What site notes should I write up before selling my janitorial business?

Think of the person who has never seen the building. What would they need on their first night? Start with how to get in, where to park, whom to call, and which alarm or lock routine applies. Then record the scope: which rooms, which floors, what is cleaned daily, weekly or on request, and anything the client has asked you to avoid.

Add the practical details that live only in your head. Where are supplies and machines stored? Which surfaces need special products? Are there rooms that stay locked, pets, sensitive equipment, or a tenant who complains about one particular thing? Note the client’s habits, such as who inspects, who pays and how they like to be reached.

Keep the notes current and dated, and keep them out of casual circulation, since they describe building access. A buyer doing due diligence will read a sample of them to judge how well the business is run, so they also act as proof. Hand over a tidy, complete set only once the buyer is serious. If a site has an unusual history, such as a past complaint or a damaged item, write down what happened and how it was fixed. Honest notes build confidence, and they spare the new owner from learning the same lesson again.

Key takeaways

• One page per site, written for someone who has never been there.
• Capture the unwritten habits and client preferences.
• Date the notes and share them only with a serious buyer.