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How much should you charge an hour to clean?

fresh cleaning service in Surrey

Ever walk into a sparkling clean home and sigh with envy? Well, that feeling of satisfaction could be yours to create for others – and turn it into a tidy profit! If you’re considering starting a fresh cleaning service in Surrey, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how much to charge. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will break down everything you need to know about setting your cleaning rates in Surrey.

Why Choose Cleaning?

Surrey is a bustling city, and people here have busy lives. Between work, family, and social commitments, many folks simply don’t have the time (or frankly, the desire) to spend hours scrubbing floors and dusting shelves. That’s where you, the friendly neighborhood cleaning hero, come in!  You offer a valuable service – the gift of free time and a sparkling clean home.

There are other perks to this business venture too. You get to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and create a client base that appreciates your hard work. Plus, seeing the transformation after a good clean can be incredibly rewarding.

Different Types of Cleaning Services

Now, before we delve into the world of dollar signs, let’s explore the different cleaning services you might offer. Here are a few popular options:

Regular Cleaning: This is your bread-and-butter service, offering general cleaning tasks like vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning, and kitchen sanitizing.

Deep Cleaning: This is a more intensive clean, perfect for move-ins/outs, spring cleaning, or neglected spaces. It involves a more thorough cleaning of everything, including scrubbing floors, cleaning inside cabinets and appliances, and tackling those hard-to-reach areas.

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: This is a specialized service to ensure a spotless space for new tenants or homeowners.

Benefits of Setting the Right Price

Finding the sweet spot for your cleaning rates is crucial. Here’s why:

Client Satisfaction: A fair and competitive price keeps your clients happy. They won’t feel ripped off, and you’ll build a strong reputation.

Profitability: You need to charge enough to cover your expenses (cleaning supplies, transportation, and insurance) and make a decent profit.

Sustainability: Undervaluing your work can lead to burnout. Setting a good rate allows you to invest in quality cleaning products, maintain your equipment, and avoid feeling overworked.

Steps to setting you’re Cleaning Rates in Surrey

Here’s a roadmap to guide you

Research the Market: Check out what other cleaning services in Surrey are charging. This will give you a good starting point. Look for companies offering similar services in your target area.

Consider Your Experience: If you’re a seasoned cleaner with a loyal clientele, you can command a higher rate than someone just starting out.

Factor in Your Costs: Make a list of your expenses, including cleaning supplies, transportation costs, insurance, and any marketing materials.

Estimate Your Time: Consider how long it typically takes you to clean a certain size home or complete a specific service.

Let’s Do Some Math (Kind Of)

Once you’ve considered the points above, you can start playing around with some numbers. Here’s a very rough guideline for cleaning rates in Surrey (remember, this is just a starting point!):

Regular Cleaning: $25 – $40 per hour

Deep Cleaning: $45 – $60 per hour

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: Flat fee based on the size of the property (usually starting around $200 for a small apartment and going up from there).

Remember: These are just ballpark figures. You can adjust them based on your experience, the type of service, and the specific needs of your clients. Don’t be afraid to negotiate!

Conclusion

Setting your cleaning rates can feel daunting, but with a little research and some honest self-evaluation, you can find the perfect price point. Remember, you’re offering a valuable service, and you deserve to be compensated fairly. So, go forth, Surrey scrubber, and conquer the world of clean – one sparkling home at a time!

FAQs

How much should I charge for cleaning a specific house?

Instead of just charging by the hour, consider offering flat fees for specific cleaning jobs. This can be easier for clients to budget for and ensures you get paid fairly for the time it takes. Base your flat fees on the size of the house the level of cleaning required (regular vs. deep clean), and any additional services requested (oven cleaning, window cleaning, etc.).

Should I offer discounts?

Discounts can be a great way to attract new clients and build customer loyalty. You could offer discounts for:

Signing a contract for regular cleaning services

Booking multiple services at once

Referrals

Cleaning for seniors or veterans

Just be sure to factor in the discount when setting your base rates so you’re still making a profit.

What about taxes?

As a self-employed cleaner, you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes. Be sure to factor this in when setting your rates so you have enough money set aside come tax time.  There are resources available online and from the government to help you understand your tax obligations.

How do I find clients?

There are several ways to find clients for your fresh cleaning service in Surrey:

Online Marketplaces: Many online platforms connect cleaning services with potential clients. Look into websites like Thumbtack, Handy, and HomeStars.

Social Media: Create a business page for your cleaning service on Face book or Instagram. Share photos of your work, offer special promotions, and run targeted ads to reach your ideal clients.

Networking: Let your friends, family, and neighbours know you’re offering cleaning services. You might be surprised how many people are looking for a reliable cleaner!

Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses like real estate agents or property management companies. They often have clients who need cleaning services.

What supplies do I need to get started?

You’ll need a basic cleaning kit that includes:

Microfiber cloths and sponges

Mops and buckets

Vacuum cleaner with various attachments

All-purpose cleaner

Disinfectant wipes

Glass cleaner

Toilet bowl cleaner

Rubber gloves

Bonus Tip: Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies that will last.  It will save you money in the long run and make your cleaning jobs more efficient.

Do I need insurance?

While not mandatory, having general liability insurance can protect you from financial liability in case of an accident while cleaning a client’s home.  Consider getting quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage for your needs.

With this roadmap and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, you’re well on your way to building a thriving fresh cleaning service in Surrey! Remember, happy clients are repeat clients, so focus on providing excellent service and building trust with your customers.  Soon, you’ll be the go-to Surrey scrubber everyone raves about!