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

You should hire a leaf removal company if you don’t have the time or tools to keep up with the leaves falling in your yard. Hiring leaf removal professionals will free up your time to take care of other household priorities, plus they will clear your lawn more quickly and efficiently than using DIY methods. Be sure to contact leaf removal companies at the end of summer to secure a scheduled visit in the fall, and shop around to get a few estimates and compare pricing.

You should declutter first, then clean, especially when sorting through an entire estate. Decluttering reduces the number of items to clean and clears space to make cleaning easier. Once all items, such as large furniture, are relocated, you'll be able to clean efficiently. You can also hire a move-out cleaner to do a professional deep clean before you sell the home.

It’s easy to clean door hinges without removing them, and if you do this regularly, the gunk won’t get a chance to build up and become a bigger issue. We recommend mixing some warm water with detergent and wiping the hinges with a clean towel or rag. You can make a paste from baking soda and water to scrub the hinges if there are more stubborn spots.