How to Prepare Before Hiring a Cleaning Service
Before hiring a cleaning service, prepare by decluttering spaces, securing valuables, creating access instructions, listing specific cleaning priorities, and gathering important information like WiFi passwords and emergency contacts for a smooth, efficient cleaning experience.
Why Does Preparation Matter for Cleaning Services?
Proper preparation transforms your cleaning service from a basic surface clean into a thorough, efficient experience. When cleaners arrive to an organized space, they can focus their time and energy on deep cleaning rather than moving clutter or searching for supplies. This preparation also protects your belongings and ensures clear communication about your expectations. Professional cleaners work most effectively when they understand your home's layout, your priorities, and any special considerations. The time you invest in preparation directly translates to better results and value from your cleaning investment.
What Should You Organize Before They Arrive?
Creating an organized environment allows cleaners to work efficiently and thoroughly:
- Declutter all surfaces including countertops, tables, dressers, and nightstands so cleaners can properly dust and sanitize these areas
- Put away personal items like jewelry, important documents, medications, and sentimental objects in secure locations
- Clear floors of toys, shoes, clothes, and other items to enable thorough vacuuming and mopping
- Organize bathroom counters by storing toiletries and personal care items in drawers or cabinets
- Make beds and put away laundry so cleaners can focus on cleaning rather than tidying
- Secure or remove fragile decorative items that could be accidentally damaged during cleaning
How Do You Communicate Your Cleaning Priorities?
Clear communication about your priorities ensures the cleaning team focuses on what matters most to you. Create a written list of your top concerns, whether that's deep cleaning the kitchen, focusing on bathrooms, or paying special attention to pet areas. Include any areas you'd prefer they avoid or handle with extra care. If you have specific products you want used or avoided due to allergies or preferences, document these clearly. Consider creating a simple map of your home highlighting priority areas and any rooms that don't need attention. This upfront communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures you're satisfied with the results.
What Access Information Should You Prepare?
Having access details ready ensures smooth entry and communication:
- Entry method: key location, lockbox code, or garage door opener instructions
- Home security system codes and disarming instructions if applicable
- WiFi network name and password for any cleaning apps or communication
- Your contact information and preferred communication method during cleaning
- Emergency contact information in case of questions or issues
- Parking instructions and any building or HOA requirements
- Pet information including location, temperament, and any special handling instructions
What Supplies and Equipment Should You Consider?
Most professional cleaning services bring their own supplies and equipment, but it's worth discussing preferences beforehand. If you have specific brand preferences, eco-friendly requirements, or allergies to certain products, communicate these early. Some homeowners prefer to provide their own supplies to ensure consistency with their preferences. Ask your cleaning service about their standard products and procedures. If you have specialized surfaces like natural stone countertops or hardwood floors, confirm they have appropriate cleaning products. Consider having backup supplies available, such as extra trash bags, paper towels, or cleaning cloths, especially for larger or heavily soiled homes.
How Should You Prepare Different Areas of Your Home?
Each area of your home requires specific preparation for optimal cleaning:
- Kitchen: Empty dishwasher, clear counters, put away small appliances, and remove items from inside microwave and oven if deep cleaning is requested
- Bathrooms: Remove personal toiletries from shower/tub areas, clear medicine cabinets if cleaning inside is desired, and replace empty toilet paper rolls
- Bedrooms: Make beds, put clothes in hampers or closets, clear nightstands, and secure jewelry or valuable items
- Living areas: Put away remote controls and electronics, arrange throw pillows and blankets neatly, and clear coffee tables and side tables
- Home office: Secure important documents, organize cables and electronics, and clear desk surfaces for proper dusting
What Questions Should You Ask Your Cleaning Service?
Before the first cleaning, establish clear expectations through targeted questions. Ask about their standard cleaning checklist and what's included versus what costs extra. Understand their policy on handling personal items they encounter during cleaning. Inquire about their insurance coverage and what happens if something is accidentally damaged. Discuss frequency recommendations based on your household size, pets, and lifestyle. Ask about their staff consistency - will you have the same team each time? Understanding their rescheduling policy, payment methods, and satisfaction guarantee helps avoid future confusion and ensures a professional relationship built on clear expectations.
How Do You Handle Pets and Special Circumstances?
Pet owners need additional preparation to ensure safety for both animals and cleaners. Discuss your pet's temperament and typical behavior with strangers. Some pets do better in a separate room or outside during cleaning, while others are comfortable with cleaners present. Provide clear feeding schedules if cleaning will occur during meal times. If you have exotic pets, medical equipment, or other special circumstances, address these upfront. Consider any family members with allergies, respiratory issues, or mobility concerns that might affect cleaning procedures. The more information you provide about your household's unique needs, the better prepared your cleaning service will be.
What Should You Do After the Cleaning Service Leaves?
Post-cleaning follow-up ensures quality and builds a strong ongoing relationship:
- Walk through your home promptly to assess the work while details are fresh and address any concerns quickly
- Take photos of exceptional work or any issues for your records and future reference
- Provide feedback to the cleaning service, highlighting what you loved and any areas for improvement
- Secure your home and reset any security systems that were disarmed for the cleaning
- Document the date and specific services performed for your household records
- Schedule your next appointment if you're satisfied with the service and want ongoing cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be home when the cleaning service arrives?
You don't need to be home if you've provided clear access instructions and communication methods. Many clients prefer to be present for the first cleaning to answer questions and review expectations.
How far in advance should I prepare my home for cleaning?
Prepare your home the night before or morning of cleaning. This ensures nothing gets messy again and allows you to address any forgotten tasks without rushing.
What if I forget to prepare something before the cleaners arrive?
Professional cleaners are adaptable, but unprepared areas may receive less thorough attention. Most services can work around some clutter but will focus their time where they can clean most effectively.
Do I need to provide cleaning supplies for the service?
Most professional services bring their own supplies and equipment. However, if you have specific product preferences or requirements, discuss this when booking and consider providing your preferred products.
How should I handle valuable or fragile items?
Secure valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and cash before cleaning. For fragile decorative items, either put them away safely or point them out to your cleaning team when they arrive.
What happens if something gets broken during cleaning?
Reputable cleaning services carry insurance for accidents. Ask about their damage policy when booking, and report any issues immediately after discovering them to ensure proper handling.
Find Trusted Cleaning Services
Rather than spending hours researching cleaning services online, discover which local providers your friends and neighbors already trust. Tools like Linked By Six automatically show you cleaning services recommended by people in your network, giving you confidence in your choice before you even make contact.
Preparing for a cleaning service is an investment that pays dividends in results, efficiency, and satisfaction. By organizing your space, communicating clearly, and establishing proper access procedures, you set the stage for a professional relationship that keeps your home consistently clean. Remember that preparation becomes easier and more routine with each cleaning visit. The time you spend upfront organizing and communicating creates a foundation for ongoing satisfaction with your cleaning service. When both you and your cleaning team know what to expect, every visit becomes more efficient and effective, giving you the clean, comfortable home you deserve.