Regular home cleaner for local households

Busy working families, seniors who want help at home, and professionals who would rather not clean on weekends.

Hourly rate or fixed price per visit. Regular weekly or biweekly clients give steady income, and you can add extras like inside the fridge or oven for more.

• Thorough and reliable
• Good time management
• Trustworthy with keys and privacy

• Commercial general liability insurance, and whether you want bonding for key holding
• Whether your municipality requires a business licence, including for home-based businesses
• Register for GST/HST with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Check your provincial WCB/WSIB rules before hiring anyone
• Physical work: plan your hours and use good technique to avoid strain

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $900, depending on whether you buy your own supplies and equipment or use the client's, and on the insurance you choose.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many regular clients you have, how many hours you work and whether you bring in a helper. It is physical work, so plan your hours sensibly.

Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, including for home-based businesses. Also check commercial general liability insurance, bonding if you hold keys, GST/HST registration past the small supplier threshold, and WCB/WSIB rules before hiring anyone.