Before the Bustle: 7 Tips for Preparing for Cleaning Services

The average adult who works full-time clocks in around 47 hours a week. Tack on an average of a little over 4 hours of commuting per week and you burn through over 50 hours per week without touching personal commitments. It’s no wonder that so many people turn to professional cleaning services. Not only can they free up your personal time, but you probably get a cleaner home as well.

If you’re considering a cleaning service, though, you must do some basic preparation before they come. Preparing your home is about making it easier for the cleaners to do their jobs, ensuring they can focus on deep cleaning rather than navigating clutter. Let’s jump in and look at some of the most important tips for getting your home ready for the pros.

1. Do Your Dishes

Cleaning services almost never include washing dishes. If you leave a sink full of dishes or dishes piled on the counter, you’ll find them there when you get home. Even worse, the cleaning person may skip the sink and counter entirely to avoid breaking anything or working around the mess. Clearing the sink allows your cleaner to properly sanitize the basin and polish the fixtures.

2. Pick Up Random Items and Declutter

Ever leave dirty socks by the couch or kick off your shoes in the bathroom? It’s not the responsibility of a cleaning service to organize these randomly scattered items. Clutter is all the stuff that takes up space on counters or tables that doesn’t belong there, such as piles of magazines or mail. Do a quick pass and drop scattered items in their natural homes. When surfaces are clear, your cleaning team can spend more time wiping down and disinfecting rather than moving objects back and forth.

3. Identify Overlooked Spaces for Special Attention

While professional cleaners handle the heavy lifting, you can help them by identifying areas that often harbor hidden dust and grime. If you have specific concerns about these commonly neglected spots, mention them during your initial walkthrough:

• Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: These accumulate dust in high spaces that are hard to reach. Dust buildup here can spread allergens throughout your home.
• Baseboards and Crown Molding: These add elegance to a room but collect dirt unnoticed. A quick vacuum or wipe-down keeps the whole room looking sharp.
• Behind and Underneath Furniture: These are prime spots for “dust bunnies” and pet hair. If you want these areas cleaned, you may need to move light furniture beforehand.
• Air Vents and Registers: Dust on vents affects air quality. Ensuring these are accessible allows for better air circulation after the cleaning is done.

4. Secure Your Pets

Dogs possess deep territorial instincts and can pose a physical threat to strangers. Even the friendliest cat can get stressed, scratch, or try to bolt out an open door while a cleaner is working. Secure your pets outdoors, in a specific room, or arrange for out-of-the-house care. This protects your pets and ensures the cleaner can work efficiently without distractions.

5. Leave Out Fresh Linens

Many services will change your bed linens as an add-on or part of their standard package. However, you shouldn’t expect them to search your closets or laundry room for clean sheets. Leave fresh linens directly on the bed you want changed. This clear communication ensures the job gets done exactly how you like it.

6. Stick Around the First Time

If your schedule allows for it, stay at your home for the first cleaning. This lets you get a clear view of what the service entails and allows you to point out specific areas that might need extra attention, such as the inside of kitchen cabinets or drawers which can harbor crumbs and spills. It’s the best time to establish expectations and build a rapport with your cleaning team.

7. Leave Payment and Access Instructions

If you don’t prepay for the service, make sure you leave payment at an agreed-on location, such as the kitchen counter or dining room table. Additionally, ensure the team has clear instructions on how to enter and exit the home securely. Providing easy access and prompt payment is a basic courtesy that helps the relationship run smoothly.

Final Thoughts on Preparing for Your Cleaning

By taking a few minutes to pick up random items, secure your pets, and clear your surfaces, you allow your professional cleaners to work steadily from one area to the next. This preparation ensures that every corner of your home—from the baseboards to the ceiling fans—receives the attention it deserves, resulting in a healthier and more inviting living environment for you and your family.

Rescue My Time Cleaning Service provides a full range of home cleaning, office cleaning, and laundry services in Lawrenceville, GA. If you are ready to reclaim your weekends and enjoy a spotless home, request a quote today and let us handle the hard work for you!