Preparing your home for professional cleaning services isn't about doing the cleaner's job – it's about maximizing the value of your investment. Proper preparation ensures your cleaning team can focus on deep cleaning rather than organizing, resulting in better results and more efficient service.
Why Home Preparation Matters
Benefits of Proper Preparation:
- Cleaners can focus on actual cleaning
- More thorough cleaning in allocated time
- Better access to surfaces and areas
- Reduced risk of damage to belongings
- More efficient use of cleaning time
- Better results for your investment
- Smoother cleaning process
- Professional relationship building
Before the Cleaning Team Arrives
1. Declutter and Organize
This is the most important step. Cleaners are there to clean, not organize your belongings.
- Pick up personal items: Clothes, shoes, books, toys
- Clear surfaces: Countertops, tables, dressers, nightstands
- Organize closets: If interior cleaning is requested
- Put away valuables: Jewelry, electronics, important documents
2. Secure Valuables and Important Items
Put Away:
- Cash and credit cards
- Jewelry and watches
- Important documents
- Prescription medications
- Small electronics
Secure Location Ideas:
- Locked drawer or cabinet
- Safe or security box
- Bedroom closet shelf
- Office desk drawer
- Master bedroom dresser
3. Pet Preparation
Ensure the safety of your pets and the cleaning team:
- Secure pets: In a safe room or arrange alternative care
- Inform the team: About pet locations and any special considerations
- Remove pet items: Food bowls, toys from cleaning areas
- Clean litter boxes: Remove waste beforehand
Room-by-Room Preparation Guide
🍳 Kitchen
Before Cleaning:
- Load/run dishwasher or wash dishes
- Clear countertops completely
- Put away small appliances
- Remove items from sink
- Clear refrigerator exterior
Special Notes:
- Empty trash and replace liner
- Secure cleaning supplies under sink
- Note any appliances needing special care
- Clear dining table and chairs
🚿 Bathrooms
Clear Away:
- Personal toiletries
- Medications
- Towels and washcloths
- Bath mats and rugs
- Shower curtains (if replacing)
Prepare:
- Empty wastebaskets
- Remove hair from drains
- Clear vanity surfaces
- Open windows for ventilation
🛏️ Bedrooms
Organize:
- Make beds or strip linens
- Pick up clothes
- Clear nightstands and dressers
- Put away personal items
- Clear floor space
Special Requests:
- Fresh linens if bed-making requested
- Note any delicate items
- Clear under-bed area if accessible
- Organize closets if interior cleaning needed
🛋️ Living Areas
Clear Surfaces:
- Coffee tables and side tables
- Entertainment center
- Bookshelves (if dusting items)
- Mantelpiece and decorative items
- Floor space around furniture
Prepare:
- Vacuum under couch cushions
- Note any electronics needing special care
- Move lightweight furniture if needed
- Clear window sills
Communication and Special Instructions
Information to Share with Your Cleaning Team:
Access & Security:
- Entry instructions and key location
- Alarm system codes and procedures
- WiFi password if needed
- Emergency contact information
- Preferred exit procedures
Special Instructions:
- Areas requiring special attention
- Items or areas to avoid
- Preferred cleaning products
- Fragile or valuable items
- Any allergies or sensitivities
Day of Service
Final Preparations (30 minutes before arrival):
- Quick walkthrough: Ensure all preparation steps are complete
- Secure pets: Move to designated safe area
- Turn off alarms: Or provide codes
- Check supplies: Ensure cleaning team has access to utilities
- Final clutter check: Last-minute pickup of any missed items
When the Team Arrives:
- Provide a brief walkthrough if you're home
- Point out any special requests or concerns
- Show location of cleaning supplies if they're using yours
- Confirm start and end times
- Provide your contact information for questions
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Make These Mistakes:
- Leaving dirty dishes everywhere
- Not securing valuable items
- Forgetting to inform about pets
- Leaving cluttered surfaces
- Not providing clear instructions
- Assuming cleaners will organize
- Not clearing access to cleaning areas
- Forgetting about special requests
- Not preparing cleaning supplies
- Poor communication about expectations
After the Cleaning Service
Post-Service Steps:
- Inspect the work and note any concerns
- Provide feedback to your cleaning service
- Secure your home and reset alarms
- Put away any cleaning supplies that were used
- Schedule your next service if satisfied
Pro Tip: Most professional services offer a satisfaction guarantee. Address any concerns within 24-48 hours for the best resolution.
Getting the Most from Your Service
Proper preparation is the key to maximizing your professional cleaning investment. When you declutter, organize, and communicate clearly, you enable your cleaning team to focus on what they do best – delivering a spotless, professionally cleaned home.
Remember: the goal isn't to clean before the cleaners arrive, but to prepare your space so they can work efficiently and effectively. This partnership approach leads to better results, happier cleaning professionals, and a consistently well-maintained home.