5 Must-Do Tasks Before You Let Professional Cleaners Into Your House

I always notice the same thing when professional cleaners arrive at a home: the clutter, the piles of dishes, and the little things left out that slow everything down. You might think you’re ready, but even small oversights can make the difference between a quick, sparkling clean and a half-done job. Over the years, I’ve learned that a few simple steps before the cleaners show up can save you time, protect your belongings, and actually let the pros focus on what they do best—deep, efficient cleaning.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what I do in my own home to prep before a cleaning service arrives, so you don’t have to guess or worry if you’re missing something important. By the end, you’ll have a practical, easy-to-follow plan that makes every cleaning session feel smooth and satisfying.

1. Declutter Key Areas Efficiently

I can’t stress this enough: if your home is cluttered, professional cleaners end up spending more time moving things around than actually cleaning. You want them to focus on dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing—not picking up piles of stuff you left out. Over the years, I’ve realized that clearing key areas beforehand makes the cleaning process smoother, faster, and much more satisfying.

Here’s what I usually focus on first:

What to Clear (Priorities):

• Countertops in the kitchen and bathroom: Take a few minutes to put away appliances, toiletries, and random papers.
• Coffee tables and nightstands: Toss magazines, books, and remote controls into a basket.
• Floors: Shoes, kids’ toys, laundry—anything that could get in the way of vacuuming or mopping.

Quick Tip: I keep a few baskets or boxes handy. I just sweep clutter into them, and later sort while the cleaners work. It feels like a small step, but it saves them—and you—tons of time.

For more expert tips, I often refer to Southern Living’s guide on preparing for professional cleaners—they have some solid advice on decluttering and organizing before the pros arrive.

2. Handle Kitchen Sink & Dishes Before Arrival

You might think cleaners will tackle the sink for you, but most professional services don’t wash dishes. Leaving a pile of dirty plates, cups, or pans on the counter not only blocks space but also slows down the whole cleaning process. I learned this the hard way—trying to “save time” by leaving everything for them usually ends up taking longer overall.

Here’s my go-to routine before a cleaning session:

What Counts as “Pre-Cleaning” in the Kitchen:

• Empty the sink: Load the dishwasher or hand-wash any dishes that can’t go in.
• Wipe food residue from counters: Even crumbs or sticky spots can get in the way of disinfecting surfaces.
• Put away leftovers and food containers: Open containers attract attention and can make wiping and polishing take longer.

By handling this step yourself, you’re letting the cleaners focus on deep cleaning your kitchen—tops, appliances, and floors—and the difference is noticeable.

3. Secure Valuables, Documents & Fragile Items

Before the cleaners arrive, I always take a quick walk around my home to make sure anything fragile, valuable, or sensitive is safely stored. You might think, “They’re professionals—they won’t touch my stuff,” but accidents happen, and even insured cleaners prefer a clear workspace. Taking a few minutes to put things away saves stress and avoids awkward conversations later.

Value-Packed Tips:

• Jewelry, cash, and sensitive documents: Keep these in a drawer, safe, or locked cabinet.
• Delicate décor: Move fragile vases, figurines, or artwork out of high-traffic areas.
• Electronics and cords: Tuck away wires or small gadgets that could get knocked over during cleaning.

4. Communicate Expectations and Access Details

Prep isn’t just about tidying or clearing surfaces. I’ve found that clear communication with your cleaning service is just as important. When I lay out my expectations ahead of time, the session goes smoother, and I avoid those moments where I’m wondering if they missed something because I didn’t clarify.

What to Confirm Before They Arrive:

• Tasks included: Bathrooms, baseboards, fridge, or special requests?
• Areas to skip: Maybe a home office or personal storage space you don’t want touched.
• Best entrance or parking: Make sure they know where to enter so they don’t have to hunt for you.

For more practical guidance, I often refer to Organize Home Living’s tips on preparing for professional cleaners. They explain why communication and access prep is as critical as clearing counters or floors.

5. Manage Pets and Hazards Before They Show Up

If you have pets, you know how unpredictable they can be. I always make sure to secure my cats and dogs before a cleaning team arrives. A stressed pet can dart around, distract the cleaners, or even knock over something fragile. Beyond pets, simple hazards like loose cords or breakable décor can slow down the cleaning process and create risks. A few minutes of prep here makes the entire session smoother.

Prep Steps for Pets:

• Secure pets in a room, crate, or yard so they’re safe and out of the way.
• Clean up any waste or accidents before the team arrives to avoid extra stress or unpleasant surprises.

Safety Prep:

• Remove fragile items from work areas.
• Create clear walkways so cleaners can move freely without tripping or bumping into things. I also make sure any floor transitions are smooth—if you want a simple guide for installing floor transition strips for a professional finish, I’ve shared step-by-step instructions.

Even UK-based lifestyle sites highlight this step as essential for a safe and efficient cleaning environment. For a practical guide on managing pets and hazards, I often refer to OTS News’ tips on preparing your home before professional cleaners arrive.

Bonus Room-by-Room Pre-Cleaning Checklist

I like giving myself a quick room-by-room prep routine. It’s short, practical, and makes a big difference once the pros start.

Kitchen Quick Prep:

• Load the dishwasher or wash any dirty dishes.
• Wipe spills and crumbs from counters.
• Organize open shelves and put away clutter.

Bathroom Quick Prep:

• Remove toiletries from shelves and counters.
• Clear shower floors of bath mats or stray items.
• Hang fresh towels so cleaners can focus on surfaces.

Living Areas & Bedrooms:

• Fold blankets and tidy sofas.
• Stow laundry away in baskets or hampers.
• Organize remote controls, chargers, and small clutter so surfaces are easy to clean.

This kind of micro-prep only takes 10–15 minutes but sets the stage for a faster, more thorough cleaning session.

What Not to Do Before Cleaners Arrive (and Why)

It might feel natural to do a deep scrub or tackle every little corner before the cleaning team shows up, but that can actually backfire. I’ve learned that less is often more when it comes to prepping for pros.

Avoid Deep Scrubbing on Your Own:

• Let the cleaners handle the tough stuff—they’re trained for it. Doing it yourself can waste your time and reduce the value you get from the service.
• Even the pros recommend leaving heavy-duty tasks to them for efficiency.

Don’t Leave Sensitive Items Out for Them to Tackle:

• Move valuables and delicate items away, but don’t dump tasks on the cleaners that weren’t agreed upon.
• This ensures they can focus on the cleaning itself and not worry about sorting through your personal items.

By keeping this balance—doing small prep steps, but not overdoing it—you get a faster, safer, and higher-quality clean every time.

Quick Prep Timeline (15–30 Minutes Before Cleaning Team Arrives)

I’ve found that having a simple timeline takes the guesswork out of getting ready. You don’t need to spend hours prepping—just a few focused minutes can make a huge difference. Here’s the schedule I usually follow:

• 15 minutes – Pick up clutter: Grab baskets and sweep toys, shoes, and other items off counters and floors.
• 10 minutes – Kitchen tasks: Empty the sink, load the dishwasher, wipe counters, and put away leftovers. And while you’re at it, I usually do a quick sweep of the carpets—if you want to learn some quick carpet rescue tricks that really work, I’ve shared my favorites.
• 5 minutes – Peephole and access communications: Make sure cleaners can enter easily, check any keys or codes, and confirm instructions.

Following this short routine ensures everything is ready without turning your home into a full cleaning zone beforehand. It’s efficient, stress-free, and lets the pros do what they do best.

Get the Most From Your Cleaning Service

Over the years, I’ve learned that prepping isn’t just about tidying—it also affects how much value you get from a service. Here are a few tips I always follow:

• Tipping: A little appreciation goes a long way. A tip or kind note shows you value their work.
• Scheduling: Regular visits make prep easier each time and keep your home consistently clean.
• Understanding prep vs. pricing: The better you prep, the faster and more thorough the team can work—sometimes saving you money on extra hours. If you’re curious about more ways to make your home sparkle, check out these professional cleaning secrets that I use regularly.

I’d love to hear how you get ready before professional cleaners arrive. Share your tips or ask questions in the comments below—I read every one! And if you want more practical, home-improvement guides like this, check out Build Like New for easy, actionable strategies to keep your home running smoothly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Recommendations are based on general home-cleaning practices and expert sources. Individual results may vary, and Build Like New is not responsible for any damages or issues arising from following these tips. Always follow the instructions provided by your professional cleaning service.