This Weekend Side Gig Could Pay $500 With No Special Degree
Move-out cleaning could bring in $500 over a weekend for someone who books two jobs at $250 each. The work involves cleaning empty apartments or houses for their next occupants.
It's important to note that the $500 is revenue before expenses and taxes, not guaranteed take-home pay. Here’s what the work involves, how long it can take and how to price it.
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What Move-Out Cleaning Involves
Move-out cleaning prepares a home for its next occupant. The side gig work can include scrubbing bathrooms, vacuuming and mopping floors, wiping baseboards and cleaning cabinets. Cleaning inside ovens and refrigerators may be included or priced separately.
Before quoting a job, ask for photos or arrange a walkthrough. Confirm the property’s size, condition and cleaning checklist, along with whether it will be empty and have running water and electricity.
How a Weekend Could Bring in $500
Thumbtack’s move-out cleaning cost guide puts the national average customer price at $199 to $354 per service. Prices for this side gig vary with the home’s size, condition, location and requested extras. These prices may cover a cleaning team, so use them as a benchmark when setting your rate.
Two jobs priced at $250 each would generate $500 before expenses and taxes. If each takes six hours, that means 12 hours of cleaning over the weekend, plus travel and time arranging bookings.
Four booked weekends at that pace would generate $2,000 in gross revenue. Maintaining that schedule for 48 weekends would bring in $24,000 a year before expenses and taxes. These are calculated examples and not guaranteed earnings.
To set your price, compare rates and services of competing cleaners in your area. Estimate your total working time, including travel and customer coordination, multiply it by your target hourly earnings and add expected expenses.
Supplies, transportation, advertising or booking fees and payments to a helper reduce what you keep. Equipment purchases also cut into earnings.
According to the IRS, side-gig income is taxable, including cash payments and income that isn’t reported on a tax form. So, be sure to keep records of payments and business expenses.
Expect Several Hours of Physical Work
Thumbtack estimated that a professional move-out cleaning typically takes three to eight hours, depending on the property’s size, condition and number of cleaners.
Therefore, two jobs could take six to 16 hours total of cleaning in total. A beginner working alone may need longer.
Start with a smaller property and track your time. Use that experience to estimate future jobs and set prices that cover the work involved.
The Skills and Supplies You Need
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed no formal educational credential as the typical entry requirement for maids and housekeeping cleaners, with short-term on-the-job training. You still need attention to detail and the ability to clean without damaging surfaces.
A basic kit can include a vacuum, mop, bucket, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, gloves and appropriate cleaning products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised choosing products suitable for each surface.
Start with services you can complete confidently. Leave specialized jobs, such as mold remediation, to providers with the appropriate expertise.
How To Find Your First Customers
You can look for customers directly, including outside major cities. Try local neighborhood groups, community bulletin boards and referrals from people you know.
Contact landlords, property managers and real estate agents to offer move-out cleaning. Airbnb and other short-term rental hosts are another potential source of customers for occasional deep cleans. Describe your availability, service area and what your price includes. Quote those jobs separately based on the work requested.
Ask satisfied customers for reviews and referrals. With permission, before-and-after photos can help show prospective customers the quality of your work. Before taking paid jobs, check local business requirements and consider liability insurance for accidental damage.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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