How to prepare your home for a cleaner (first visit)

To get the most from a cleaner, especially the first visit, do a quick declutter, tell them your priorities, and sort out the practical details like access, pets and products in advance. You are not expected to clean before the cleaner arrives, but clearing surfaces and clutter means their time goes on actual cleaning rather than moving your things around, which gives you better value.

Tidy, do not clean

Clear away clutter, post, toys and dishes so surfaces and floors are accessible. The less time spent tidying, the more time spent cleaning. This is the single biggest thing you can do to improve the result, and it links directly to keeping costs down.

Share your priorities

Every home is different. Tell the cleaner what matters most to you, whether that is the kitchen and bathrooms, the floors, or a room you want left alone. Agreeing a simple checklist on the first visit means you both know what a good clean looks like.

Sort the practical details

• Access: will you be home, or provide a key or entry instructions?
• Pets: secure them and mention any that are nervous.
• Products: will the cleaner bring their own or use yours? See who supplies products.
• Valuables and fragile items: put away anything precious or delicate.
• Parking: let them know where to park if it is tricky.

The first visit takes longer

The first clean of a home usually takes longest, because it sets the baseline. After that, a regular clean is quicker because the home is maintained. If the home has built up, an initial deep clean is a good way to start.

A simple checklist before they arrive

Declutter surfaces, secure pets and valuables, confirm access, and note your priorities. Do that and your cleaner can get straight to work. Our domestic cleaning team is happy to agree a checklist on the first visit, across Derby and the surrounding area.