Home helper for errands and tidying

Older adults and their adult children, busy working parents, people recovering from surgery or injury, and anyone short on time.

Hourly rate, often with a minimum visit length, or a weekly package of regular visits. Repeat clients on a set schedule give steadier income.

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Organized with good time management
• Friendly and patient with people
• Comfortable driving and running errands

• General liability insurance, and check that your auto insurance covers business use of your car
• Check whether your state or city requires a business license or registration
• Personal care or medical help may need a state home care license, so keep your services to household tasks and check the rules
• Trust and key holding: consider a background check and clear written agreements
• Hiring helpers later can mean workers' compensation insurance and payroll rules, so check with your state

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on insurance, any registration fees and how much you spend on marketing. Check that your auto insurance covers business use of your car.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. Part-time schedules of around 8 hours a week or more are a common starting point.

Check whether your state or city requires a business license or registration. Personal care or medical help may need a state home care license, so keep services to household tasks and check the rules. Also consider insurance and background checks.