Cleaning Business Startup Cost Checklist
This checklist will help you estimate the total funds needed to launch your cleaning business. Fill in each field to calculate your total one-time startup expenses.
1. Legal & Administrative Costs
Business Registration (LLC, etc.) with State:
City/County Business License(s): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
(Prompt for user: Note: The EIN is free from the IRS website.)
Business Bank Account (Setup Fees, Initial Deposit): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Consultation with a Lawyer (for contracts, optional): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Subtotal - Legal & Admin: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
2. Insurance & Bonding (Initial Deposits/Premiums)
General Liability Insurance (First Payment/Deposit): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Janitorial Bond / Surety Bond (Full Year Premium): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Workers' Compensation (First Payment, if hiring): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Commercial Auto Insurance (First Payment, if applicable): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Subtotal - Insurance & Bonding: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
3. Cleaning Equipment (Durable Goods)
Primary Vacuum (e.g., HEPA, Backpack, Upright): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Secondary Vacuum (e.g., Handheld, Shop-Vac): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Mop System (e.g., Commercial Mop & Bucket): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Microfiber Flat Mop System (for wood floors, etc.): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Cleaning Caddies (for carrying supplies, x2-3): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Step Stool (2-step, foldable): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Extension Duster (for high ceilings/fans): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Broom & Dustpan Set: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Scrub Brushes (various sizes, grout brush): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Toilet Brushes & Holders (x2-3): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Squeegees (for shower glass & windows): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Subtotal - Equipment: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
4. Cleaning Supplies (Initial Stock / Consumables)
Microfiber Cloths (Bulk Pack - 50+): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Glass Cleaning Cloths (Bulk Pack): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Sponges (Non-scratch, heavy-duty): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Trash Bags (Kitchen & Small Bin sizes): [Insert Number InputField (Currency)]
Spray Bottles (for mixing chemicals, x5-10): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
All-Purpose Cleaner (Concentrate or Ready-to-use): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Glass Cleaner: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Bathroom Disinfectant / Cleaner: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Kitchen Degreaser: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Floor Cleaner (for multiple surface types): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Wood Polish / Cleaner: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Stainless Steel Cleaner/Polish: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Oven Cleaner (Heavy Duty): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Grout & Tile Cleaner: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Disposable Gloves (Box of 100): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Shoe Covers (Box of 100, optional): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Subtotal - Supplies: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
5. Marketing & Branding
Logo Design: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Business Cards (Box of 500): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Marketing Flyers / Door Hangers (x500): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Website (Domain Purchase): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Website (Hosting - First Year): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Company T-Shirts / Uniforms (x3-5): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Car Magnets / Decals: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Subtotal - Marketing: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
6. Technology & Software
Scheduling Software (First Month/Year): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
(Prompt for user: e.g., Jobber, Housecall Pro, Acuity, or Calendly)
Accounting Software (First Month/Year): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
(Prompt for user: e.g., QuickBooks Online, Wave (free), Xero)
Business Phone (Dedicated line or service): [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
Subtotal - Technology: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
7. Initial Cash Reserve (Working Capital)
(This is money you set aside for the first 3-6 months to cover expenses before you are profitable, like gas, supplies, and insurance premiums.)
Recommended 3-Month Operating Expenses: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency)]
8. Summary of Startup Costs
Total Legal & Admin: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
Total Insurance & Bonding: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
Total Equipment: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
Total Supplies: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
Total Marketing: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
Total Technology: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
Total Cash Reserve: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
GRAND TOTAL STARTUP COST: [Insert Number Input Field (Currency) or Auto-Sum]
9. Final Review & Signature
I have reviewed these estimated costs and confirm this is my target startup budget.
Owner's Name: [Insert Text Input Field]
Owner's Signature: [Insert e-Sign Signature Field]
Date: [Insert Date Input Field]