Looking for housekeeping jobs? Sure, you could work for someone else, but why not work for yourself? There’d be no one to answer to and you could keep all the profits.
Whether you want full-time, night or part-time cleaning jobs, here’s how to get started.
Start your own housekeeping service in 4 steps
This guide will take you through the steps of starting your own housekeeping business.
- Naming and legal needs.
- Getting the tools.
- Advertising in the right places.
- Finding your first client.
The great thing is, finding housekeeping jobs isn’t hard or expensive. And it doesn’t require any special training. Here’s how to get started.
1. Naming and legal needs
First things first, you need to know the legal requirements in Australia. Follow these seven steps to ensure you’re legit:
- Choose a business structure (sole trader, partnership, company etc.)
- Decide on a business name (get tips here)
- Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Set up a business bank account
- Get the appropriate permits and licences
- Get public liability insurance
Read this handy post for all the details on starting a business in Australia.
The housekeeping industry in Australia isn’t regulated, so you don’t need any formal training.
However, the Australian Government does offer several professional certificates. Getting one will prove to clients you’re serious about providing high-quality housekeeping services.
If you’re planning on hiring even one employee, you’ll have to think about workers’ compensation as well. This will protect you if one of your workers is hurt while on the job.
2. Getting the tools
You’ll need the right equipment to build a successful business where clients will ask you to come back, again and again. The type of cleaning equipment does depend on the type of cleaning services you are going to provide.
Domestic cleaning
Basic cleaning equipment: Vacuum cleaner, dustpan, bucket and mop, toilet brush, gloves, broom, dusters
Cleaning products: Toilet cleaner, creme cleanser, all-purpose spray, disinfectant and paper towels
Window cleaning
Equipment: Washer, squeegee, scraper, bucket, extension pole
Products: Window cleaner
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Equipment: Carpet cleaning machine
Products: Carpet stain remover, carpet cleaner
3. Advertising in the right places
There are housekeeping services galore in Australia, so how do you make your business stand out from the crowd?
A website
Invest in getting a logo developed and set up a search engine-friendly website. A website is the face of your business, so don’t be afraid to enlist the help of an SEO copywriter to write customer-focused copy for a website you create yourself.
Clever marketing is important to get your cleaning service noticed.
Add reviews to your website to strengthen your reputation and show potential customers you’re the real deal.
Editor’s note: Every business needs a website to let customers know they exist. Launch your own site today with our 30-day risk-free trial.
Google My Business
Set up a Google My Business page to boost your local SEO. Ask happy clients to post reviews to build your reputation and improve your Google ranking.
Directories
Register your cleaning service on free local directories such as BusinessListings.net.au, Hotfrog.com.au and AustralianGuide.net to make it easier for people to find you online.
Social media
Set up a Facebook business page to connect with clients on a daily basis. You can also use Twitter and Instagram to let local people know about your housekeeping business. Read this beginner’s guide to social media marketing for help with this.
4. Finding your first client
You’ve done all the hard work in preparing to launch your cleaning service, but how do you land your first housekeeping jobs?
Family and friends
Start by telling your family and friends about your new housekeeping service. Most people are time-poor, so some of them might jump at hiring your services.
Once you’ve done a few jobs, ask for a review to put on your website and Google My Business page to build your reputation as a trustworthy cleaner.
Building management companies
Check out your local building management companies and contact the appropriate manager. Ask if they need any help with cleaning and direct them to your website and social profiles for more information about you.
Other cleaning businesses
Get in touch with existing cleaning companies in the area to ask if they have casual or part-time cleaning jobs.
Networking
Find out if there are small business networks in your local area. Joining a business network is great for building relationships with like-minded people and getting referrals.
Online
The web is the perfect place to start looking for clients. Check out the following websites:
- Indeed.com.au
Set up an account and create a job alert to receive recommended jobs. You can also upload your resume so employers can find you. - Airtasker.com
A popular website where community members post all sorts of jobs and set a budget for the task. As an Airtasker member, you bid on a job and submit your best pitch. If you win the job, you’ll complete the task, then get paid via Airtasker. - Helpling.com.au
Register as a cleaner and get hired. This online platform matches customers with freelance cleaners. The hourly rates are published on the website. - TidyMe
This website matches customers with a TidyMe Crew in their area. Locations include Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
- Whizz
A marketplace for professional cleaners that operates in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. - UrbanYou
A marketplace for property maintenance across Australia where customers can hire house cleaners and gardeners in real-time.
Let’s get started
Opportunities abound for those who want to launch a housekeeping or cleaning service. Make sure you cover all the legalities, get the right tools then spend plenty of time marketing your new business. Now you’re ready to find your first housekeeping jobs by spreading the news online and among family and friends.
Happy cleaning!
