Congratulations on the keys to your new home! Moving into any home, be it your first apartment or a family home, is a big moment. But here’s the thing: Just because your new home is sparkling and new doesn’t mean it’s free from dirt or dust. This is when hiring a move-in cleaning service becomes helpful.

You shouldn’t choose based only on the first professional cleaning service you find. It’s important that the cleaning team does a complete job, values your space, and helps you feel relaxed and safe after they leave.

Ask the right questions before you allow anyone to use a mop or cleaner in your new house. I’ll take you through the key questions to ask your cleaning team so you don’t regret the clean and are happy with the results.

Ensuring They Meet Your Specific Needs

You should always check that the service matches your needs before anything else. Not all cleaning companies can provide the extensive cleaning required for moving in.

Start by asking:

“What is covered in your move-in cleaning service?”
Some cleaners focus on the surface, such as vacuuming, wiping countertops, or cleaning the bathroom. There are also people who will clean inside cabinets, underneath appliances, or work on the grout.

If you have special needs, let them know what they are. It could be that you are sensitive to cleaning chemicals, or your new home has been vacant for a while and requires more effort. Ask:

“Can you accommodate eco-friendly products?”

“Do you know how to manage dust and debris that happens after construction?”

You should tell your interior designer about the dimensions and layout of your house. A plan to clean a two-bedroom flat is not the same as one for a home with four bedrooms and many bathrooms.

Bottom line? Be upfront about your expectations. Request a checklist or sample job description, and remember that you can’t assume something is included unless you are told.

Understanding Their Cleaning Process

Many services promise to do well, but how do they do the job? Understanding their process helps you know what will happen and makes sure you trust that they are professionals.

Start with this simple question:

Could you describe how you clean from the beginning to the end?

Is the cleaning done from the highest points downwards? Do they follow a checklist? Is there someone in charge of overseeing what the team does? A professional service needs to be able to guide you through each step of its process.

You should also ask:

“Which tools and supplies do you carry?”
Some cleaners come with industry-leading tools, but some might want to use your Hoover and mop if you’ve only just set up your house.

One of my friends hired a cleaning company and was appalled when they used a rag that seemed to have worked at many other homes before hers. This is not an easy situation, especially when you’re moving.

Also, clarify timing.

“How long will the cleaning take?”
If you’re working around a moving truck schedule or landlord check-in, timing is crucial. Some companies can send in multiple staff members to speed things up, others may take several hours.

Another useful question is:

“Do you offer any guarantees if something’s missed?”
The best cleaning teams are happy to come back and fix anything you’re not satisfied with. That follow-through shows commitment and builds trust.

Looking at the Insurance and Guarantees

Let’s now discuss a topic that many people sometimes forget: insurance and guarantees. You might not care about it until something goes wrong, and by then, it is already too late.

Make sure to ask these questions before you choose a cleaning team

“Are you insured and bonded?

You are protected if something happens by accident or gets lost. In case a light fitting breaks or the floor is scratched, insurance for your cleaner ensures you do not have to pay for the damage.

Equally important is worker safety.

Do you have a policy for employer’s liability insurance?

If a cleaner hurts themselves on the job at your house and their employer has no insurance, you could be found responsible, mainly in private homes.

In addition, always request proof when necessary. All reputable companies should present their insurance certificates or tell you about their coverage.

Now, we’ll focus on what satisfaction guarantees. You’re spending money on a service meant to help, not cause more problems. So ask:

“What if I find that the procedure did not work for me?”

Many reputable cleaning companies have set guidelines, such as re-cleaning, giving you a partial refund, or giving a service credit. It is useful to do a final check before moving in and spot any spots the contractor missed.

It is important to always get all promises and agreements in writing. All important information, including quotes, checklists, and guarantees, should be included in writing or in a digital contract. It serves to protect you and, at the same time, defines the role of each party.

Conclusion

Hiring someone to clean your home before you move in can save you a lot of trouble, as long as you ask the right questions. Discussing what’s involved, their process, insurance, and guarantees allows you to see what level of service to expect.

Think of it this way: Of course, you wouldn’t rent a place to live without looking at it first, right? The same rules apply to your cleaning service as well. Be proactive. Ask for clarity. Look after your investment and enjoy a peaceful state of mind.

Relocating should be exciting, instead of something you dread. If the cleaning is done well, your new home will feel like home.

Ask all the necessary questions before handing over the vehicle to the buyer. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.