If you are about to sell your home or move into another one, you may require a cleaning service.
Before showing off your home, you want it to look its best, and if you are moving into a new home, you want it to be clean and ready for your arrival.
However, balancing hiring a cleaning service on top of the stress of moving can be difficult. You don’t want to go with the first cleaning company you find as it could lead to a lot of additional headaches. You should take the time to research and find a cleaning company that will have your best interest in mind.
To make the process much easier, we have compiled ten things to consider before hiring a cleaning service so you can get back to the more pertinent parts of the moving process.
Before you start looking for a cleaning service, you should first know what exactly you are after.
Look for companies with many years under their belt that are open to working with you so you can provide direction and feedback. You will have stringent timelines when you move, so finding a company that will work around them is essential.
Shopping around is one of the essential parts of the hiring process. You want to get a good idea of what the average company offers, so you know a good deal when you see it. Shopping around will also allow you to get a feel for the individuals at each company, making the decision process more manageable as you will meet those entering your home before they do so.
Deciding where and what the cleaners will be cleaning before you hire them makes shopping around easier. Having the task in mind will also allow you to narrow down who you hire, as not every company will do every job. For example, many companies will not wash the exterior of your windows due to the excessive time and effort it takes.
Most companies these days have switched to green solutions to help the environment. However, there may still be some companies that have yet to switch over and are still using cleaning solutions that have harmful chemicals. If you have pets or small children, the harsh chemicals in cleaning products can be dangerous, so it is best to know what the cleaners plan to use.
On the other hand, if parts of your home don’t agree with green cleaning solutions, such as vinegar on marble floors, you should seek companies willing to use more standard cleaning supplies.
The best way to find out if a company is trustworthy and provides good service is through referrals. While online reviews are an excellent way to start, a referral from a friend or family member is much more reliable. In the end, reviews online can be done by the company, but a referral from someone you can trust is much more concrete.
Also, make sure they are registered, bonded, and insured. If anything is broken, stolen, or if someone is injured on the job, you want to be covered. Most companies are open and willing to share copies of their policies at your request.
If you have decided on a company, be sure all pricing aspects are laid out clearly. Determine how long they will need and what is included in their services, so you know what the price encompasses. Also, find out if they will provide cleaning supplies or if you have to supply your own.
Many cleaning companies will not clean up things like clutter. If you have a large pile of your belongings on the floor, they may just clean around it.
To ensure your whole house is cleaned, find out what they are willing to clean. Ensure each part of your house is clear of clutter so the cleaners can access and clean it, as they do not want to get involved with your possessions.
However, if you are looking for someone to help with clutter, you can hire a professional organizer who will help you organize.
These tips act as a guideline when hiring a cleaning company during the moving process.
Hiring a cleaner can help speed up the moving process, but caution should be taken when picking the right company.
To learn more about how best to move into your new home, check out our ‘Guide to Moving, Packing, and Storage’ article.