Prepare for house cleaning to unlock your home’s potential

Emily Johnson

Written by Emily Johnson — a seasoned home cleaning expert helping families in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Amherst keep their homes spotless and stress-free.

Emily Johnson

Written by Emily Johnson — a seasoned home cleaning expert helping families in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Amherst keep their homes spotless and stress-free.

May 26, 2025

7 min

Preparing your home for a professional cleaning visit: the ultimate guide

Let me tell you something that might blow your mind: preparing for house cleaning is just as important as the cleaning itself. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “Why the hell would I clean before the cleaners come?” But stick with me here—there’s a method to this madness that can transform your professional cleaning experience from “meh” to “magnificent.” I’ve spent countless hours researching the cleaning industry, talking to pros, and even getting my hands dirty (or clean?) to bring you this comprehensive guide on what to do before the cleaners arrive. Trust me, your cleaning crew will silently thank you, and you’ll get way more bang for your buck.

Why preparing for professional house cleaning matters

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s address the elephant in the room: why bother preparing at all? When you hire professional cleaners, you’re paying for their expertise and efficiency. These cleaning ninjas follow detailed checklists—often containing 49 or more specific tasks—designed to transform your home. But here’s the catch: they can only clean what they can access.

Professional cleaners use a systematic approach, typically dividing tasks by room and covering everything from dusting ceiling fans to scrubbing baseboards. Their goal is to provide consistent, thorough service that demonstrates professionalism and reliability to clients. But all their expertise hits a wall (literally) if they can’t get to the surfaces that need cleaning.

Think about it this way: every minute your cleaners spend moving your stuff is a minute they’re not actually cleaning. And time, my friends, is money—your money.

Room-by-room preparation guide

Kitchen prep: clear the decks

The kitchen is command central for most homes—and usually the greasiest, grimiest room that needs professional attention. Here’s how to prep it:

Clear countertops of small appliances, mail piles, and random stuff that accumulates
Empty the sink completely (no soaking pots allowed!)
Put away clean dishes from the dishwasher and drying rack
Remove items from the stovetop so it can be properly degreased
Consider emptying the refrigerator of expired items if you’ve requested interior cleaning

Pro tip: Professionals will clean the exterior of appliances as part of their standard service, but interiors are usually only cleaned upon specific request. If you want your oven or fridge interior cleaned, make sure to specify this when booking.

Bathroom battle plan

Your bathroom cleaning checklist is usually extensive for professionals, including toilet cleaning, shower scrubbing, and mirror polishing. Make their job easier by:

Clearing countertops of personal items, makeup, and toiletries
Removing bath toys, shampoo bottles, and loofahs from the shower/tub
Hanging fresh towels or removing used ones completely
Taking out bathroom trash before they arrive
Moving bath mats so floors can be properly mopped

Time-saving tip: Some cleaners will replace used towels with fresh ones as part of their service, but don’t count on it unless it’s specifically included in your agreement.

Living room logistics

The living room is where most of us spend our time, which means it accumulates impressive amounts of clutter. Professionals will tackle dusting furniture, vacuuming upholstery, and cleaning electronics, but you need to:

Pick up toys, books, magazines, and random items from floors and surfaces
Organize remote controls, game controllers, and other electronics
Straighten cushions and remove throw blankets that need washing
Move lightweight furniture if you want vacuuming underneath
Secure valuable or fragile items that might be damaged during cleaning

Remember that cleaners will straighten and fluff cushions and pillows, but they can’t do this properly if your couch is buried under yesterday’s laundry.

Bedroom basics

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and it deserves proper preparation before the cleaning crew arrives:

Make sure dirty clothes are in hampers, not on floors or chairs
Clear nightstands of personal items, medications, and valuables
Remove items from under the bed if you want that area vacuumed
Strip beds if you’ve arranged for linen changing services
Secure jewelry and important documents in a safe place

Professional cleaners will typically dust furniture, clean mirrors, vacuum floors, and make beds (or change linens upon request). But they can’t work their magic if they can’t see the surfaces.

Professional cleaning service in Buffalo, Amherst and Tonawanda

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.

Special considerations and pro tips

Handling pets during cleaning day

Our furry friends can complicate cleaning day. Here’s how to handle them:

Secure pets in a crate or separate room during the cleaning
Remove pet toys, beds, and food dishes before cleaners arrive
If possible, take dogs for a walk during the cleaning process
Alert cleaners to any pet-related concerns or areas to avoid
Clean up any “accidents” before the cleaning team arrives

Communication is key

The difference between good and great results often comes down to communication:

Provide specific instructions for areas needing special attention
Inform cleaners about any broken fixtures or items to avoid
Let them know about any allergies to cleaning products
Establish boundaries for areas you prefer they don’t enter
Share your expectations about tasks that might be considered “extra”

The pre-cleaning declutter

This is the secret weapon of people who always seem to have immaculate homes after cleaning services:

Start at least a day before the scheduled cleaning
Spend 15 minutes in each room putting things back where they belong
Focus on horizontal surfaces first—they’re what cleaners need access to most
Use baskets to quickly collect items that need to be redistributed
Don’t aim for perfection; aim for accessibility

What professional cleaners actually do

Understanding what’s on a professional’s checklist helps you prepare effectively. According to industry standards, most house cleaning services include:

Common areas and throughout the house

Dusting furniture, picture frames, and decorative items
Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture
Sweeping and mopping hard floors
Cleaning baseboards, doorframes, and switch plates
Emptying trash bins
Dusting ceiling fans (height restrictions may apply)

Kitchen-specific tasks

Cleaning countertops and backsplash
Wiping down cabinet fronts
Cleaning appliance exteriors
Scrubbing and disinfecting sinks
Cleaning microwave interior and exterior

Bathroom focus

Scrubbing and disinfecting toilets inside and out
Cleaning and disinfecting showers and tubs
Polishing chrome fixtures
Cleaning mirrors
Disinfecting countertops

Bedroom attention

Making beds (changing linens upon request)
Dusting furniture
Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces
Vacuuming floors (under beds if accessible)

What not to expect from professional cleaners

Managing expectations is crucial. Most standard cleaning services typically don’t include:

Organizing clutter or putting away personal items
Moving heavy furniture
Cleaning inside major appliances (unless specifically requested)
Washing windows on the outside
Cleaning walls (beyond spot-cleaning)
Handling biohazards or excessive messes
Doing dishes or laundry (unless specifically included in your package)

The night-before checklist

For the procrastinators among us (I see you, and I am you), here’s the absolute minimum you should do the night before cleaners arrive:

Clear countertops in kitchen and bathroom
Pick up clothes, toys, and items from floors
Put away sensitive documents and valuables
Secure pets
Empty dishwasher so cleaners can load dirty dishes if needed

Home cleaning preparation: timing is everything

The question isn’t just what to do before cleaners arrive, but when to do it:

One week before

Schedule your decluttering sessions
Identify problem areas needing special attention
Communicate special requests to your cleaning service
Stock up on any supplies you provide (if applicable)

One day before

Do a quick walk-through and pick up obvious clutter
Take out all trash and recycling
Put away clean dishes and laundry
Clear countertops and tables

Morning of cleaning

Secure valuables and sensitive documents
Set up pet accommodations
Make sure cleaners can access all areas
Leave instructions or payment (if necessary)

The ROI of proper preparation

Let’s talk money for a second. Most cleaning services charge by the hour or have a base rate plus additional fees for extra tasks. When you prepare your home properly:

Cleaners spend more time on actual cleaning rather than clearing surfaces
They can complete more detailed work in the allotted time
You get better value for your investment
Your home gets a deeper, more thorough cleaning
The results last longer because more attention was given to actual cleaning tasks

Final thoughts: the prepare-for-house-cleaning mindset

Preparing for house cleaning isn’t just about moving stuff—it’s a mindset shift. It’s recognizing that you’re partnering with professionals to create the best possible outcome. Just like you wouldn’t go to the dentist without brushing your teeth (right?), you shouldn’t expect cleaners to work miracles without some preparation on your part.

By taking these steps before your cleaning crew arrives, you’re not just being considerate—you’re being strategic. You’re maximizing the value of a service you’re paying good money for. And in the end, you’ll walk into a home that’s not just surface-clean, but deeply, satisfyingly spotless.

Remember: the best cleaning results come from a partnership between you and your cleaning professionals. Do your part, and they’ll deliver results that will make you wonder why you didn’t start preparing for house cleaning services sooner. Now go forth and declutter—your future clean home self will thank you.

Detailed and affordable home cleaning services for busy families in Amherst, Tonawanda, and Buffalo

Taking the time to prepare for house cleaning can alleviate stress and ensure the best results. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, why not get a free quote online and experience professional cleaning that caters to your needs? Don’t hesitate to reach out at 716-289-1966 for assistance.

If you’re living in Buffalo and want your home to feel fresh and truly clean, a seasonal deep clean might be just what you need. In Tonawanda, many families rely on recurring services to stay ahead of the mess. And Amherst residents often choose move-out cleanings to impress landlords and secure their deposits.

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, Tonawanda, or Amherst at a fair price.
Prefer to talk it through? Just give us a call: 716-289-1966. We’re here for you.