Hiring a professional cleaning service can be a game-changer for your home and schedule. However, many homeowners wonder what they should do before the cleaners arrive. While you’re not expected to End of tenancy cleaning services before the cleaners come, preparing your space can help the professionals work more efficiently and deliver the best results. Here’s a comprehensive guide with tips and tricks to help you prepare your home for a cleaning service.
1. Declutter Common Areas
Before the cleaners arrive, take a few minutes to remove personal belongings, toys, laundry, or dishes from surfaces, floors, and countertops. While cleaners will handle dusting, mopping, and scrubbing, they won’t know where to put your items. Decluttering allows them to focus entirely on the cleaning tasks without having to move around or organize your things, saving time and improving the quality of their work.
2. Secure Pets and Communicate About Them
If you have pets, make sure they are secured in a separate room or taken out of the house during the cleaning appointment. Even if your pet is friendly, it’s best for the safety of both the animal and the cleaners to keep them out of the way. Additionally, inform your cleaning service in advance about any pets in the house so they can prepare accordingly or assign cleaners who are comfortable around animals.
3. Provide Clear Instructions or Priorities
Every home is different, and your cleaning needs may vary from week to week. Before the cleaners arrive, jot down a list of your top priorities—whether it’s deep cleaning the kitchen, focusing on the bathrooms, or paying extra attention to the floors. Communicating your preferences ensures that nothing gets overlooked, and the cleaners can allocate their time and energy where it matters most to you.
4. Ensure Access and Remove Obstacles
Make sure the cleaning team has access to your home. If you’re not going to be home, arrange for a key, door code, or someone to let them in. Also, ensure any obstacles like furniture blocking power outlets or entrances are moved. This will help the cleaners reach all necessary areas without delay or inconvenience.
5. Put Away Valuables and Sensitive Documents
Although most professional cleaning services are trustworthy, it’s wise to secure any valuables, cash, and sensitive documents. This isn’t just about trust—it’s also about preventing accidents or misplacement. Having a designated space for private or fragile items ensures peace of mind during every cleaning session.
6. Prepare Cleaning Supplies (if needed)
Some cleaning services bring their own supplies and equipment, while others may use what’s available in your home. Clarify this beforehand. If your service expects to use your cleaning products, make sure they’re well-stocked and easily accessible. Include essentials like paper towels, disinfectants, mop and bucket, vacuum cleaner, and sponges.
7. Take a Walk Through Your Home
Before the cleaners arrive, do a quick walk-through of your home. Note any problem areas (stains, spills, cobwebs), point them out to the cleaners if needed, and check if anything needs to be picked up or organized. This mental (and visual) walkthrough helps you identify what might slow down the cleaning process and allows you to prepare accordingly.
8. Let the Cleaners Do Their Job
Once the cleaners are at work, give them space to perform their duties efficiently. You can check in if they have questions or need guidance, but avoid hovering. Trusting the process leads to a better outcome, and the professionals can clean more thoroughly without interruptions.
9. Provide Feedback Afterward
If you’re happy with the service, let them know! If there’s anything that didn’t meet your expectations, communicate it politely and clearly. Most cleaning services welcome constructive feedback and can adjust their approach for future visits based on your comments.
10. Establish a Routine for Regular Cleanings
If you’re scheduling recurring services, create a consistent routine for prepping your home before each session. Over time, it becomes easier, and you’ll know exactly what needs to be done for a smooth, productive cleaning appointment.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for a cleaning service doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, but it does make a significant difference. By decluttering, communicating priorities, and securing pets or valuables, you create an environment where professionals can do their best work. These small steps lead to a cleaner home, a better experience, and a long-lasting relationship with your cleaning service provider.
