How to prepare your home for professional cleaners: The ultimate guide

Let’s face it: A clean home is a sanctuary. But when you’re ready to hand the reins (and the broom) over to the pros, a little prep can go a long way. Whether you’re aiming for a “ready for maid service” home or want a foolproof cleaning checklist for homeowners, this guide is your secret weapon.

The why: Why you should prep before the pros arrive

You wouldn’t invite a chef into a kitchen piled with yesterday’s dishes, would you? Same logic applies here. Preparing for a cleaning service isn’t about doing their job — it’s about setting them up to do it brilliantly. When your home is prepped, cleaners can focus on deep cleaning, disinfecting, and dazzling detail work — not moving your Lego collection off the floor or deciphering your sock mountain.

Bottom line: Prepare, and you get more bang for your buck. Skip it, and you’re paying someone to pick up your laundry.

The how: Your step-by-step, no-fluff prep guide

1. Clear the clutter

Clutter is the arch-nemesis of thorough cleaning. The more things in the way, the less magic the pros can work. Before the cleaning crew arrives, take a few minutes to:

• Pick up toys, clothes, and miscellaneous items — Yes, even that pile of magazines you “meant to read.”
• Clear countertops and tabletops — Stash bills, keys, and random gadgets in a drawer.
• Organize your floor space — Make sure rugs and bathmats aren’t tripping hazards.

Pro tip: Think of this as “pre-cleaning decluttering.” It’s not cleaning — it’s making space for cleaning.

2. Take care of the dirty laundry

No, the cleaners don’t want to wash your underwear (usually). Wash or at least corral your dirty laundry before they arrive. Same goes for dishes in the sink. If you want them washed, check with your service in advance.

Bonus points: Toss bath mats and shower curtains in the laundry for a fresh start.

3. Stock up on cleaning essentials

Even if your cleaning service brings their own, having a few basics on hand is a smart move. Make sure every bathroom and kitchen is stocked with:

• Toilet brush
• Paper towels and trash bags
• Cleaning sprays or wipes

Having these essentials ready means no delays — and a deeper clean in less time.

4. Communicate your priorities

Not every homeowner wants the same thing. If you have special requests (like cleaning inside the fridge or washing the baseboards), let the crew know ahead of time. Most services have a standard cleaning checklist for homeowners, but customization is key.

Pro move: Write down your must-do items so nothing gets missed.

5. Secure valuables and pets

Professional cleaners are pros — but accidents happen. Stash away valuables, cash, and sensitive documents. And if Fido or Fluffy is home, let them know so they can plan accordingly (or ask if you need to board pets for the day).

If you’re looking for a trusted and high-quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst —

get a free quote online.
You can also call us at 716-289-1966.

The what: A cleaning checklist for homeowners (because you deserve a roadmap)

A cleaning checklist for homeowners isn’t just for the pros. It’s your blueprint for a home that’s truly ready for maid service. Here’s a snapshot of what goes into a pro-level clean, room by room:

Kitchen

• Wipe countertops and backsplash
• Clean and sanitize sink and faucet
• Scrub stovetop and microwave
• Clean appliance exteriors (inside upon request)
• Wipe cabinet fronts
• Sweep and mop floors
• Empty trash

Bathroom

• Disinfect toilet inside and out
• Scrub tub, shower tiles, and glass doors
• Polish mirrors and chrome fixtures
• Clean and disinfect sink and countertops
• Replace towels and restock toiletries
• Sweep and mop floors

Living room

• Dust furniture, lamps, and picture frames
• Vacuum upholstery and carpets
• Straighten and fluff cushions and pillows
• Clean electronics and shelves
• Vacuum/mop floors

Bedroom

• Make beds (linens changed upon request)
• Dust furniture and surfaces
• Clean mirrors
• Vacuum/mop floors (under bed if accessible)

Hallways & Stairs

• Vacuum or sweep and mop
• Dust baseboards and light switches
• Empty trash bins

Reality check: Your cleaners will do most of this, but knowing what’s on the list helps you prep and set expectations.

The when: Timing is everything

Prep the day before. That way, you’re not rushing around as the cleaning van pulls up. Schedule your pre-cleaning decluttering as part of your evening routine for a seamless morning.

The why not: Common myths busted

Myth: “I don’t need to prep — I’m paying them to clean!”

Truth: You’re paying for deep cleaning, not tidying. Prep means they can tackle the dirt, not the clutter.

Myth: “They’ll know what to do.”

Truth: Every home is different. Communication is key to getting the clean you want.

Myth: “I can just leave everything as is.”

Truth: You can — but you won’t get the same level of clean.

The finish line: Final prep checklist

Ready for maid service? Here’s your final to-do:

• Declutter all surfaces and floors
• Wash or gather dirty laundry
• Stock bathrooms with essentials
• Communicate special requests
• Secure valuables and pets
• Review your cleaning checklist for homeowners

The grand finale: Why this matters

Preparing for a cleaning service isn’t about doing their job — it’s about making sure your home gets the royal treatment it deserves. With a little prep and a solid cleaning checklist for homeowners, you’ll unlock the full potential of professional cleaning. Your home will look, feel, and smell like a sanctuary.

Ready for maid service? You bet you are.

This guide is optimized for search engines and human readers alike. Bookmark it, share it, and let your home sparkle like never before.

SEO section

Target keywords incorporated throughout:

• Preparing for cleaning service
• Cleaning checklist for homeowners
• Ready for maid service

SEO tips for house cleaning businesses:

• Use target keywords in titles, headings, and throughout content.
• Create dedicated pages for each type of cleaning service.
• Include keywords in meta tags and image alt text.

And there you have it — the ultimate, bold, and unforgettable guide to prepping your home for professional cleaners. Now go forth, declutter, and let the pros work their magic.

If you're looking to bring some order and freshness into your space — you can always get a free quote online through STARCORE Cleaning. We’ll be happy to help you organize a quality cleaning service in Buffalo at a fair price. Prefer to talk it through? Just give us a call: 716-289-1966. We're here for you.

Frequently asked questions

1. How much should I expect to pay for a cleaning service?

The cost of a cleaning service varies based on the size of your home, the frequency of cleaning, and any special requests. It's best to get a quote tailored to your specific needs.

2. Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

It's not necessary to be home while the cleaning crew works. However, you should ensure access and communicate any specific instructions beforehand.

3. How often should I have my home professionally cleaned?

It depends on your lifestyle and preferences, but many homeowners opt for a professional clean every two weeks or monthly.

4. What should I do if I'm not satisfied with the cleaning?

Contact the cleaning service directly to discuss your concerns. Most reputable services will address your issues promptly and ensure your satisfaction.

5. Are cleaning supplies provided by the service?

Most cleaning services supply their own cleaning products and equipment. However, you should confirm this when booking to be sure.

6. Can I request specific cleaning tasks?

Absolutely! Most cleaning services offer customization. Be sure to communicate any specific tasks you'd like prioritized before the cleaning begins.