Hiring a professional cleaning service is one of the best decisions you can make to simplify your life and keep your home healthy and spotless. At Clean Squad, we understand that welcoming cleaners into your home is a big step, and a little preparation can go a long way toward making the process smooth and stress-free. Whether you’ve booked your first appointment or you’re a recurring client, setting up your home before the cleaners arrive ensures you’ll get the best possible results.
Why Preparation Matters
Some homeowners assume that cleaning services handle everything, but preparing ahead of time doesn’t mean doing the cleaners’ job for them. Instead, it’s about creating the right environment so the professionals can focus on deep cleaning instead of spending time clearing surfaces or picking up clutter. This small effort on your part maximizes the time spent on what you’ve hired them for—leaving your home sparkling clean.
Step 1: Declutter Surfaces and Floors
Before your cleaners arrive, do a quick sweep of countertops, tables, and floors. Put away mail, toys, shoes, or personal items. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s simply to remove obstacles so your cleaners can vacuum, mop, and disinfect effectively. When surfaces are free of clutter, the team can dedicate more time to sanitizing and polishing, instead of sorting through your belongings.
Step 2: Secure Pets and Valuables
Your pets are part of the family, and while most cleaners are pet-friendly, it’s often best to secure them in a designated area during cleaning. This prevents stress for your furry friends and ensures the cleaning crew can move freely throughout the home. Similarly, while a trustworthy cleaning company like Clean Squad is committed to integrity, putting away valuables and sensitive documents provides you with peace of mind.
Step 3: Share Your Priorities
Not every household has the same cleaning needs. Maybe your biggest concern is keeping the kitchen spotless, or perhaps it’s bathrooms and high-traffic areas. Communicate your top priorities with your cleaners so they can customize the service to meet your expectations. With our recurring house cleaning services, for example, many families ask us to focus on dust-prone living rooms one week and bedrooms the next. A quick conversation helps us tailor the cleaning plan for your lifestyle.
Step 4: Prep for Special Requests
If you’ve booked a specialty service such as a deep clean or move-in/move-out cleaning, a little extra preparation may be needed. For deep cleaning, that might mean pulling out furniture so the team can access hard-to-reach areas. For move-in or move-out jobs, ensure the home is cleared of personal belongings so the crew can work efficiently from top to bottom.
Step 5: Make Access Simple
If you won’t be home during your appointment, be sure your cleaning service has clear instructions on how to access your home. Whether it’s a garage code, a hidden key, or a building concierge, streamline the process so the cleaners can get started right away. At Clean Squad, we treat every home with the highest level of security and professionalism.
Step 6: Create a Comfortable Environment
Small gestures go a long way in creating a welcoming environment for your cleaners. Make sure there’s good lighting, ensure trash bins are accessible, and check that water and electricity are available. These simple details make it easier for cleaners to do their job effectively and efficiently.
Preparing for Office Cleaning Services
If you’re scheduling professional cleaners for your workplace, preparation is just as important. At Clean Squad, our office cleaning services are designed to keep your business looking professional and productive. Decluttering desks, securing sensitive documents, and communicating your highest-priority areas—like lobbies, restrooms, or break rooms—helps our team deliver the best results.
What You Don’t Need to Do
One of the biggest misconceptions about preparing for a cleaning service is that you need to “pre-clean” your house. That’s simply not true. There’s no need to mop floors, scrub bathrooms, or dust surfaces in advance. That’s exactly what you’ve hired us to handle! Instead, focus on tidying up and communicating your needs, and let the professionals do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before a professional cleaning service arrives?
Before cleaners arrive, pick up clutter, store valuables, and secure pets so the team can move through your home easily. Clear countertops and floors to give cleaners full access to surfaces. It’s also helpful to share priorities or problem areas beforehand so your cleaning time is focused on what matters most.
Do I need to clean before the cleaners come?
You don’t need to deep clean, but a quick pickup makes the service more efficient. Professional cleaners handle the scrubbing, sanitizing, and detailed work. Your job is to remove items from floors, tables, and bathrooms so the team can clean faster and more thoroughly, rather than spending time organizing personal belongings.
Should I be home during the cleaning appointment?
You can be home, but it’s not required as long as the cleaning company has secure entry instructions. Many homeowners leave during the appointment to stay out of the team’s way. If it’s your first cleaning, being present for the first few minutes can help communicate expectations, access needs, and any special requests.
How long does a professional house cleaning usually take?
Most standard cleanings take 2–4 hours, depending on the size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and how detailed the cleaning needs to be. Deep cleanings or first-time cleanings may take longer. Sharing accurate square footage and cleaning priorities ahead of time helps estimate the duration more precisely.
What items should I communicate to my cleaning company before the appointment?
Share details about pets, damaged surfaces, sensitive materials, or areas you don’t want touched. Let the company know if you prefer eco-friendly products or have allergies to certain cleaners. Mention high-priority zones, such as kitchens, bathrooms, baseboards, or kid areas, so the team can focus time on what matters most to you.
Get Your Clean Squad Cleaning Today
When you invest in professional cleaning, you’re investing in more than just a spotless home—you’re investing in time, peace of mind, and a healthier environment for your family. A little preparation ensures your cleaners can provide maximum value at every appointment.
If you’re ready to experience the difference of a reliable, friendly cleaning team, reach out to Clean Squad today to schedule your next service.
