You've hired a cleaner. They're coming next week. Now what?
How you prepare for that first visit sets the tone for everything that follows. A little thought now saves headaches later and helps your cleaner do their best work.
Before They Arrive
1. Do a Basic Tidy
This might sound counterintuitive - you're hiring someone to clean, right? But there's a difference between cleaning and tidying:
- Tidying = putting things away, clearing surfaces, organizing
- Cleaning = dusting, scrubbing, mopping, sanitizing
If your cleaner spends 45 minutes figuring out where your stuff goes, that's 45 minutes not spent actually cleaning. Quick tidy tasks:
- Clothes in hampers or put away
- Dishes in dishwasher or washed
- Clear countertops of clutter
- Put away obvious items that have "homes"
2. Identify Your Priorities
What bothers you most? What matters least? Write it down:
- Must-dos: Kitchen and bathrooms always, floors weekly
- Nice-to-haves: Inside windows, dusting high shelves
- Skip these: Home office (you'll handle it), guest room (rarely used)
Share this with your cleaner. They want to know what success looks like to you.
3. Gather Your Products
Some cleaners bring their own products. Many prefer to use what you have (they know your preferences). Either way, make sure you have basics on hand:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Floor cleaner appropriate for your floors
- Sponges, microfiber cloths
- Vacuum bags or empty the canister
- Mop head that's not ancient
Pro tip: if you have specific products you love (or hate), tell them.
4. Consider Access
Will you be home? If not:
- Key handover plan (spare key, lockbox, building code)
- Alarm codes written down
- Pet situation (will you take them? lock them in one room?)
- How to lock up when done
5. The Money Conversation
Handle this before day one:
- How much and when (after each visit? monthly?)
- Cash or transfer?
- Cancellation policy (both ways)
- What about extra tasks outside normal scope?
Being clear about money upfront avoids awkwardness later.
During the First Visit
Be There (If Possible)
The first time, try to be home for at least part of it. You can:
- Walk through the home together
- Show where products are kept
- Point out anything delicate or valuable
- Explain any quirks (that tap is sensitive, the oven door sticks)
- Answer questions in real-time
Don't Hover
After the initial walkthrough, give them space. Nobody does their best work with someone watching over their shoulder.
Set Realistic Expectations
The first clean always takes longer. They're learning your space. If your home needs attention after a while without regular cleaning, the first session is about getting to baseline. Regular maintenance is easier.
Communication That Works
Be Specific, Not Vague
Instead of: "The kitchen needs work"
Say: "The oven hasn't been cleaned in a while. Can you focus on inside the oven and the stovetop today?"
Feedback Sandwich
If something needs adjusting: positive → adjustment → positive
"The bathroom looks great. Would you mind spending more time on the shower door next time? Really appreciate how you organized the towels."
Written Notes
Leave a note if you won't be there:
- Any changes from usual routine
- Areas to focus on
- Things to skip this time
- Thank you note (goes a long way)
Setting Up for Ongoing Success
Consistent Schedule
Same day, same time when possible. It helps them plan and creates routine.
Regular Check-ins
Every few weeks, a quick "How's it going? Anything you need?" shows you value them.
Seasonal Adjustments
Let them know when needs change:
- Pre-holiday deep clean
- Less frequent in summer if you travel
- Extra attention during cold season (more indoor time = more cleaning)
What Not to Do
- Don't leave valuables out as a "test" - It's disrespectful and creates a bad dynamic
- Don't micromanage - Trust them or find someone you trust
- Don't change plans constantly - Respect their schedule
- Don't forget to provide feedback - They can't fix what they don't know about
The Relationship Matters
Your cleaner is coming into your private space regularly. A little respect and communication makes everything better:
- Learn their name, use it
- Offer water or coffee
- Say thank you
- Pay on time
- Remember they're professionals doing skilled work
The best cleaning relationships last years. They start with that first visit and the foundation you build together.