Do You Leave the House When Cleaners Come? …And Other Real-Life Questions About Working with a Cleaning Service

Do You Leave the House When Cleaners Come? …And Other Real-Life Questions About Working with a Cleaning Service

So, you’ve decided to bring in a professional cleaning service—smart move. But now you might be wondering… am I supposed to stay home while they clean? Should I step out? Is there anything I need to do before they arrive? If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. At Total Home Cleaning, we’ve worked with countless new clients who had similar questions. And we get it—inviting a team into your home is personal. We’re here to walk you through what to expect so the process feels smooth, respectful, and like the great decision it is—not a disruption to your day, but a meaningful upgrade to it.

Do I Need to Leave the House When Cleaners Come?

You absolutely can stay home while your cleaning team works their magic. In fact, some clients like to linger and enjoy the subtle background hum of vacuuming—it’s oddly therapeutic. Others prefer to run errands, catch a workout, or finally sit in their car alone with a podcast and a coffee. Whatever suits your style, we’re happy to accommodate.

If you’re new to professional cleaning, it’s a good idea to be home for the first visit. That way, you can meet the team, share preferences, and feel comfortable. From there, you might find that outsourcing the cleaning—and the decision-making—is your new favorite form of self-care.

Should I Tidy Up Before the Cleaners Arrive?

Cleaning is literally why we’re here, so no pressure to turn your home into a Pinterest board before we arrive. That said, a quick pick-up—like corralling the LEGO minefield or moving your Amazon returns off the kitchen counter—helps us get right to the deep-cleaning part.

Think of it this way: if your kitchen counters are covered in mail, dishes, and small appliances, we’ll have to spend time moving those items before we can wipe everything down properly. A quick five-minute tidy-up can make a big difference in how efficiently we can clean your space. These steps can also make professional cleaning services more cost-effective!

You don’t need to prep like your in-laws are coming over, but clearing surfaces means we can clean them properly. And yes, if you want help with clutter, laundry, or toys—we can add that to your customized service plan, no judgment.

What If I Work from Home and Need Cleaning Services?

We work with tons of remote workers, so we get it—cleaning can’t interrupt your Zoom calls or your cat’s 2pm nap on your keyboard. If you need us to start in one area and circle back to your home office later, we’ll build the plan around your rhythm.

Just let us know your schedule, and we’ll be in and out like cleaning ninjas.

Can I Schedule Cleanings Around My Family Routine?

Absolutely. We’ve cleaned around nap schedules, piano lessons, soccer carpools, and even the occasional home birthday party. Routine cleanings can be set to fit your flow—same day, same time, every week or two—so it’s just one more thing you don’t have to think about.

Can Cleaners Come In If I’m Not Home?

Yes, and many clients prefer it that way. Whether it’s a smart lock, garage code, or key in a secure lockbox, we’ll go over the access details with you during your consultation. Whatever you choose, your home’s security and privacy are always top priorities.

Our teams are background-checked, trained, and trustworthy. You can rest easy knowing that when you get home, it’ll smell faintly of citrus and feel just a little more like you’ve got it all together—even if the rest of your life says otherwise.


Because life’s too short to spend it chasing dust bunnies. Let us handle the dirt—so you can handle everything else.

New Jersey Professional Home Cleaners You Can Trust

Our job isn’t just to clean your home—it’s to make your life easier. We know your time is precious, and that outsourcing cleaning isn’t just a luxury—it’s a smart move for sanity. At Total Home Cleaning, we’ve proudly served Jersey families and professionals for 20 years, and we tailor our services to fit your home, your schedule, and your priorities.

Whether you’re home, out, working, or just trying to keep the dog from barking at the vacuum, we’ll meet you where you are. Let’s build a plan that feels effortless—and yes, sparkling too.

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