The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Cleaning Services

Starting a cleaning services side hustle is a straightforward way to boost your income while helping Kiwis keep their homes and offices sparkling. Whether you’re tackling residential cleans in Wellington or commercial spaces in Hamilton, these practical tips tailored for New Zealand will help you attract clients and manage your side hustle alongside your full-time job.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Understand Local Cleaning Needs

Cleaning demands vary throughout New Zealand - urban homes often need regular domestic cleans, while businesses in cities like Auckland and Christchurch require specialised commercial cleaning.

Weirdly enough, many clients value eco-friendly products and flexible scheduling, which can help you stand out in the market.

Knowing local preferences lets you tailor your services for maximum appeal.

2. Set Up a Yada Profile

Yada connects cleaning professionals with local clients free of lead or success fees, ideal for side hustlers to gain visibility without upfront costs.

The platform’s rating system rewards quality service providers, helping trustworthy cleaners get more work.

Its mobile-friendly app lets you manage bookings and communicate with clients efficiently.

3. Offer Varied Cleaning Packages

From regular domestic cleans and spring cleans to specialised commercial and window cleaning, offering diverse services broadens your market.

A Hamilton cleaner grew their side business by adding after-hours commercial cleans and carpet treatments to their service list.

Flexibility helps you take a range of jobs while fitting everything around your full-time commitments.

4. Promote Through Trusted Channels

Apart from Yada, advertise in local Facebook groups, Neighbourly, community boards, and popular NZ directories like TradeMe Services.

Detailed listings with clear pricing and client reviews increase trust and enquiries.

Being visible on multiple platforms maximises your client reach.

5. Collect and Display Client Testimonials

Request reviews and permission to share client feedback and before/after photos.

An Auckland cleaner boosted bookings by consistently posting glowing testimonials and photos on social media.

Positive word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in New Zealand communities.

6. Network with Complementary Trades

Build relationships with real estate agents, property managers, and carpet cleaners for referrals.

Weirdly enough, personal networking in local communities often brings more consistent leads than paid marketing.

Strong local connections provide a reliable client pipeline.

7. Develop a Mobile-Friendly Website

Create a simple website with Wix or Google Sites showcasing your cleaning services, testimonials, and contact details.

Regularly update with client stories and new services to engage visitors.

A clean, professional website builds client confidence and simplifies contact.

8. Share Cleaning Tips and Advice

Provide useful tips on stain removal, eco-cleaning, and maintaining tidy homes to position yourself as a trusted expert.

Tailor content to NZ lifestyles, like dealing with summer pollen or winter mould issues.

Helpful content builds trust and keeps clients coming back.

9. Organise Scheduling and Communication

Use Yada’s scheduling and messaging tools, or external apps like Calendly, to manage bookings and client conversations efficiently.

Clear communication about timings and services reduces misunderstandings and cancellations.

Being organised helps balance your side hustle with your main job for stress-free management.

10. Stay Informed on Health Standards

Keep up to date with NZ health and safety regulations, particularly for commercial cleaning and COVID-19 protocols.

Participate in courses and industry groups to stay current.

Compliance and ongoing learning ensure you deliver safe, professional services clients trust.