Going Mobile - Setup Checklist

Complete setup checklist for starting as a mobile beauty worker

Going Mobile - Setup Checklist

This is a template - always read the linked guide first. BeautyKiln gives general information, not legal advice.

Thinking about going mobile or already making the switch? This checklist covers everything you need to set up properly and stay safe.

Vehicle

• Check your car insurance covers business use (you need 'class 1 business use' at minimum - standard social/domestic/pleasure does NOT cover you)
• MOT is current and valid
• Vehicle is serviced and roadworthy
• Breakdown cover in place (consider business-level cover that includes onward travel)
• Boot or back seat organised for clean, hygienic kit storage
• Sharps disposal container secured safely in the vehicle (if applicable)
• First aid kit in the car
• Phone charger and car mount for sat nav

Kit - The Essentials (All Treatment Types)

• Portable folding couch or chair (depending on your treatments)
• Clean towels and couch roll
• Disposable gloves (nitrile, not latex - allergy risk)
• Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes
• Bin bags and clinical waste bags (if doing any skin-breaking treatments)
• Plastic sheeting or floor protector
• Extension lead (you can't always rely on plug sockets being near the work area)
• Good portable lighting (ring light or LED panel)
• Business cards and price list
• Card reader (Square, SumUp, Zettle) - don't rely on cash only

Kit - By Treatment Type

Hair:

• Portable backwash or inflatable basin
• Hairdressing cape and neck strips
• Sectioning clips, combs, brushes, scissors, clippers
• Colour mixing bowls, brushes, foils
• Hairdryer, straighteners, curling tools

Nails:

• Portable nail desk or table protector
• LED/UV lamp
• Nail drill (cordless is easier for mobile)
• Dust extractor or collector
• Full product range in a secure carry case

Beauty/Aesthetics:

• Wax heater (check it's stable and won't spill in transit)
• Steamer if needed
• Product carry case with secure lids
• Patch test kit
• Consent forms (printed or tablet-based)

Insurance

• Public liability insurance - check it covers mobile work specifically
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Treatment risk cover for all services you offer
• Check your home contents insurance covers business equipment stored at home
• Consider portable equipment cover (some policies exclude items in vehicles)

Safety - This Is Non-Negotiable

• Set up a lone worker check-in system (text a trusted person before and after each appointment)
• Share your daily schedule with someone you trust
• Save emergency contacts in your phone (ICE contacts, local police non-emergency)
• Have a code word with your check-in person that means 'call me with an excuse to leave'
• Trust your instincts - if a booking feels wrong, cancel it
• First appointment with new clients: take a friend or book them during daylight hours
• Keep your car keys accessible at all times during appointments
• Note the exits when you arrive at a client's home

Admin

• Start a mileage log from day one (date, client location, miles, purpose)
• Set your travel radius (how far will you go? Factor in time AND fuel cost)
• Set a minimum booking value (is a £15 treatment worth a 40-minute round trip?)
• Add travel time buffers between appointments (don't book back-to-back across town)
• Create a late arrival policy (what happens if the client isn't home?)
• Set up appointment reminders (reduces no-shows massively)

Marketing

• Update your social media to say you're mobile
• List the areas you cover (be specific - town names, postcodes)
• Update your Google Business profile with your service area
• Get listed on local Facebook community pages
• Ask happy clients for reviews and photos (with consent)
• Business cards to leave with clients for referrals

Legal

• Check if your council requires registration for any of your treatments (skin piercing, semi-permanent makeup, electrolysis, acupuncture)
• If you produce clinical waste (sharps, blood-contaminated items), arrange proper disposal through a licensed waste carrier
• Check your tenancy or mortgage doesn't restrict running a business from home (for storage and admin)
• Keep treatment records and consent forms for at least 3 years

Prepared by: [YOUR NAME] Date: [DATE] Service area: [YOUR AREA/POSTCODE RANGE]