Clear the clutter
Cleaners clean; most don't organize. Toys on the floor, dishes in the sink and piles on counters slow them down. A 15-minute pickup means more of the visit goes to scrubbing, dusting and floors.
Tell them what matters most
- Rooms or tasks to prioritize, like kitchen and bathrooms first.
- Surfaces that need special care, like natural stone or hardwood.
- Products you want used or avoided, especially with kids or pets.
- Rooms to skip.
Handle the practical details
- Agree on how they'll get in: you're home, a code, or a key.
- Keep pets in a closed room or crate so doors can stay open.
- Put away jewelry, cash, medications and personal papers.
- Leave out supplies if you've agreed to provide them.
Know what's included
A standard clean usually covers dusting, vacuuming, mopping, kitchen counters and bathrooms. Inside the oven, inside the fridge, interior windows, baseboards and laundry are often extras. Ask before the first visit so nothing is a surprise.