Clear personal items from priority surfaces
Put away medication, jewelry, important papers, cash, fragile objects, and anything private. Gather loose toys, clothing, and cables so the surfaces beneath them are accessible. This is tidying, not pre-cleaning: the goal is to remove uncertainty and help the team spend time on the agreed rooms and surfaces.
Confirm entry and parking
Share the arrival window, gate or building instructions, parking details, and the best way to reach you if access fails. If you will not be home, confirm the key or lockbox plan in advance. Keep sensitive access information within the communication method you and the provider have agreed to use.
Choose a few clear priorities
Name the rooms or details that matter most before the visit begins. If the kitchen needs extra attention or a guest room can be skipped, say so. A short priority list is more useful than a long collection of last-minute messages, especially when the appointment has a fixed time window.
Plan for pets and household routines
Tell the provider about pets, feeding areas, gates, and rooms that must remain closed. Decide where animals will be during the visit and whether anyone will be working from home. Mention nap schedules, calls, deliveries, or other routines that could affect room access or the order of work.
Point out delicate surfaces and exclusions
Identify natural stone, specialty finishes, antiques, damaged fixtures, or products that should not be used. Also state which areas are out of scope. Clear boundaries protect the home and let the team work confidently without guessing how an unfamiliar surface or object should be handled.