What to Expect from Your First House Cleaning Visit

Before your first house cleaning, pick up clutter so surfaces are reachable, plan how the cleaner will get in and park, decide where pets will be, and write down your priorities and anything to avoid. On the day, the cleaner works through the agreed checklist room by room. Afterwards, walk through the home and share feedback so the next visit fits even better.

How should I prepare for my first cleaning?

You do not need to clean before the cleaner arrives, but a quick pick-up makes a real difference. Cleaners clean surfaces; they do not usually sort belongings, so time spent moving piles is time not spent cleaning.

• Pick up clothes, toys and papers from floors, counters and tables.
• Put away valuables, cash, medication and anything fragile or sentimental.
• Clear the sink of dishes if you want the kitchen sink and counters cleaned.
• Empty the oven, refrigerator or cabinets if you booked those add-ons.
• Put away boots and gear in the mudroom or entry so the floor can be cleaned.

How will the cleaner get in, and where should they park?

Decide whether you will be home or how the cleaner will get in, and share the details when you book: a door code, where a key is, and whether there is an alarm. Say where to park, especially if the driveway is narrow or shared.

In winter, make sure the driveway and path to the door are cleared and treated, and in mud season let us know if the driveway is soft. A clear path keeps the cleaner safe and means less dirt comes in with the supplies.

What about pets?

Tell us about any pets when you book: how many, what kind, and how they react to visitors. Many people keep dogs in a closed room, a crate or out with a family member during the visit, which keeps everyone relaxed and the work moving. Let us know which doors must stay shut so cats do not slip out, and mention litter boxes or pet areas you would like cleaned around or left alone.

What should I tell my cleaner?

• Your top priorities, such as the kitchen, bathrooms or the floors near the entry.
• Rooms or areas to skip.
• Surfaces that need special care, such as natural stone, unsealed wood or antiques, and any product you prefer not to have used.
• Known problem spots, such as hard-water marks or a stained grout line.
• Anything about the house that is easy to miss, like a sticking door or a light switch that runs a disposal.

A short written note left on the counter works well, alongside what you shared when booking.

What happens during and after the visit?

The cleaner works through the checklist for the service you booked, usually room by room and top to bottom, finishing with the floors. Our published times give a sense of how long a standard cleaning takes: about 1.5 hours for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath home up to about 4 hours for a 5 bedroom, 3 bath home. A deep clean takes longer.

Afterwards, walk through the house. Note what you loved and anything you would like done differently, and share it. The first visit is also a good time to decide on a schedule; recurring cleaning every week, every two weeks or monthly costs less per visit the more often you book.

Ready to book?

Choose Book Now to pick your service, home size and add-ons; the final price is confirmed when you book. Questions first? Read our FAQs, call 978-961-4889, or email info@nhareacleaners.com. We are available Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm.