If you’re hiring someone to clean an empty and tidy house before you move in, there’s little prep work to do. Make sure to discuss your goals with the cleaning service, arrange entry to the house, and communicate any problem areas or special requests. If you’ve already moved into the house, or if it’s messy, it’s best to complete the following tasks before the cleaners arrive:

• Declutter things like clothes, toys, or cardboard boxes

• Do the dishes

• Put fragile items in a safe spot where they can’t be accidentally broken

• Keep pets away from cleaning areas

Professional cleaning utilizes industrial-grade equipment and formulated cleansers that penetrate deeper into fabrics, removing stubborn dirt without risking damage that DIY approaches might, such as surface abrasion from improper tools.

If you're already planning to hire an electrician and you know that you'll get billed the minimum call-out charge, you might as well make the most of it by having the contractor do another small job like replacing a light switch or electrical outlet. Even if you're paying for a new coaxial outlet, which costs several hours in labor, you may be able to save a little or maximize value by getting them to do other related jobs. For example, if you're having a coaxial cable moved, it's worth checking if you also need another electrical outlet in the new location or considering where else you would benefit from a new outlet . The cost to install an electrical outlet is around $200.

You should wipe up spills inside of your fridge as soon as they happen, but aim to deep clean your fridge every three to six months. You’ll probably want to give the outside a wipe more often, though, about once every other week.