To leave my job and become a cleaner

[rainbowslate]

Hi,
Looking for advice..
Im not enjoying my employed part time work.
I want something that can fit around school hours and keep me active.
Im thinking of setting up my own cleaning business, cleaning Air bnbs and domestic cleaning.
Has anybody done this?
Please help me with pros and cons and also any tips/advice on setting up own business!
Thank you !!

Are you actually any good at cleaning?

Can you clean to a very high standard within tight time frames? Have you done this type of work before? Do you have a valid DBS? Have you taken any courses in hygiene and/or infection control?
I would suggest you try working for a contract cleaning company first to get an idea of the various types of cleans, equipment usage, training, time and budget management.
Sadly a lot of people thinks they can clean -but have no idea of the reality of contract cleaning. It’s a world apart from doing your own domestic cleaning. It’s hard, physical, skilled work coupled with good customer service skills.

I have applied for some local cleaning jobs to get a feel for it.
I enjoy cleaning and like being active at work.
I have infection control trailing and DBS

Self employed cleaner here! 9 years and still loving it! Jobs range from cleaning boats for Air BnB to retired Canny Little Old People!
Every day is different.. Flexibility both sides. No regrets and prob won't ever do anything else!

Fingers crossed you get one! Milk them for all the training and insider knowledge you can. If you still enjoy cleaning, then there is no reason to not give it a try! If you don’t like being self employed, you can always go back to paye in any industry you want - including cleaning!

Honestly thinking about doing this myself!
Being self employed with no sick/holiday pay worries me though. Mortgage will be paid in 18 months so think I will be waiting until then.

It's hard work and, until you build a client base, you may have to take jobs that more established cleaners won't touch.

Stuff like, 'I want you to clean for my elderly mother'. What they mean is 'I want you to clean up my elderly mother'. They just want a cheap carer and the mother is suffering from dementia in 9 out of 10 such calls.

Ones that say you're too expensive after you tell them it's £15 an hour. Don't ever negotiate or sell yourself short by undercharging.

Always visit the prospective client to see exactly whats what. If there are large numbers of porcelain figurines, make your excuses and leave.

I always use my own equipment and cleaning products. Nobody has ever bothered enquiring about a DBS or insurance cover.

The best jobs are the ones where the houseowner is not present when you clean. You can just get on with the work as some people, especially older ones can keep you chatting and like to follow you around.

Having said that, my clients are almost exclusively retired but they are happy to let me get on and I have a bit of a chat to them when I am finished.

It sounds lovely to be honest.

Well done you. And for knowing what you want.

Also if you do get a job with a contract cleaning company - try as many different types of cleans and settings to see which you like to do. Then you will know what type of client and setting to aim your business at. Personally I don’t like end of tenancy deep cleans, but love medical and industrial or school cleans. Sparkle cleans on new builds are another passion.