CLEANING BUSINESS LAUNCH CHECKLIST
From https://www.brix.so/start/cleaning (updated 2026-10-24)
Print it, tick it off, keep it in the car.

DAY 1

[ ] Pick a name and check it's free with your state's business registry
[ ] Register the business (sole proprietorship or LLC) and get a free EIN from the IRS
[ ] Ask your city or county which business license you need
[ ] Check whether your state taxes cleaning services and register for sales tax if it does
[ ] Get general liability insurance and a janitorial bond
[ ] Set up a separate business bank account
[ ] Get a business phone number that isn't your personal cell
[ ] Write your price sheet: standard, deep and move-out cleans
[ ] Buy a starter kit and read every chemical label (EPA registration number, contact time)
[ ] Write a short policy for keys, alarm codes, pets and cancellations

MONTH 3

[ ] Ask every happy client for a Google review the day of the clean
[ ] Move one-time clients onto weekly, biweekly or monthly schedules
[ ] Track hours per clean against what you quoted, and fix underpriced homes
[ ] Set a monthly date to reconcile your books and set money aside for taxes
[ ] Text back every missed call within minutes
[ ] Restock supplies on a schedule instead of when you run out
[ ] Decide whether to hire your first helper or add more recurring clients

YEAR 1

[ ] Raise prices for new clients if your calendar is full
[ ] Add workers' comp and a written hazard communication program before your first employee starts
[ ] Review your insurance limits and bond amount against your client list
[ ] Pay quarterly estimated taxes on time
[ ] Price your add-ons (inside fridge, oven, windows, laundry) as line items
[ ] Look at which lead sources bring recurring clients, and spend there
[ ] Decide whether an LLC or S corp makes sense now that you have real profit

Rules, fees and tax treatment vary by state and city. Check your local
licensing office and your state revenue department. This checklist is not
legal or tax advice.

Questions? Call or text (518) 588-1122, or book 15 minutes:
https://cal.com/ethanharris/15min