Pick up clutter, clear counters, secure pets and valuables, and leave a note listing your priority areas. You don't need to pre-clean — just clear surfaces and floors so the team spends its time cleaning, not tidying around your things. Five minutes of prep is the difference between an okay visit and a great one.
The 5-minute prep checklist
- Clear the floors — clothes, toys, bags. Cleaners can't vacuum what they have to move first.
- Clear counters — kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Empty counters get wiped fully; cluttered ones get wiped around.
- Handle dishes & laundry — a standard clean usually doesn't include them, so start the dishwasher and clear the sink.
- Secure pets — a closed room, crate, or out for the visit. Note where they are and any areas to avoid.
- Put away valuables & cash — good practice with any service in your home.
- Leave priorities — a quick note or text: "focus on kitchen + bathrooms," "skip the office," "we have a stone counter." Direction gets you the clean you actually want.
What you don't need to do
Don't pre-clean — you're paying for that. Don't buy supplies; teams bring their own, pet- and family-safe on request. And you don't need to be home: most Jacksonville clients leave a door code or key, since teams are vetted and insured. If it's the first visit, being reachable by phone helps confirm priorities.
New to booking? See what's included in a house cleaning and how often to schedule one.
Prep buys you a better clean
Related guides & services
What's included in a clean
Room-by-room of what a standard clean covers, and what's extra.
Read the guide →Recurring house cleaning
Weekly and bi-weekly plans with a consistent local team.
Recurring plans →Get a flat quote
Tell us your home and priorities — a vetted team sends a price.
Get a quote →How to choose a service
Still comparing cleaners? What to check before you book anyone.
Read the guide →Prep questions
How do I prepare for a house cleaner?
Pick up clutter, clear counters, secure pets and valuables, and leave a note with your priority areas. You don't need to pre-clean — just clear surfaces so the team spends its time cleaning.
Should I clean before the cleaners come?
No — but tidy. Put away clutter, dishes and laundry so surfaces and floors are clear; every minute spent moving your things is a minute not spent cleaning.
What should I do with my pets?
Secure them in a closed room, crate, or take them out. Note where they are and any areas to avoid, plus any pet-safe product preferences.
Do I need to provide supplies?
No — teams bring their own, pet- and family-safe on request. Leave out a specific product only if you want it used on a stone counter or for a sensitivity.