Confirm the appointment details
Check the date, arrival window, address, access method and contact person. Tell the provider about stairs, parking, building entry or anything that could delay the start.
Confirm the scope and priority areas in writing. If the work or condition has changed since the quote, notify the provider before the appointment.
Clear the agreed surfaces
Move everyday belongings from the areas to be cleaned where you can. If you want tidying included, agree it explicitly and allow time for it. A cleaner should not have to guess where personal items belong.
Store documents, jewellery, medicines and fragile items securely. This also reduces uncertainty about what may be handled or moved.
Identify materials and restrictions
Point out natural stone, wood finishes, coated glass or furniture with special care instructions. Provide the manufacturer’s guidance where available. Tell the cleaner about existing damage and areas that should be left alone.
If you provide supplies, have the agreed products, labelled containers, clean cloths and working equipment available. Do not transfer chemicals into unlabelled bottles.
Arrange pets and household activity
Agree where pets will stay and who is responsible for moving them. Explain which doors must stay closed. Plan around children, home working and other household activity so the cleaner can use the agreed spaces safely.
If someone needs a particular product or fragrance restriction, discuss it in advance rather than assuming the standard kit will meet it.
Prepare booked extras
Empty an appliance or cupboard only if its interior is included and the timing has been arranged. Have replacement linen ready if bed changes are part of the service. Clarify laundry handling and where waste should go.
Make changes easy to approve
Leave a reachable contact for questions about extra time or an unexpected problem. Agree that additional charged work needs approval. A short priority list helps if the available time is insufficient.
After the visit, use the quality checklist to review specific tasks. For the underlying scope, see regular cleaning and the home checklist.