As numerous people demand cleaning services more than ever, the industry is booming, valued at $388.43 billion in 2023. Moreover, it’s expected to reach $729.47 billion by 2033.
So, if you’ve considered starting your own cleaning business—it’s the right time for you to jump in.
However, you need to create a solid business plan to turn your cleaning idea into reality and stand out from the competition.
Need help preparing your plan?
Check out this guide and learn more about the cleaning business plan. Also, we’ll walk you through the key steps and what to include in it, so that you can win investors or commercial contracts.
Ready to begin? Let’s get started!
What is a cleaning business plan?
A cleaning business plan is like a roadmap for your company. It’s a document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and the steps you’ll take to make your cleaning service a reality.
Here’s what the cleaning business plan includes:
- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market analysis
- Services offered
- Marketing and sales strategy
- Operations plan
- Financial projections
- Management team
Now, you might be wondering, “Do I need all this paperwork just to start my venture? Well, let’s understand why having a business plan is so important.
Why do you need a business plan for a cleaning business?
You might think that starting a cleaning business is as simple as buying some supplies and finding customers. But indeed, having an accurate plan can make lots of difference. Here’s why its essential:
- Writing a business plan forces you to think about all aspects of your cleaning business, from your target market to your financial goals.
- A good plan includes financial projections that help you understand your startup costs, pricing strategy, and potential profits.
- If you need funding, a well-written business plan can convince investors or banks that your cleaning business is worth their money.
- When things get busy (and they will!), your business plan serves as a reminder of your goals and strategies.
- In a competitive market, a solid plan can give you an edge over other cleaning businesses that are just winging it.
How to write a business plan for a cleaning business?
Writing a business plan might sound intimidating, but don’t worry! We’ll make it easy by breaking it down into simple steps. Here’s how to begin:
- Executive summary
Think of the executive summary as the trailer for your business plan movie. It’s a quick overview of your cleaning business idea, your goals, and why it’s going to be a success. Even though it’s the first thing people will read, it’s often easier to write this part after you’ve completed the rest of your plan.
For example
CleanSweep is a residential cleaning service focused on busy professionals in downtown Chicago. We offer top-quality, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that give our clients more time for themselves and a healthier home environment.
- Company description
The next part of a cleaning business plan is the company description section. Here’s where you get into the details of your cleaning company. You’ll have to cover:
- What type of cleaning services you’ll offer (residential, commercial, specialized)
- Your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation)
- Your mission statement and values
- What makes your cleaning service unique
For instance
At CleanSweep, we believe in creating healthier homes through eco-friendly cleaning practices. Our team of trained professionals uses only non-toxic, sustainable cleaning products to ensure a sparkling clean home without harsh chemicals.
- Market analysis
This section is all about knowing your audience. Research and describe:
- Your target market (Who needs your cleaning services?)
- The size of the market in your area
- Your competitors and what they’re offering
- Market trends in the cleaning industry
You might say something like: The residential cleaning market in Chicago is valued at $50 million annually, with a projected growth of 5% over the next five years.
Our main competitors are MaidPro and The Cleaning Authority, but we differentiate ourselves through our eco-friendly approach and personalized service.
- Services offered
Get specific about what cleaning services you’ll provide. Will you offer:
- Regular house cleaning?
- Deep cleaning?
- Move-in/move-out cleaning?
- Office cleaning?
- Specialized services like carpet cleaning or window washing?
List your services and briefly describe each one. For example:
- Standard clean: This service includes cleaning all living areas, including dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens.
- Deep clean: Our most comprehensive service, including cleaning inside appliances, washing windows, and detailed attention to baseboards and corners.
- Green clean: Using only eco-friendly products, this service is perfect for families with allergies or those concerned about environmental impact.
- Marketing and sales strategy
How will you get the word out about your awesome cleaning services? This section should cover:
- Your pricing strategy
- How you’ll promote your business (social media, local ads, referral programs)
- Your sales process (how will you turn leads into customers?)
For an example
We’ll use a mix of social media marketing, local SEO, and referral programs to attract customers. Our pricing will be competitive, starting at $100 for a standard cleaning of a two-bedroom apartment, with discounts for recurring services.
- Operations plan
This is where you get into the day-to-day details of running your cleaning business. Include information on:
- Equipment and supplies you’ll need
- How you’ll schedule and manage appointments
- Your hiring and training process for cleaning staff
- Quality control measures
You might write
CleanSweep will start with a team of four cleaners, including myself. We’ll use a cloud-based scheduling system to manage appointments and track customer preferences. All staff will undergo a rigorous training program and background check before joining our team.
- Financial projections
This section aims to detail the monetary aspects of your cleaning business which include:
- Startup costs (equipment, supplies, marketing, licenses)
- Projected revenue for the first 3-5 years
- Estimated expenses (labor, supplies, overhead)
- Break-even analysis
- Management team
Even if you’re starting solo, talk about who’s looking with the business and any advisors or mentors you have. If you plan to hire key personnel, mention their roles and qualifications.
For example
As the founder and CEO of CleanSweep, I bring 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. I’ve also partnered with a local environmental consultant to ensure our cleaning practices are truly eco-friendly.
Now that we’ve covered the main sections of a cleaning business plan, let’s look at an example to bring it all together.
Conclusion
Preparing a cleaning business plan might seem a huge task, but it’s an important step to turn your dream into reality. Also, it gives you a clear path to follow as you start and grow your business.
Remember, your business plan isn’t set in stone! As your cleaning business evolves and you get feedback from customers, it’s totally fine to go back and make necessary updates. Think of it as a living document that grows with your business.
So, ready to get started and map out your way to success? Let’s ease your business planning process—try using a free AI business plan generator to create solid, comprehensive plans in minutes. With the right plan in hand, you’ll be on track to build a cleaning business that shines!
