Possible to stay sole cleaner?

[teresalivermore]

Does anyone out there do professional cleaning on a part time basis (3 days a week) just to earn extra income? I'm middle aged and re-locating with my husband and want to retain job flexibility, which I'm thinking cleaning will give me. Anyone have council/suggestions of the feasibility of part time AND would I need to:

1. carry liability and bond insurance?
2. how to handle taxes?
3. any other concerns I should consider?

I'd sure appreciate hearing from someone out there.

Thanks!

[Kevin]

There are many here that do cleaning on a part time basis. I think its a great way to earn extra dollars, while also having time for your family. In general customers look for services that are insured and bonded.

I do not see a problem with 20-25 hours a week. That would be around 6 customers or so weekly. You can hope to make working by yourself, I would say on average about $400-$500 week.

Not bad for a be your own boss, part time job.

[Pages Personal Cleaning]

I have to say I was happier and less stressed when I was a sole cleaner. Things were so much easier then. Being a part time sole cleaner provides a good second income and also gives you time to enjoy your life.
Patti

[Kevin]

Sometimes I feel the same way, but if you want growth, more income and the ability to handle large jobs which equal large paydays both residential and commercial you got to have some people. Which also equals more stress.




I guess its all about what you want, and what makes you happy.

Kinda different business but my buddy has a plumbing business, he had 6 plumbers working for him, and about 4 vans on the road. He also did jobs all day and all night. In October he gave them all 2 weeks pay in advance, and fired them all. Sold off the vans and extra equipment. Nothing personal he just didn't want to deal with it anymore. He still works everyday from 6am till about 8pm. He had me take a look at his books over the holidays. He`s actually making more now. Long story short, your the boss of your company, there was a reason you went into business, independence and making money does not mean burden and stress, you should cater your business first and foremost to what you want in life.

[PCS of Delaware]

Hi,

I just recently started my own biz and I am only planning to work 3 days a week at this point also. I do have a a biz license and insurance. I am married and have a young son in school plus I am caretaker to my elderly mother. I figure if I can get 6 houses on a bi weekly schedule then this will be enough of a supplimental income and still give me time for the family and have some type of a life . As of right now I am dealing with mother being in the hospital for emergency surgery and possibly going into some type of rehab nursing home, so at this time keeping the work load light will work great. After things are more settled then I will try to pick up more jobs. I am also middle age and at this point I prefer to remain a sole cleaner due to the fact I don't need anymore stress. Good Luck with your new adventure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!!!

[teresalivermore]

First, I must say it's exciting to get responses to my inquiry -- thanks!

1. One concern I have is what do you do when you take vacation when you're the sole cleaner?

2. If I'm small time do I still need to liscense myself? Insurance I can see for liability....

Thanks again for your responses! I find this site so very helpful - you guys are awesome to be as busy as you are and take the time to share your experiences and knowledge!

[FreedomClean]

I have a question....What's a vacation?

Seriously, I would look for someone you know and trust; a close friend, another family member.

As for the licensing, I guess it all depends on where you live and the laws there. Here in Minnesota, we are not required to be liscensed for home cleaning.

Good luck on that thing...what did you call it? A vacation?

[teresalivermore]

You made me laugh... but I am pretty gullible -- you do take vacation, don't you?!

I'm moving to a new area and don't have friends or family there(except my husband with whom I hope to take vacation with!). Anyone else out there with a solution?

Also, I'm finding I'm a little (OK alot) ignorant about surface types: porous/non-porous; pergo flooring/wood/other wood types? I do recognize marble, slate, granite, and tile (whoo hoo -- do know something!). Do you know where I can find this info? Don't want to "appear" to ignorant to a client. :>)

[Pages Personal Cleaning]

I'm with you Mike. What is a vacation. Haven't had one of those in years.
The best thing todo if you are a sole cleaner is let your clients know in advance that you will be taking a week off for vacation. For the clients who are scheduled for that week, it would be best if you could fit them in before you leave or right after you get back.
Patti

[teresalivermore]

No vacation?! That's just not right!!!! Just not right!

[logan5127]

teresalivermore said:

No vacation?! That's just not right!!!! Just not right!

I agree. I have always said I never took a vacation either. Now I look at my life and all the years of working. 52 weeks a year. Year after year. Why? Can I not take one of those 52 weeks for myself. Our ship is comming in. It is getting closer each day. What would it hurt to take one of those 52 weeks for ourselves? Will it cause our ship to come faster? Will it cause us to loose everything? I only wished I had thought this way sooner. I have missed many of my one week out of 52. I am no better off mentally or financially independent because I sacrificed my week ; to work instead. My advice is take at least one week out of 52 for yourself and your family. The more you miss, the less you have.

[teresalivermore]

Mike, Dan, Kevin and Patti,

I hope you will take time for yourself! Life goes too fast and the first thing you know is you realize you haven't enjoyed most of it.

Business owner? Is that an oxymoron or what! I don't want the business to own me -- whatever it takes -- take vacation!!!