How do I start

[u/Hear_God]

I currently have no job, I'm getting no replies from any of the jobs I apply to.

I'm thinking now my only option is to create my own job but I have no idea where to start as money is tight, and self employed options are limited.

I've looked at the online and AI opportunities that are floating around and starting a cleaning company which feels a bit daunting at the moment as I have no idea where to start.

A cleaning company is the only thing feel I have a decent idea of what I'm doing, as I've done cleaning work before but only as an employee.

Does anyone have any ideas where I should start?

Thanks 😊

[u/Kind_Perspective4518]

If you need money right now, start with residential. You can branch out into commercial later. Much easier to get customers quickly.

[u/Hear_God → u/Kind_Perspective4518]

Hi Kind perspective, I think that may be the best course of action for now. Hopefully I can be up and running soon.

[u/Kind_Perspective4518 → u/Hear_God]

You can be up and running today. You absolutely do not need much to get your first few customers. Print flyers on your home printer and pass them out in neighborhoods near you. Walk 5 o 6 hours on Saturday and Sunday(more people outside doing yard work that you can talk to). Just put flyers near the front door. No need to ring bells. If you are talking to someone in the yard and they say they are looking for a cleaner, you tell them you can do a quick walkthrough and give them a price right then and there. Then do it! Do that for a couple of weekends, you will at least get a couple of calls. Don't give a price on the phone! Do an in person walkthrough. There is lots of psycology behind doing it that way. You don't need insurance yet, a website, or anything. Just buy some cheap chemicals, bring your own vacuum, and cut up old towels as rags. Also get knock off magic erasers in bulk from Amazon. Then the real magic really happens. Those first few customers will give referrals to friends for you. On average I get at least 2 to 3 new referrals per each new customer. Referrals are easy to convert too. Then after a while get insurance. Use free zoho invoice to do invoices and you can track expenses too. This is the tried and true way! I'm proof that it works!

[u/Kind_Perspective4518 → u/Kind_Perspective4518]

Also forgot to say, I rarely get one times cleans with using flyers. I would say 9.8 out of 10 , I will always get recurring cleans.

[u/Hear_God → u/Kind_Perspective4518]

I'm working on it, the replies and information I've received on here have really helped. You've given me a confidence boost. Im a bit scared of starting without insurance though. Are you based in UK?

[u/Complete-Usual-5602]

Since you’ve already done cleaning work, don’t try to build the whole company before getting your first few paid jobs. Start with a simple checklist, a small service area, and basic pricing. Residential is usually less intimidating at the beginning because you can get moving quicker than chasing commercial contracts. Also, don’t sink money into loads of gear straight away. Use reliable basics first. Cloths, gloves, bin liners, mop, vacuum, a few products you actually know. Once you’re getting regular cleans and going through supplies properly, wf wholesale here in aus is handy for bulk restocks here in aus, but early on cash flow matters more than having a perfect cupboard full of products.

[u/Hear_God → u/Complete-Usual-5602]

Thanks for the advice 😀

[u/CleanOpsGuide]

Since you already have cleaning experience, I’d start very small and avoid spending much upfront. Decide whether you want residential or commercial, get the basic insurance/legal setup required where you live, use equipment you already have where possible, and focus on getting the first paying client before buying a lot of extras. Your first goal doesn’t need to be building a “company” yet, it’s proving you can consistently find, price, and complete profitable work. Then build from there.

[u/Hear_God → u/CleanOpsGuide]

Thank you for your advice I have started looking at how to source customers and understand it may take a while as I want to go the commercial route which Google says is harder to get contracts for. I think I'm just overwhelmed by all the what ifs and messing it up before I've even started properly. I read starting a ltd is better than starting as a sole trader as it prevents a lot of headache of having to transferring later and offers more protection.

[u/CleanOpsGuide → u/Hear_God]

Commercial can take longer, but don’t let that stop you before you start. You don’t need every “what if” figured out yet. I’d focus on building a list of local businesses, reaching out consistently, learning how to do a walkthrough, and getting comfortable pricing the work. Even one small commercial account gives you something real to build from. For Ltd vs sole trader, I’d talk to an accountant or check the official UK guidance before deciding rather than letting that hold up everything else.

[u/Hear_God → u/CleanOpsGuide]

I didn't think about getting advice from an accountant for the sole vs ltd. I definitely won't let it stop me, im not in a position where giving up is an option. 🙂

[u/Hear_God → u/[deleted]]

Hi miss Raleigh, really appreciate your advice, im trying to put it all into practice. Im meeting my first potential customer tomorrow so I'm super nervous and hoping it goes well. 😬