Domestic Cleaning Business

A domestic cleaner is someone who cleans in someone's home.

Becoming a domestic cleaner is something I almost tried in the past. I cleaned for my Father in Law once a week when he was too ill to clean for himself. Sadly my father in law died, however whilst cleaning I was approached on many occasions by potential clients looking for a reliable cleaner. It is something that I may re-visit in the future.

Firstly, I would advise researching the need for cleaners in your area, then look at how much you are going to charge. Will you charge by the hour? Per job? Also it would be advisable to have a set price for one off cleans, deep cleans and end of tenancy cleans.

Insurance is a must, if you knock over a priceless vase or spill bleach on the Persian rug, you don't want to be paying for replacement costs for years to come! Insurance is also essential if injuries occur to either yourself or the client.

Another decision to make is whether you are going to use the clients equipment and cleaning products or provide your own, this may affect the amount you charge the client. Perhaps your niche over other cleaners in your area could be that you provide an eco friendly clean? which maybe particularly attractive for people with asthma and allergies.

A domestic cleaner with a good reputation will probably gain most of their work by word of mouth. Everyone has to start somewhere though, so advertising will be a must at the start. Ideas for advertising could be putting a card advertising your cleaning business in the local shop, an advert in local paper/community magazine, leaflet delivery and social media. Carry business cards around with you to pass onto potential clients, it looks more professional than scribbling a phone number down.

Think of a catchy name for your business, that clearly states what your business is.

So, you have received a call from a potential client and you have made an appointment to visit their house in order to provide a quote. Make sure you do your homework. How many bedrooms does the house have? will the clean include ironing, cleaning windows and skirting boards? Make sure that you can realistically complete the work in the hours you agree to.

Most of all, before you embark on your cleaning business consider whether you actually enjoy cleaning!

As your business grows it may become necessary to employ other cleaners, in which case you may eventually be able to take on a supervisory role, if you wish.

In conclusion I think a domestic cleaning business has the potential to be very profitable and it has the advantage of low start up costs.

I haven't discussed the need to register with HMRC (UK), as I'm not knowledgeable enough on the subject, however for tax purposes registering with the necessary people is a must.

Babysitting to make extra cash

A babysitter looks after children in the childs own home as opposed to a childminder who works in their own home. Babysitting is an ideal way to make extra cash at a time when you would normally be sat at home watching TV. Of course, you will need someone at home to look after your own children. A reliable, flexible and trained babysitter is always in high demand. It is worth being trained in paediatric first aid, both for your own peace of mind and parents. Some colleges offer babysitting courses, however your own experience of being a parent will stand you in good stead.  Finding work is usually by word of mouth, however there are babysitting agencies worth looking into, who will find the work for you. Sitters, is one such agency.

Child minding business

If you love children and enjoy spending time with them, becoming a registered child minder may be the ideal business choice for you. As a registered child minder you can choose what hours you would like to work and how many children you would like to care for, up to the limit set by ofsted. You can help to nurture a child in reaching their potential alongside your own children. No two days are the same and the enjoyment and fun involved in creating an environment to enable a child to develop and grow is very rewarding. Once you have decided that child minding may be the career for you, the next step is to contact your local authority in order to discuss the need for registered child minders in your area and to point you in the right direction of approved training courses.
It may be possible to apply for a grant to cover the cost of creating a home environment suitable for child minding. This could pay for safety equipment, toys, high chairs etc.
A training course must then be completed which covers all aspects of becoming a child minder, including child protection. You will also need to complete an approved paediatric first Aid course. An enhanced criminal record check (DBS) and public liability insurance is mandatory. Register with ofsted in order to get your home inspected.
Child minding is a business that I have personal experience of, I registered as a child minder when my son was young. It was an ideal way to spend quality time with my son and the children I child minded became his friends. I didn’t look after as many children as I could have as I enjoyed having the time to spend with just one or two extra children. When my son started school I stopped child minding as I felt I had moved onto the next stage of parenting, I also didn’t want the stress of having extra children in my house when my children returned from school tired and grumpy. I know many child minders in my area who have made successful and lucrative careers from child minding and it is certainly something I would consider doing again.

30 business ideas for busy parents wishing to work from home

 

This list is certainly not exhaustive and I will probably add to it as time progresses. I will concentrate on each business idea in subsequent posts. If anyone has any other work from home business ideas, I would love to hear about them. One day I may find something that works for me! Aim to choose a business that you are passionate about as this business is more likely to succeed. 

 

 

 

1. Child minder/babysitting services

2. Domestic cleaner

3. Online auctions

4. Virtual PA

5. Direct sales jobs e.g. Avon, Betterware, Usborne books

6. Blogging,

7. Surveys

8. Freelance writer

9. Tutor

10. Antiques dealer

11. Cake decorating

12. Catering

13. Bed and breakfast

14. Car boot sales

15. Flower arranging

16. Gardening

17. Crafts

18. Flat pack maker/handy person

19. Ironing

20. Leaflet distribution

21. Musician/DJ

22. Personal shopping

23. Pet grooming

24. Dog walking, pet care

25. Renting out equipment/driveway

26. Foreign student hosting  

27. Website designing

28. Photographer

29. Wedding planner/event planner

30. Writing letters/selling stories to magazines

Creating a work/life balance

As a very busy stay at home mum with four children I have spent years trying to create a work life balance. The mortgage needs paying, but the children still need me to be around and if I'm honest I enjoy being able to attend assemblies/sports days etc.
I'm still searching for the ideal solution for me, but have collated and researched many opportunities out there, which with enthusiasm and hard work could provide an income, Obviously the amount of money you could earn depends on how much time and commitment you put into the business, but the beauty of working from home is that you can increase the time you allow for your business as your life dictates. You will be able to work flexible hours around when your children are at school, nursery, napping and sleeping etc.
I'm not aiming to go into detail on tax implications of starting a business from home. It is important to remember you will need to register your business with HMRC and look into legal aspects relating to your chosen business.