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]