess to clean is so much better and enjoyable!
Anyway, it's been almost 2 years since I started my business and I still enjoy it every day. I also have two helpers who clean with/for me on occasion and I love having them to work. Plus, they're great for covering for me when I need to take a day off here and there. So, if you've considered starting a cleaning business of your own, I'd highly recommend it. It's a perfect "Mom" job as it pays well, is super flexible and allows you to set your own schedule.
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