How to Prepare for Your House Cleaner

If you've never hired a house cleaner, it's natural to feel like you need to clean before the cleaner comes. You don't. But a little preparation does help, because it lets the cleaner spend the visit scrubbing and wiping instead of moving things out of the way. Here's what to do before a Clean Space visit, from McMinnville to Smyrna to Dickson.

A quick pick-up

The goal is a clear surface, not a spotless house. Clean Space's basic tidying is included, but a cleaner can only dust and wipe what they can reach. A quick pick-up of the obvious things makes a real difference.

• Put dishes in the dishwasher or put them away, so the sink and counters are clear.
• Get laundry into hampers or put it away, so floors and bedding are accessible.
• Move kids' toys, shoes, and mail off the floor and off the surfaces you want dusted.
• Set aside anything fragile or valuable that you'd rather keep out of the way.

If you've booked the laundry or dishwashing add-on, the cleaner can handle those tasks, so it's worth asking when you book what you can leave. For the laundry add-on, you'll need a washer and dryer in the unit.

Pets

Friendly pets are welcome. A dog that greets the cleaner at the door isn't a problem. If you have an aggressive pet, though, plan to keep them kenneled, in a closed room, or with a sitter during the visit, for their safety and the cleaner's.

Whatever you have, tell Clean Space about your pets' quirks when you request a quote. The quote form asks about indoor pets, and the cleaner is informed. If your cat bolts through any open door, or your dog gets anxious around the vacuum, that's useful to know before the first visit, not during it.

Getting in the door

You don't have to be home. Clean Space works on a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, and the cleaner can get in with a hidden key, a lockbox, or a garage code. Choose whichever you're comfortable with and share the details when you book. If you are home, that's fine too, and the cleaner is available by phone if a question comes up during the visit. If you're there at the end, you can do a final walk-through.

Make sure whatever access method you choose works before the day. A lockbox that sticks or a garage code you changed last week can leave a cleaner standing outside, so test it first.

Think of it as a ten-minute habit rather than a project. A tidy counter and a clear floor are the two things that let a cleaner cover the most ground, because they don't have to stop and decide where your things go. Anything you'd hate to see moved is better placed in a drawer or closet before the visit.

What the cleaner brings

Nothing to buy and nothing to set out. Clean Space's technicians arrive fully equipped with their own cleaning supplies and tools. If you prefer a specific product, because of a sensitivity or a preference, ask and they can talk it through with you. And since the team is background checked, insured, and bonded, you know who is walking through your door.

What you do want to flag is anything unusual: a stained rug you're worried about, a surface that scratches easily, a room that should be left alone. A short note when you book, or a message to the cleaner, takes a minute and saves surprises.

Payment and tips

Payment is due the day of service, and you can pay by major credit or debit card, Zelle, or check, directly with the cleaner or through the office. Tips are optional. If you choose to tip, 100% of it goes directly to your cleaner.

What not to worry about

You don't need to apologize for the state of your home. The point of hiring a cleaner is to hand off the work, and nobody expects the house to be perfect before they arrive. Most homes fall within Clean Space's standard pricing. If something needs extra time or labor, like heavy buildup, lots of clutter, or no running water, it gets discussed and approved before work begins.

One thing to remember: Clean Space doesn't move furniture or large appliances, so if you want the area behind the couch cleaned, slide it out beforehand.

Ready to book your first visit? Call or text Clean Space at 615-437-2477, or use the quote form for a free quote, and ask any prep questions while you're at it.