Professional home cleaning services aren’t just for the ultra wealthy: they’re an affordable and time-saving idea for anyone with a busy schedule looking to simplify their lives. Coming home to a tidy house and more free time after a hard day at work sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?
Let’s take a look at the easiest and most stress free way to prepare for a home cleaning service
Scheduling
Creating a Custom Cleaning Plan Means No Stress or Confusion
Professional home cleaning services will meet with you to discuss your needs, create a cleaning plan and provide a free estimate before any money passes hands. Ask about availability and pricing, confirm that their insurance and licenses are up-to-date, and determine whether you’d like your entire home cleaned or if their cleaning expertise could be better focused on one to several rooms with the highest need.
Before your house cleaner arrives
Here are a few things you can do to make sure that your home cleaning session is easy and stress-free for everyone.
- Make sure that your house cleaning service has access to the property. Getting inside to do the work is the first thing that needs to happen.
- Make sure you’ve scheduled a time when you or another adult is going to be home, or make arrangements to leave a key if the home will be empty.
- Ensure that the cleaning service has access to all areas of your home that require cleaning, including rooms, closets, and storage spaces.
- If your cleaning services require use of the washer and dryer, dishwasher, etc, make sure that they are properly stocked and in good working order. Some people prefer their dishes washed by hand: make sure you’re communicating your needs and wants, whatever they may be.
- You’ll always discuss the cleaning plan and scope of the work before your cleaner arrives: make sure that any surfaces in need of cleaning have the clutter cleared away first, and that all valuables and important documents are safely stashed away before the cleaning session starts. If there are any areas of your home that you’d prefer our team members not disturb, that’s another important part of your cleaning needs as well.
Organize the counters
Please try to tidy up any items on the surface that you’d like cleaned before your house cleaners arrive.
The kitchen counters, bathrooms vanities and islands get very cluttered, especially when you have a lot of people living in your house. Most cleaning companies don’t have the instruction to organize your personal belongings. They will skip cleaning a section of your home if it is difficult to reach.
It’s best to make sure that everything that you specifically don’t want cleaned has been cleared away. Your cleaner’s job is to remove dust, dirt and cobwebs, not figure out how to properly file your important papers. If you don’t have anywhere to put certain items, don’t worry about the security, just pick a spot and ask the cleaners to leave it alone. The less time spent figuring out to do with clutter is more time making your sanctuary sparkle.
Keep valuables and important papers away
The cleaning service likely checked the background of your professional home cleaner, but it is never a bad idea to be extra cautious. Be sure to remove or secure expensive electronics and documents that you’d be devastated to lose. You’ll also want to store sentimental items and jewelry that are too expensive to lose. If you do not have a secure place to keep your belongings, lock them in your car or truck while cleaning your house.
Secure your pets
The answer will probably vary from house to house. It may not be necessary to crate pets or remove them from the house if you and your cleaning staff feel comfortable with each other. You should separate your pets and the cleaning staff when you feel even a little unsure. This is especially true if they are visiting for the first time.
“How much do most cleaning services charge?”
Most cleaning services charge based on factors such as the size of your home, the frequency of cleanings, and any additional services required. On average, a standard cleaning for a 3-bedroom house can range from $100 to $200 per visit.
Deep cleanings or specialized services may cost more. It’s best to get quotes from different companies to find the most suitable option for your needs and budget.
When in doubt, draw info from your scheduled cleaning plan
If you’re truly not sure what all you might need to do to prepare (although you should always feel comfortable asking!) how much you need to prepare really does just depend on what type of service you’ve booked. The type of preparations called for in an apartment turnover service would not be the same things that would be needed for a simple, monthly cleaning service.
House Cleaning Services
Before the professional house cleaners arrive, it’s helpful to declutter your space by picking up any items lying around and putting them away. Communicating your specific cleaning preferences to the service provider ensures they understand your expectations.
Routine home cleaning services typically involve basic cleaning tasks to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. To prepare for a professional cleaner:
- Secure Pets: If you have pets, ensure they are safely secured in a designated area to prevent any disruptions during the cleaning process. This not only ensures the safety of your pets but also allows the cleaner to work without any distractions.
- Clear Away Clutter: Remove any unnecessary clutter such as toys, clothes, or personal items from surfaces and floors. This allows the cleaner to focus on cleaning rather than tidying up.
- Leave Specific Instructions: Provide specific instructions regarding any areas of concern or special requests. Whether it’s focusing on certain rooms or using specific cleaning products, clear communication ensures that your expectations are met.
Deep Cleaning Services
Deep cleaning services involve thorough cleaning of hard-to-reach areas and often include tasks such as scrubbing baseboards, cleaning inside appliances, or getting stubborn odors and residue scrubbed out of the fridge. Here’s how to prepare:
- Declutter Prior to Cleaning: Before the cleaner arrives, declutter your home to make it easier to access all areas that require deep cleaning. This includes clearing out closets, cabinets, and storage spaces.
- Empty Appliances and Cabinets: Empty out refrigerators, ovens, and cabinets to allow the cleaner to clean these areas effectively. Dispose of any expired or unused items to streamline the cleaning process.
- Access to Cleaning Supplies: Ensure that the cleaner has access to necessary cleaning supplies such as vacuum cleaners, mops, and cleaning solutions. This ensures that they can tackle tough stains and grime effectively
Move-in, Move-out & Apartment Turnover
Moving into or out of an apartment requires thorough cleaning to ensure that the space is ready for its new occupants. Here’s how to prepare for these specialized cleaning services:
- Empty the Space: Prior to the cleaner’s arrival, remove all personal belongings and furniture from the apartment. This allows the cleaner to access every corner of the space for a thorough cleaning.
- Patch and Repair: Address any minor damages or repairs such as holes in walls or scratches on surfaces before the cleaner arrives. This ensures that the space looks its best for the next tenant.
- Provide Clear Instructions: If there are specific areas that require extra attention, such as stains on carpets or marks on walls, communicate these instructions clearly to the cleaner. Providing detailed instructions helps ensure that nothing is overlooked during the cleaning process.
