Okay, so I've been toying with this idea of starting an Airbnb cleaning company for a while now. It seems like a pretty solid gig, right? People are always traveling, and nobody wants to clean up after themselves, especially on vacation. So, I dove in headfirst. Here's how it's been going.

First Steps: Getting My Ducks in a Row

First things first, I needed to figure out the basics. Like, what services was I actually going to offer? Just the standard clean? Deep cleans? Laundry? Stocking up on supplies? I decided to start with a pretty comprehensive package: a general clean, plus laundry service, and restocking essential items like toilet paper and soap. Figured it would be a good way to stand out.

Next up, the not-so-fun part: paperwork. I had to register my business, get the necessary licenses and permits…ugh, the usual headache. It wasn't glamorous, but I powered through it. Having everything legit from the start felt super important.

Getting the Word Out (and Finding Clients!)

Once the legal stuff was sorted, I needed clients! I started small, reaching out to friends and family who had Airbnbs or knew people who did. Word of mouth is powerful, let me tell you. I also created some basic flyers and posted them in local community groups online. Super low-budget, but hey, it worked!

My first few clients were… interesting. One place was pretty straightforward, a small apartment, easy peasy. Another was a total disaster zone after a bachelorette party. Glitter EVERYWHERE. But, you know, I learned a lot. Like, always double-check the number of bedrooms and bathrooms before giving a quote. Lesson learned!

Building a System (and Keeping My Sanity)

After a few weeks of running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I realized I needed a system. Badly. I started using a simple spreadsheet to track bookings, cleaning supplies, and client information. It's not fancy, but it helps me stay organized. I also created checklists for each cleaning, so I wouldn't forget anything important (like, you know, taking out the trash).

I also invested in some decent cleaning supplies. I’m talking good quality stuff, not the cheapest things I could find. Makes a huge difference in the final result, and clients appreciate it. Plus I bought a few in bulk when I found some nice deal!

The Ups and Downs

Honestly, it's been a rollercoaster. Some days are awesome, and I feel like I'm killing it. Other days, I'm scrubbing toilets and wondering what I've gotten myself into. But, overall, it's been a pretty rewarding experience. I’m learning a ton, and I actually enjoy the work (most of the time!).

It's definitely not a "get rich quick" scheme, but it's a solid business, and I'm excited to see where it goes. I'm thinking about hiring some help soon, which is a little scary but also exciting. Wish me luck!