How to Prepare Your Home Before the Cleaners Arrive

Hiring a professional cleaning service is a smart investment for your home. Whether you’re preparing for a big event, spring cleaning, or just want to enjoy a tidy, fresh space without lifting a finger, professional cleaners can save you time and stress. But to get the most out of their visit, a little preparation goes a long way.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t hand over your car for detailing while it’s full of groceries and gym bags. Likewise, prepping your home ensures cleaners can focus on deep cleaning instead of organizing clutter.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best steps to take before your cleaning service, like Key and Clean, arrives. This way, you’ll get the best results while making the process smoother for everyone involved.

Why Preparation Matters

Before we get into the checklist, let’s talk about why it’s important to prep your home before the cleaners show up.

1. Maximizes Efficiency

If cleaners have to spend half their time moving laundry off the couch or picking up toys, that takes away from actual cleaning. A little tidying up means more time is spent on what you’re paying for: a spotless home.

2. Improves Safety

Professional cleaning teams—like those from Key and Clean—use specific tools and chemicals. Clutter on the floors or countertops can pose a risk or make it harder to clean properly.

3. Protects Your Valuables

If you have fragile items, family heirlooms, or sensitive documents lying around, it’s better to secure or move them beforehand.

4. Helps Cleaners Meet Expectations

Your cleaning service likely has a checklist, but if certain areas are inaccessible or extremely cluttered, they may not be able to reach them. Prepping your home makes expectations clear on both ends.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Home

Now that you understand the why, let’s break down the how. Here’s a simple checklist to get your home ready for the cleaners.

✅ 1. Declutter Surfaces and Floors

Professional cleaners don’t organize your space—they clean it. So, before they arrive, walk through your home and remove:

• Toys, books, and clothes from the floor

• Paperwork or mail from the countertops

• Dishes from the sink unless dishwashing is part of your service

• Shoes, bags, and personal items from entryways

This makes it easier for the cleaning crew to vacuum, mop, and wipe surfaces thoroughly.

✅ 2. Secure Pets

Even if your furry friend is the sweetest dog or cat in the world, pets can be unpredictable around strangers and loud cleaning equipment like vacuums. Plus, some cleaners may have allergies or a company policy about pets.

To keep everyone safe and stress-free:

• Put pets in a designated room or crate

• Let the cleaning company know where they are

• If possible, take them with you during the cleaning session

✅ 3. Communicate Special Requests

Is your guest bathroom extra dirty after a holiday party? Do you want the fridge wiped down? Any off-limits rooms?

Let your cleaners know ahead of time so they can plan their time and bring the right supplies. If you’re working with a team like Key and Clean, many services offer add-ons—just ask!

Pro Tip: Leave a short written note on the kitchen counter listing any instructions or reminders.

✅ 4. Put Away Valuables and Important Papers

While trustworthy cleaning companies screen their employees, it’s always wise to secure:

• Jewelry and watches

• Cash and wallets

• Laptops, tablets, and electronics

• Prescription medications

• Personal documents

Store these in a locked drawer, safe, or designated room.

✅ 5. Clear the Kitchen Sink and Counters

Most cleaning companies will wipe down counters and clean the sink, but not all will wash dishes unless it’s been agreed upon.

• Run the dishwasher or place dirty dishes inside it

• Clear off kitchen counters so they can be disinfected easily

• Remove food or spills that could be sticky or moldy

This sets your cleaners up for success in one of the most-used rooms in your home.

✅ 6. Empty Trash Bins (Optional)

Some cleaning services take out the trash, but not all. If yours does, awesome! If not, consider removing full bags so cleaners don’t have to work around overflowing bins.

Also, consider:

• Leaving fresh liners in visible places

• Letting your cleaner know where the main trash and recycling bins are

✅ 7. Make Room for Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Even though most companies bring their supplies, it helps to clear paths through hallways and around furniture. Cleaners will need access to:

• Electrical outlets for vacuums

• Water sources for mops

• Storage areas, if you store specific supplies, you’d like them to use

✅ 8. Note Entry Instructions

If you won’t be home, make sure your cleaning company knows how to get in. For example:

• Leave a spare key in a lockbox

• Give a door code

• Coordinate with a neighbour

With Key and Clean, clients often leave a key or give remote access so cleaners can come and go without disrupting your day.

✅ 9. Decide Where You’ll Be During the Cleaning

If you’ll be home, decide where you’ll stay to stay out of the way. If not, make sure:

• Cleaners know your expected return time

• You’ve locked up pets or children’s toys that may cause hazards

• The team can lock up when they leave, if needed

✅ 10. Do a Quick Walkthrough

Before your cleaners arrive, take five minutes to walk through your home with fresh eyes. Look for:

• Stray items on the floor

• Smudges or spills that need special attention

• Notes you may have forgotten to leave

This last look can help you avoid a lot of back-and-forth later.

Bonus Tip: Leave a Thank You Note or Tip

While tipping isn’t required, it’s always appreciated—especially if your home needed a bit of extra love. A small tip or thank-you note can go a long way in building a great relationship with your cleaning team.

The Key and Clean Advantage

Choosing a professional service like Key and Clean means you’re investing in reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind. Our cleaning crews are trained, vetted, and ready to make your space shine. Whether it’s a one-time deep clean or a recurring service, we bring everything needed to get the job done right.

By preparing your home before we arrive, you help us focus entirely on what we do best—delivering sparkling results with every visit.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for professional cleaning doesn’t take long, but it can make a big difference in the outcome. From picking up clutter to securing pets and valuables, these simple steps help your cleaning crew work more efficiently and safely.

Think of it as a team effort: you set the stage, and your cleaners bring the sparkle.

So, next time you book a service—whether it’s with Key and Clean or another trusted team—use this guide to prep your home. You’ll thank yourself later when you walk into a fresh, spotless space that feels like new.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be home when the cleaners arrive?

Not at all! Many customers choose to provide access via a spare key, door code, or lockbox. If you’re using a trusted service like Key and Clean, your home is in safe hands, whether you’re there or not.

2. Should I leave cleaning supplies out?

Most professional services bring their supplies. However, if you prefer specific products used in your home (such as for allergies or green cleaning), just let your cleaners know in advance and leave them in an obvious spot.

3. What if I forget to declutter before the cleaners arrive?

Don’t worry—it happens. Your cleaners will still do their best to work around items, but it may limit how deeply they can clean certain areas. Giving them a heads-up helps, and future cleanings can always go more smoothly with a little prep.