How to Prepare for a Cleaning Service

Aug 11

Hiring a professional cleaning service helps keep your home consistently fresh, organized, and sanitary. While the cleaning team will handle most of the work, taking a few steps to prepare your home before their arrival can make the process more efficient and ensure you get the best results.

This guide explains how homeowners can prepare for a cleaning service, what to expect, and how preparation supports a smoother and more productive cleaning appointment.

Why Preparation Matters Before a Cleaning Service

Preparing for a cleaning service doesn’t mean doing all the cleaning yourself—it’s about creating a space that allows cleaners to focus on the tasks you’ve hired them to complete.

Benefits of preparing in advance include:

Maximizing the efficiency of the cleaning team.
Ensuring that all areas of the home are accessible.
Preventing misunderstandings about which areas need attention.
Allowing cleaners to spend more time on detailed cleaning rather than moving items or decluttering.

Step 1: Declutter Common Areas

Before cleaners arrive, take a few minutes to tidy up items like shoes, toys, clothes, and papers.

Why this matters:

Reduces time spent moving personal items.
Allows cleaners to access all surfaces and floors more easily.
Ensures that no small items are misplaced during cleaning.

This doesn’t mean deep organization—just clearing surfaces and floors so the team can focus on cleaning.

Step 2: Secure Valuables and Personal Items

While reputable cleaning companies train their staff to respect clients’ belongings, it’s best to secure valuable or delicate items before the appointment.

What to secure:

Jewelry, watches, or other personal accessories.
Important documents.
Fragile items that could be knocked over.

Keeping these items in a safe place provides peace of mind for both you and the cleaning staff.

Step 3: Communicate Special Requests or Instructions

Every home is unique, and professional cleaning services are flexible in adapting to client needs.

What to communicate:

Areas that need extra attention (e.g., a heavily used bathroom or kitchen).
Surfaces that require special care (such as natural stone or hardwood).
Areas that should be skipped (rooms or storage spaces you want left untouched).

Providing clear instructions before the appointment ensures expectations are met.

Step 4: Identify and Remove Barriers to Access

Professional cleaners work more efficiently when they have clear access to all areas of the home.

Ways to prepare:

Move furniture if deep cleaning underneath is requested.
Clear access to windows if they are part of the service.
Make sure entryways and stairways are free of clutter.

These small steps help the team work quickly and effectively.

Step 5: Make Pets Comfortable and Safe

Cleaning services involve movement, equipment, and sometimes strong cleaning products.

Pet preparation tips:

Keep pets in a separate room or outdoor area during cleaning.
Let the cleaning company know if pets will be in the home.
Secure pet food, water, and toys away from cleaning zones.

This keeps pets safe and helps cleaners work without interruption.

Step 6: Review the Agreed Scope of Work

Before the cleaning service arrives, review the agreed-upon checklist so you’re clear on what is included.

Why this matters:

Avoids last-minute misunderstandings.
Ensures the team focuses on priority areas.
Allows you to request any additional services in advance.

Professional cleaning companies often provide written checklists or overviews of their standard and optional services.

Step 7: Prepare for Entry

Decide how the cleaning team will enter your home, especially if you won’t be present.

Options include:

Being home to greet the team.
Providing a spare key.
Using a secure lockbox or smart lock code.

Communicate this arrangement ahead of time to avoid delays.

Step 8: Make Space for Cleaning Equipment

While most professional cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment, they will need space to set up.

What to do:

Clear a small area near the entry or in a utility space for supplies.
Move any items that could be damaged by cleaning products.

This keeps the process organized and efficient.

Step 9: Be Available for Questions

If possible, remain accessible by phone or in person during the cleaning. This allows the team to clarify any questions about preferences, specific areas, or instructions.

Clear communication ensures the final result matches your expectations.

Step 10: Plan for Post-Cleaning Review

Once the cleaning is complete, take a few minutes to walk through your home.

Why this is important:

Allows you to review the work while the team is still present.
Gives you the opportunity to address any missed areas immediately.
Provides feedback that can help improve future appointments.

Professional cleaning companies welcome feedback to maintain high-quality service.

Additional Tips for Maximizing a Cleaning Appointment

To make the most of your cleaning service:

Schedule regular appointments – Consistent cleaning keeps your home in better condition between visits.
Combine with seasonal deep cleaning – Professional deep cleaning a few times a year addresses areas not covered in standard appointments.
Discuss special surfaces – If you have delicate materials like marble or antique wood, let the cleaners know in advance.

These steps ensure you receive the full value of the service.

Preparing Ensures Better Results

Preparing for a cleaning service is simple but effective. Decluttering, securing valuables, communicating special requests, and ensuring clear access all help the cleaning team work more efficiently.

Whether it’s a standard cleaning or a deep cleaning session, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the best results for your home. By working together with your cleaning company, you create a smooth process that leaves your home fresh, organized, and ready to enjoy.