Moving into a new place should feel like a clean slate. Whether you’re renting or settling into a home you’ve just bought, making sure your space is properly cleaned before unpacking can make a big difference. But before professional move-in cleaners arrive, there are a few things you can do to get your property in the best shape possible. A bit of prep work not only helps the cleaners do their job more efficiently but can also make sure nothing is missed on the day.

Getting ready for moving house cleaners might be the last thing on your mind when dealing with keys, paperwork, and packing boxes. Still, making time to prep the property shows in the results. A few practical steps are all it takes to make sure your space is ready for a detailed clean. Here’s how to make sure everything is set before your cleaners arrive.

Declutter Your Space

Take a quick look around your space. Are there boxes, bags, or furniture scattered about in corners, corridors, or open areas? If so, now’s the best time to get those things organised. Cleaners work best with clear, open floors and surfaces to reach every area properly.

Getting rid of clutter doesn’t need to take all day. Start with the basics:

– Pack up loose items like books, cables, or kitchenware into clearly labelled boxes

– Stack these boxes in one designated space, like a spare room or living area corner, to give cleaners access to floors and skirting boards

– Dispose of leftover packaging or broken items instead of moving them with you

– Take down decorations or wall hangings if you want walls and nearby spaces cleaned thoroughly

Decluttering also gives you a chance to check for items that might’ve been forgotten behind or under furniture. It’s surprising how many cables, coins, or random bits get left behind during a move. Plus, moving things out of the way helps reduce the risk of anything getting damaged or misplaced during the clean.

One client we worked with found a set of keys they’d been searching for during their move just by clearing drawers before our team came in. Small wins like that remind you how useful a quick sweep through your space can be.

Check For Maintenance Issues

Before cleaners get started, it’s worth doing a quick check around for anything that needs fixing or might delay the job. Minor issues like dripping taps or loose light fittings won’t stop the cleaning process, but they can slow things down or lead to difficulties if ignored.

Here are a few areas to check:

– Leaky taps or plumbing issues in the kitchen or bathroom

– Cracked tiles or grouting that might make deep cleaning harder

– Loose door handles or broken locks that could affect access

– Faulty lights, especially in rooms where visibility is low

You don’t need to tackle full repairs yourself. This step is just about knowing what’s what. If something can’t be cleaned safely because it’s broken or faulty, your cleaners might avoid it. A quick fix or making someone aware of the issue means the clean won’t be held back and it prevents any extra mess from poor maintenance being overlooked or made worse.

Handling this ahead of cleaning also gives you peace of mind. After all, there’s no point having the place wiped down and scrubbed if a pipe leaks the next day or a cupboard won’t close properly. You’ll save time later by just knowing everything is working as it should.

Clean High-Touch Areas Beforehand

Before move-in cleaners arrive, giving high-touch areas a once-over helps flag any spots that might need extra care or make their job go smoother. These parts of the home pick up the most contact, so they tend to attract fingerprints, grease, and bacteria quicker than other surfaces. Even though your cleaners will tackle these thoroughly, a light pre-clean clears the way for deeper work.

Focus on the areas people touch constantly without even thinking:

– Door handles, including closet and cupboard doors

– Light switches and dimmers

– Remote controls or control panels for heaters or AC units

– Worktops and sinks, especially around taps and handles

– Appliance handles on the fridge, oven, and microwave

Use a damp cloth to remove debris or grease and make sure there’s nothing sticky lingering on these surfaces. If you removed stickers, labels, or tape recently, check for leftover residue that might need pre-treatment.

By prepping these spots ahead of time, you’re helping the team focus on getting deeper grime and build-up, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where these touchpoints matter most. It’s also a good chance to double-check that none of these items are broken or far too worn, in case they’re harder to clean safely or could get worse from scrubbing.

One flat we serviced had been recently painted, and while the walls looked great, the light switches were covered in dried-up paint drips. Just wiping them down before we arrived helped avoid any mess getting scraped into the fresh paint accidentally.

Make Sure Cleaners Can Access Everything

Once everything is packed and systems are working, it’s easy to forget that the cleaners will still need to reach every corner of your place. Organising access in advance keeps the cleaning process on track and avoids anyone waiting around.

To prepare properly:

– Leave clear instructions for accessing the building if you’re not going to be there. This includes key codes, front desk notifications, or neighbour contacts

– Make sure keys work for all doors and include notes if any locks are tricky

– Put pets in a safe, separate area or arrange for them to be out of the property during the clean

– Remove obstacles like large boxes or painting equipment from walkways

– If parts of the home shouldn’t be cleaned, label or close off those rooms

It might be worth walking through the home the night before to make sure everything’s unlocked, unplugged where needed, and laid out clearly. If cleaners can move through the home without repeated questions or delays, you’ll get a more focused clean with better results.

Cleaning teams often have more than one job per day. Clear access not only helps them stay efficient but makes sure your property gets their full attention for the time booked.

Step Into Your New Space Feeling Ready

Preparing your property for professional cleaners can feel minor when you’ve just finished packing, sorting paperwork, or handing in your meter readings. But a little effort upfront goes a long way. With clutter out of the way, high-touch areas checked, repairs in order, and access sorted, you’re setting the stage for a much smoother clean.

In London, where move-in schedules can be tight and overlapping dates aren’t uncommon, giving yourself an edge with a prepped space gets you on track faster. It allows the cleaning team to get straight to work, without distractions or delays. That means less stress for you, better cleaning results, and a fresh home that’s ready for the next chapter.

So once you’ve handed over the old keys and switched off the lights for the last time, know that you’ve also done your part for a proper handover. The rest? Leave that to the professionals. Let the space shine the way it should.

Whether you’re gearing up for a big move or just enjoying a fresh start, making sure your home is clean and ready makes all the difference. If preparing for professional cleaners felt overwhelming, we’re here to make it easier. Let Cleaning Gurus help streamline the process. Explore how our moving house cleaners can get your place spotless and ready for your next chapter.