Fifteen minutes of prep that doubles what your cleaner gets done
4 min read · February 6, 2026
You're not expected to clean before we arrive — but a short, targeted tidy turns a good clean into a great one.
Every hour we spend moving your things is an hour we don't spend cleaning surfaces. Here's the fifteen-minute version of prep that makes the biggest difference — nothing more.
Clear the flat surfaces
Counters, side tables, nightstands and the dining table. Anything left out gets cleaned around, not under. A single basket per room is the fastest tool for this.
Handle what only you can
Dishes into the dishwasher, laundry off the floor, pets secured in a room we can skip, and valuables, cash and medication put away. If a room shouldn't be entered, tell us — a sticky note on the door works.
Confirm access and heat
Check the code or lockbox listed in your account is current, make sure the walkway is shovelled in winter, and leave the home at a normal temperature. Cleans are done in a vacant home for safety and insurance reasons, so plan to be out during your window.
Clear surfaces, secure pets, confirm access. That's it — the rest is our job.