Thinking about leaving your agency job to go independent? Or choosing between the two paths? Here’s the honest truth about earnings, freedom, and what you’re actually giving up by working for someone else.
Let me guess: you’re working for a cleaning agency, showing up every day, doing excellent work, and watching £18-£25 per hour leave your clients’ bank accounts. Then you get paid £10-£12 of that. The rest? The agency keeps it for “administration,” “management,” and “finding you work.”
Meanwhile, you’re doing all the actual cleaning, building relationships with clients (who often specifically request you), developing your skills, and maintaining professional standards. But every hour you work, £8-£13 of what the client pays goes straight to someone who never sets foot in that property.
Does that make you feel frustrated? Undervalued? Like you’re working hard to enrich someone else’s business whilst your own potential earnings are being capped artificially?
Good. That frustration is telling you something important.
The cleaning industry has changed dramatically. What agencies offered that independent cleaners couldn’t access – credibility, professional presentation, client connections – is no longer exclusively theirs. Platforms like Trader Street have levelled the playing field. You can now operate independently with the same professional advantages agencies once monopolised, whilst keeping 100% of what clients pay.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly what you’re leaving on the table by working for an agency, how much you could actually earn independently, and whether making the leap is right for you. By the end, you’ll have the financial clarity to make an informed decision about your career.
The Financial Reality: What You’re Actually Losing
Let’s start with cold, hard numbers. Because until you see exactly how much agencies are taking from your earnings, it’s easy to accept the status quo.
What Agencies Pay Their Cleaners
Agency cleaner hourly rates (what YOU receive):
London and South East: £11-£14 per hour
Major cities: £10-£13 per hour
Other regions: £9.50-£12 per hour
Some agencies pay slightly better. Some pay worse. But these are typical ranges for experienced cleaners working for UK agencies in 2025.
What Agencies Charge Clients
Agency client rates (what the CLIENT pays):
London and South East: £20-£30 per hour
Major cities: £17-£25 per hour
Other regions: £15-£22 per hour
The Gap: What’s Being Taken From You
Let’s calculate what this means in real terms. We’ll use Manchester as an example (major city, representative of most UK locations outside London).
Agency takes from client: £20 per hour
You receive: £11 per hour
Agency keeps: £9 per hour
That’s 45% of the client payment that never reaches you.
Now let’s scale this to see what it means over time:
Weekly: If you work 25 hours per week cleaning, you’re missing out on £225 per week
Monthly: That’s £900-£975 per month not in your bank account
Annually: Over a full year, you’re losing £11,700 of your earnings potential
Think about that number. £11,700 per year.
What could you do with an extra £11,700 annually? That’s a house deposit saved in 2-3 years. A car purchase. A family holiday abroad every year. Financial security. Options.
Instead, it’s going to the agency for connecting you with work, handling admin, and providing backup coverage. Are those services worth £11,700 per year to you?
But It’s Not Just the Hourly Rate
The agency cut is only part of the story. There are other financial disadvantages to agency employment:
No rate negotiation. Agencies set your pay rate. You don’t get to negotiate based on your experience, skills, or excellent track record. Everyone gets the same rate regardless of quality.
No loyalty bonuses. When you work directly with clients and provide excellent service for years, you can negotiate rate increases. Agency cleaners rarely see meaningful pay rises.
No tips. Clients might want to tip you for exceptional work, but many agencies have policies against accepting tips. Even when allowed, clients tipping agency cleaners is rare because they feel they’ve already paid the agency.
Limited earning ceiling. With agencies, you hit a pay ceiling quickly. Whether you’ve been cleaning for 2 years or 20, your hourly rate doesn’t increase substantially.
No direct client relationships. Those clients who specifically request you? You can’t take them with you if you leave. The agency owns that relationship, not you.
What You Could Actually Earn as an Independent Cleaner
Right, let’s look at what your financial reality would be working independently.
Independent Cleaner Rates You Can Charge
What independent cleaners charge clients:
London and South East: £16-£25 per hour
Major cities: £14-£20 per hour
Other regions: £12-£18 per hour
Notice something? Independent rates are actually lower than what agencies charge clients, yet still higher than what agencies pay you. This is the magic of cutting out the middleman.
Clients save money. You earn more. The only loser is the agency taking their cut.
Your Realistic Independent Earnings
Let’s use the same Manchester example:
What you could charge: £16 per hour (conservative, at the lower end)
What you currently receive from agency: £11 per hour
Your increase: £5 per hour
Weekly increase: 25 hours × £5 = £125 per week
Monthly increase: £500-£540 per month
Annual increase: £6,000-£6,500 per year
And that’s charging less than agencies charge, giving your clients better value whilst you earn significantly more.
If you charge £18 per hour (still below agency rates):
Weekly increase: 25 hours × £7 = £175 per week
Monthly increase: £700-£760 per month
Annual increase: £8,400-£9,100 per year
You could earn an extra £8,400 per year whilst clients save £100-£200 per year. Everyone wins except the agency.
But What About Costs?
Yes, you’ll have business costs as an independent cleaner. Let’s be realistic about them:
Annual business costs:
- Public liability insurance: £100-£200
- Cleaning supplies (if you provide them): £200-£400
- Equipment maintenance/replacement: £100-£200
- Fuel/travel: £500-£800
- Phone/internet: £300-£400
- Accountant: £300-£500 (optional but recommended)
- Marketing: £0-£200 (Trader Street is free)
Total annual costs: £1,500-£2,700
Even deducting maximum costs (£2,700), you’re still £3,700-£6,400 better off annually than working for an agency.
And remember – you control these costs. Shop around for insurance. Buy supplies in bulk. Minimise travel by clustering clients geographically. These costs aren’t fixed; you manage them.
The Real Earnings Comparison
Let’s put it all together with realistic scenarios:
Agency cleaner working 25 hours/week:
- Hourly rate: £11
- Weekly earnings: £275
- Annual earnings: £14,300 (assuming 52 working weeks)
- After tax and NI: Approximately £13,000 take-home
Independent cleaner working 25 hours/week at £16/hour:
- Hourly rate: £16
- Weekly earnings: £400
- Annual earnings: £20,800
- Less business costs: -£2,000
- Net income: £18,800
- After tax and NI: Approximately £16,300 take-home
Difference: £3,300 more in your pocket annually
Independent cleaner working 25 hours/week at £18/hour:
- Annual earnings: £23,400
- Less business costs: -£2,000
- Net income: £21,400
- After tax and NI: Approximately £18,100 take-home
Difference: £5,100 more in your pocket annually
These aren’t hypothetical numbers. This is the real financial impact of going independent.
Beyond Money: The Non-Financial Benefits
The financial case alone is compelling. But there are significant non-financial advantages to independence that improve your quality of life.
Control Over Your Schedule
Agency life: You’re given your schedule. The agency assigns you to properties at times that suit their operations, not necessarily your life. Want Fridays off? Prefer mornings over afternoons? Tough luck.
Independent life: You decide your working hours. Want to work 7am-2pm so you’re free for school pickup? Done. Prefer four long days over five short ones? Your choice. Need Wednesday mornings for a course? Block them out.
This control over time is worth more than money to many people.
Choice of Clients
Agency life: You clean wherever you’re sent. Difficult client? Too bad. Property far from your home base? Deal with it. Client whose home makes you uncomfortable? Usually not a valid reason to decline.
Independent life: You choose who you work for. Property too far away? Decline politely. Client with unrealistic expectations? Don’t take the booking. Prefer residential over commercial? Specialise accordingly.
You’re in control of your work environment and the people you interact with.
Building Real Relationships
Agency life: You’re “the cleaner from Molly Maid” or “someone from Fantastic Services.” You’re anonymous, replaceable, part of a corporate service.
Independent life: You’re Sarah, the person who’s been cleaning the Johnson family’s home for three years. You know about their kids, their pets, their lives. They know you, trust you, value you personally.
These relationships matter. They make work more enjoyable, create loyalty, and generate referrals.
Direct Communication
Agency life: Problem with a booking? Message the agency. Client wants something done differently? Goes through the agency. You need to reschedule? Request it from the agency, wait for approval.
Everything’s filtered through intermediaries, creating delays and miscommunication.
Independent life: Client wants to discuss something? They text or call you directly. Need to reschedule? Arrange it together in one conversation. Issue to address? Sort it out immediately without involving third parties.
Direct communication is faster, clearer, and more satisfying for everyone.
Pride and Ownership
Agency life: You’re building someone else’s business. Excellent work generates five-star reviews for the agency, not for you personally. Client specifically requests you? The agency benefits from your reputation, but you see no direct reward.
Independent life: Every five-star review has your name on it. Every recommendation builds your business. Every satisfied client is your success story.
This sense of ownership and pride in your work is psychologically valuable.
Long-Term Wealth Building
Agency life: You’re trading time for money at a rate someone else controls. In ten years, you’ll be doing the same thing for marginally better pay.
Independent life: You’re building a business asset. A book of regular clients, a strong reputation, systems and processes – this has value. You could eventually hire help and scale. Or you could sell your client list when you retire.
Agencies offer a job. Independence offers wealth-building potential.
The Challenges of Going Independent (And How to Handle Them)
Let’s be honest about the downsides. Independence isn’t all sunshine and increased earnings. There are genuine challenges.
Challenge 1: Finding Your Own Clients
The issue: Agencies provide a steady stream of work. You show up, clean, get paid. Going independent means you need to find clients yourself.
The reality: This is less daunting than it sounds, especially in 2025.
Solutions:
- Trader Street: Create a detailed profile, get your first few reviews, and enquiries will come. It’s free and connects you directly with people actively seeking cleaners.
- Word of mouth: Do excellent work for your first few clients and ask for recommendations. This builds momentum quickly.
- Local advertising: Leaflets in target areas, notices in community centres, local Facebook groups. Old-school methods still work.
- Taking existing clients: Some cleaners (ethically and legally) inform their regular agency clients when they go independent. Many clients happily switch to save money whilst keeping the cleaner they already trust.
Time to build full schedule: Most cleaners going independent are fully booked within 2-4 months if they market themselves actively.
Challenge 2: No Backup When You’re Ill or on Holiday
The issue: Agencies provide backup coverage. If you’re ill, they send someone else. Going independent means no automatic replacement.
The reality: This is the single biggest advantage agencies retain.
Solutions:
- Build a network: Partner with one or two other independent cleaners you trust. Cover for each other during holidays or emergencies. Many successful independent cleaners have informal backup arrangements.
- Communicate proactively: Give clients plenty of notice about holidays. Most are happy to skip a week or two if they know in advance.
- Build holiday costs into rates: Charge slightly more (£1-£2 extra per hour) to compensate for the 4-6 weeks annually you won’t work.
- Save for sick days: Put aside money from each job to cover the occasional sick day. If you’re ill 3-4 days per year, that’s one week’s earnings to budget for.
The honest assessment: Yes, this is less convenient than agency backup. But for most cleaners, the £6,000+ annual extra earnings more than compensate for managing this yourself.
Challenge 3: Administrative Work
The issue: Agencies handle scheduling, invoicing, tax, insurance renewals, client communication. You just clean.
The reality: Yes, you’ll need to manage admin as an independent. But it’s not as onerous as it sounds.
Time required: Approximately 2-4 hours per week for:
- Responding to new enquiries (30-60 minutes)
- Scheduling and confirming appointments (30 minutes)
- Invoicing and tracking payments (30 minutes)
- Bookkeeping (15-30 minutes)
- Marketing and profile updates (30-60 minutes)
Solutions:
- Simple systems: Use free tools like Google Calendar for scheduling, spreadsheets for tracking payments, and Trader Street messaging for client communication.
- Templates: Create message templates for common communications (booking confirmations, reminders, invoices). Saves time.
- Batch administration: Designate Sunday evening for admin. Do it all at once rather than scattered throughout the week.
- Accountant: For £300-£500 annually, an accountant handles your tax return and gives you peace of mind. Worth every penny.
The honest assessment: Yes, there’s admin work. But it’s manageable, and you’re being paid £6,000+ extra to do it. That’s more than fair compensation.
Challenge 4: Financial Uncertainty
The issue: Agency work provides predictable income. You know what you’ll earn each week. Independence means your income varies based on bookings.
The reality: This is scary initially but stabilises quickly once you build regular clients.
Solutions:
- Focus on regular clients: Weekly or fortnightly regular cleanings provide predictable base income. One-off jobs are extras on top.
- Build a savings buffer: Save 2-3 months’ worth of expenses before making the leap. This cushion provides financial security during the transition.
- Part-time transition: Don’t quit agency work abruptly. Build your independent client base to 10-15 hours per week first, then reduce agency hours gradually.
- Diversify income: Regular domestic clients, end of tenancy cleans, commercial accounts – multiple income streams create stability.
The honest assessment: First 2-3 months might feel uncertain. After that, most independent cleaners have more stable income than they did with agencies, because they control their schedule and rates.
Challenge 5: Handling Problem Clients
The issue: With agencies, difficult clients are the company’s problem. You’re moved to different properties if issues arise. As an independent, you handle everything yourself.
The reality: Problem clients are rare if you vet properly, but they do exist.
Solutions:
- Screen carefully: Trust your instincts. If someone seems difficult during initial messages, decline politely.
- Clear terms from the start: Written agreement about services, rates, cancellation policy, payment terms. Prevents most disputes.
- Professional boundaries: Maintain friendly but professional relationships. Don’t let clients take advantage of your flexibility.
- Exit strategy: If a client becomes problematic, you can end the relationship. “I’m sorry, but this arrangement isn’t working for me. I’ll finish this month, but I won’t be able to continue after that.”
The honest assessment: Most clients are lovely. The occasional difficult one is vastly outweighed by the benefits of choosing who you work with.
Making the Transition: Your Step-by-Step Plan
Convinced that independence is right for you? Here’s exactly how to make it happen successfully.
Phase 1: Preparation (While Still at Agency) – 1-2 Months
Week 1-2: Research and planning ☐ Research local independent cleaner rates thoroughly
☐ Calculate your target income and required hourly rate
☐ Create business name (can be just your name: “Sarah’s Cleaning Services”)
☐ Research insurance options
☐ Check your agency contract for notice period and any restrictive clauses
Week 3-4: Business foundation ☐ Register as self-employed with HMRC
☐ Open business bank account (recommended but not required for sole traders)
☐ Purchase public liability insurance
☐ Buy initial cleaning supplies and equipment if needed
☐ Create Trader Street profile with detailed descriptions and competitive rates
Week 5-8: Building client base ☐ Start marketing: Trader Street, local Facebook groups, leaflets in target areas
☐ Respond quickly to all enquiries
☐ Take your first 3-5 independent clients (evening/weekend slots if still working agency hours)
☐ Request reviews after each successful clean
☐ Refine your processes based on initial experience
Goal: Have 10-15 hours of weekly independent work before reducing agency hours
Phase 2: Transition (Reducing Agency Hours) – 2-3 Months
Week 9-12: Scaling independent work ☐ Continue marketing actively
☐ Aim for 15-20 hours of independent bookings per week
☐ Give notice at agency to reduce hours (or give full notice if contract allows gradual reduction)
☐ Be strategic: reduce agency hours as independent bookings increase
Week 13-16: Majority independent ☐ Aim for 20-25 hours independent work
☐ Keep 5-10 agency hours as backup income if comfortable
☐ Continue building client base
☐ Start developing systems: client scheduling, invoicing, bookkeeping
Goal: Have 80% of your working hours as independent clients
Phase 3: Full Independence – Month 4 Onwards
Week 17+: Complete independence ☐ Give final notice to agency (if you haven’t already)
☐ Focus entirely on your independent business
☐ Aim for full 25-30 hours of bookings per week
☐ Refine pricing – consider gradual increases as reputation grows
☐ Build emergency savings fund (2-3 months expenses)
☐ Establish backup arrangements with other independent cleaners
☐ Consider offering additional services (end of tenancy, deep cleans, etc.)
Goal: Fully booked independent schedule with stable income exceeding previous agency earnings
The Cautious Approach vs. The Bold Approach
Cautious: Build independent business to full-time hours before leaving agency. Takes longer (4-6 months) but minimal risk.
Bold: Give agency notice after reaching 10-15 hours independent work. Fully independent within 2-3 months. Higher short-term risk but faster to full independence.
Most cleaners find the cautious approach works better psychologically. The extra 2-3 months of dual work is tiring, but the financial security is worth it.
Pricing Yourself Confidently
Many cleaners struggle with pricing when going independent. Years of agency work where you simply accept the rate you’re given makes setting your own rate feel daunting.
Finding Your Rate
Research thoroughly:
- Check 10-15 independent cleaner profiles on Trader Street in your area
- Note the range and average rates
- Consider where you fit (experience, qualifications, reviews)
Start conservatively:
- Position yourself at the lower-middle of the local market initially
- This helps build your client base and collect reviews quickly
- You can increase rates once established
Example rate strategy:
Month 1-3: Charge £14-£15/hour (slightly below average) to attract first clients
Month 4-6: Increase to £15-£16/hour for new clients (keep existing at lower rate for loyalty)
Month 7-12: Increase to £16-£17/hour for new clients
Year 2: Consider £17-£18/hour as your established rate, increase existing clients gradually with notice
Don’t Undervalue Yourself
Avoid these mistakes:
Charging too little. Yes, you want to be competitive, but being dramatically cheaper than everyone else suggests poor quality. If average local rate is £16/hour, charging £10/hour won’t attract good clients – it’ll attract people who only care about price, often the most difficult clients.
Not increasing rates. You should increase your rates by 5-10% annually to account for inflation, experience, and rising costs. Clients expect this. Don’t be apologetic about reasonable increases.
Giving too many discounts. An occasional discount for regular clients or referrals is fine. Constant discounts undermine your value and train clients to expect cheap rates.
Justifying Your Rates
When clients query your rates or try to negotiate down:
Response for price objections: “I understand you’re comparing rates. My prices reflect my [X years] of professional experience, my insurance and professional memberships, the high-quality supplies I use, and most importantly, the consistently excellent service my reviews demonstrate. I believe quality cleaning is worth investing in, and my existing clients agree.”
For negotiation attempts: “My rates are set to fairly compensate my experience and costs whilst remaining competitive with local market rates. However, I do offer a 10% discount for weekly bookings if that helps.”
Confidence in your pricing shows professionalism and attracts clients who value quality over rock-bottom prices.
Building Your Reputation and Business
Once you’re independent, your business success depends entirely on your reputation. Here’s how to build one that generates steady work.
Delivering Exceptional Service
Exceed expectations occasionally. If you finish with 15 minutes to spare, use it to wipe down bins or clean inside the microwave. Small extras create raving fans.
Be reliable above all else. Show up on time, every time. Message if you’re running late. Never cancel without genuine emergency. Reliability matters more than perfection.
Communicate proactively. Send arrival messages. Notify about holidays well in advance. Respond to messages within a few hours. Good communication builds trust.
Attention to detail sets you apart. Clean behind taps. Wipe light switches. Dust skirting boards. The details differentiate you from average cleaners.
Getting Reviews
Reviews are your lifeblood as an independent cleaner. They build trust, attract new clients, and justify your rates.
Ask for reviews immediately: After successfully completing your first clean for a new client, send this message:
“I’m so glad you’re happy with the clean! Building my independent business, reviews really help. Would you mind leaving a quick review on my Trader Street profile? It takes just a minute and makes a huge difference. Thank you!”
Timing matters: Ask within 24 hours while they’re still delighted with the clean. Wait a week, and they’ll have forgotten.
Make it easy: Provide the direct link to your profile review section. Fewer clicks means higher completion rates.
Respond to reviews: Thank people for positive reviews. This shows appreciation and demonstrates your engagement.
Building Through Referrals
Word-of-mouth is powerful marketing, and it’s free.
Ask satisfied clients directly: “I’m so glad you’re happy with my service! If you know anyone else who might need a cleaner, I’d really appreciate the recommendation.”
Offer referral incentives: “Recommend a friend who books regular cleaning, and you both get £10 off your next clean.”
Make referring you easy: “Just pass on my number or share my Trader Street profile. I’ll take great care of anyone you refer.”
One happy client can generate 3-5 referrals over time. These referred clients often become your best long-term clients because they come with built-in trust.
Why Trader Street is Essential for Independent Cleaners
Going independent used to mean isolation and constant marketing struggle. Not anymore.
Free professional presence: Your Trader Street profile showcases your services, rates, experience, and most importantly, your reviews – all without spending a penny.
Local visibility: People actively searching for cleaners in your area find your profile. You’re not shouting into the void; you’re connecting with ready-to-book clients.
No commission fees: Unlike some platforms that take 15-25% of every booking, Trader Street connects you directly. You keep 100% of what clients pay.
Trust mechanisms built in: Reviews from verified clients build credibility. New clients can book confidently based on others’ experiences.
Direct communication: Message clients directly to discuss their needs, build rapport, and demonstrate your professionalism before they even book.
Complete control: Set your own rates, decide which jobs to accept, build relationships on your terms. The platform facilitates connections but doesn’t control your business.
Professional credibility: A well-maintained Trader Street profile provides the professional credibility agencies once monopolised, without the agency cut.
This is how independent cleaners compete with agencies in 2025. You get professional presentation, trust mechanisms, and client connections whilst keeping your full earnings.
Real Stories: Cleaners Who Made the Leap
Maria’s Story: Birmingham
Before: 6 years with Fantastic Services franchise
- Earning: £11.50/hour
- Annual income: £14,950
- Take-home: Approximately £13,500
After: 18 months independent via Trader Street
- Charging: £17/hour
- Annual income: £22,100 (after business costs)
- Take-home: Approximately £18,500
Maria’s verdict: “I was terrified to leave the agency. What if I couldn’t find clients? What if I failed? But within three months, I had more work than I could handle. I’m earning £5,000 more annually, I choose my schedule, and clients specifically book me, not just ‘a cleaner.’ I only wish I’d done it five years earlier.”
Tom’s Story: Leeds
Before: 3 years with Molly Maid
- Earning: £10.50/hour
- Annual income: £13,650
- Frustrated with lack of pay increases despite excellent performance
After: 8 months independent
- Charging: £15/hour
- Annual income: £19,500 (after business costs)
- Built entirely through Trader Street and word-of-mouth
Tom’s verdict: “The admin was intimidating at first, but it’s honestly about 3 hours per week. For that 3 hours, I’m earning £6,000 more annually. That’s £2,000 per hour of admin work – best-paid admin in the UK! Going independent was the best career decision I’ve made.”
Joanna’s Story: Edinburgh
Before: 8 years with local agency
- Earning: £12/hour
- Comfortable but felt undervalued
- Clients specifically requested her, but all credit went to agency
After: 2 years independent
- Charging: £18/hour
- Fully booked within 4 months
- Many of her former agency clients switched to hiring her directly (ethically – she approached them after leaving)
Joanna’s verdict: “I built the agency’s reputation for years. They made thousands from my work. Now those same clients pay me directly. They’re saving money compared to agency rates, I’m earning double what the agency paid me, and the agency gets nothing. That’s fair. I’m the one cleaning; I should keep the earnings.”
The Bottom Line: Is Independence Right for You?
Let’s be absolutely clear about who should and shouldn’t make this move.
You Should Seriously Consider Going Independent If:
✓ You’re currently earning £9-£13/hour from an agency
✓ You’re good at your job and deliver quality work consistently
✓ You’re reasonably confident and comfortable with light admin
✓ You want to earn £5,000-£9,000 more annually
✓ You value control over your schedule and client choices
✓ You’re willing to invest 2-4 months building your client base
✓ You can save a small financial cushion before transitioning
You Should Probably Stay with Agencies If:
✗ You deeply value having zero responsibility beyond cleaning
✗ Financial uncertainty causes severe anxiety (though this stabilises quickly)
✗ You’re not confident speaking with clients or managing relationships
✗ You have zero savings and can’t afford any income fluctuation during transition
✗ You actively dislike any form of self-promotion or marketing
✗ You’re very close to retirement (1-2 years) and don’t want the disruption
The honest assessment: For 80-90% of agency cleaners, independence is the financially better choice. The extra £5,000-£9,000 annually is substantial, and the challenges are manageable with proper planning.
If you’re in the fence, try the cautious transition approach: build your independent client base to 10-15 hours weekly whilst maintaining agency work. If you hate it, you can stop. But chances are, you’ll love the increased earnings, autonomy, and respect for your work.
Your Decision Moment
You’ve reached the end of this guide. You now know exactly what agencies are taking from your earnings. You understand the financial reality of independence. You’ve seen the step-by-step transition plan. You’ve read stories from cleaners who’ve successfully made the leap.
Now you need to make a decision.
Option 1: Stay with your agency. Accept that you’ll earn £10-£12/hour whilst clients pay £18-£25. Accept that someone else controls your schedule, your clients, and your earning potential. Accept that in ten years, you’ll still be in roughly the same financial position.
This is a valid choice if security and simplicity matter more to you than earnings. No judgement.
Option 2: Go independent. Invest 2-4 months building your client base, manage light admin work, take ownership of your career, and earn £16-£20+/hour – keeping everything your clients pay. Build a business asset. Control your destiny.
This requires effort and initial courage, but rewards you financially and personally.
Which future do you want?
The cleaning industry has changed. Independent cleaners now have access to platforms, technology, and credibility that make them competitive with agencies. The playing field has levelled. The only question is whether you’re ready to step onto it.
Your skills are valuable. Your time is valuable. Your work is valuable.
Stop letting someone else take half of what you’re worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally take agency clients with me when I go independent?
Check your contract carefully. Most agency contracts prohibit soliciting their clients for a period after leaving (typically 6-12 months). However, if a client independently finds you and chooses to hire you, that’s often not a violation. Consult your contract or an employment lawyer if unsure.
How long does it really take to build a full client base?
Most cleaners going independent are fully booked (25-30 hours weekly) within 3-4 months if they market actively. However, having 15-20 hours of work happens much faster – often within 6-8 weeks.
What if I try independence and it doesn’t work out?
Agencies are always hiring. If you decide independence isn’t for you, you can return to agency work. Many cleaners try independence, decide the admin isn’t worth it for them personally, and return to agencies. That’s fine – at least you’ll know rather than always wondering.
Do I need any qualifications to work independently?
No formal qualifications are legally required for domestic cleaning. However, professional qualifications (City & Guilds, BICSc) can help you stand out and justify higher rates.
Is the extra money really worth the extra hassle?
Only you can answer this for your situation. But consider: if someone offered you a £6,000 annual raise to do 3 hours of admin weekly, would you take it? That’s essentially what independence offers.
Will clients trust an independent cleaner as much as an agency?
With proper presentation (good Trader Street profile, insurance, reviews), absolutely. Many clients actually prefer independent cleaners because they build personal relationships and often receive better service.
What if I’m terrible at marketing myself?
You don’t need to be a marketing genius. Create a good Trader Street profile, ask friends and family for your first few clients, request reviews after each clean. That’s 80% of the marketing you need. Word of mouth handles the rest.
Should I tell my current agency I’m going independent?
This is personal choice. Some cleaners give honest notice (“I’m starting my own business”), others simply resign (“moving in a different direction”). Check your contract for notice requirements and restrictive clauses.
Can I do both – some agency work and some independent clients?
Absolutely, and this is a great transition strategy. Build your independent base whilst maintaining agency work for financial security, then reduce agency hours as independent work grows.
What happens when I want to retire – can I sell my business?
Yes, independent cleaning businesses with established client lists can be sold. The buyer purchases your client list and reputation. Value varies but established businesses with 20-30 regular clients can sell for £5,000-£15,000.
Ready to keep 100% of what you earn? Create your free Trader Street profile today and start building your independent cleaning business – no commissions, no fees, just direct connections with clients who’ll pay you fairly for your excellent work.