When your home is filled with things that don’t belong or are simply in the way, even the best cleaning efforts fall short. Dust settles behind piles, crumbs hide under clutter, and hard-to-reach areas often get overlooked. Cleaners, including those at Total Cleanz, can work much more thoroughly when spaces are cleared in advance. Taking the time to remove unnecessary items before a deep clean isn’t just about tidiness; it’s a practical step that helps ensure your home is cleaned properly, from top to bottom. It also makes better use of both your time and the cleaner’s effort.
This guide is designed for homeowners who want to prepare their homes thoroughly before a deep clean, whether they do it independently or hire a service provider.
Why Decluttering Before Cleaning Improves Results
Clutter complicates the cleaning process. It restricts access to surfaces, makes dirt more difficult to detect and remove, and increases the time spent navigating through spaces. A decluttered space enables cleaners to work efficiently and allows all surfaces, fixtures, and hidden corners to be properly sanitised. It also enhances the accuracy of the cleaning since objects that might conceal debris are removed in advance.
For homeowners, decluttering before cleaning can yield both practical and psychological benefits. It reduces visual noise, improves household organisation, and creates a calming atmosphere. In homes where professional cleaning is scheduled, a decluttered environment reduces the chance of personal items being displaced or damaged. Ultimately, this preparation increases the thoroughness of the cleaning and decreases the overall time and labour required.
Benefit | Explanation |
Greater cleaning efficiency | Surfaces are easily accessible and not obstructed by personal items. |
More effective sanitisation | Cleaners can reach corners, edges, and surfaces that are otherwise hidden. |
Reduced risk of damage | Valuables are stored safely and not accidentally moved or broken. |
Cost and time savings | Cleaning professionals can work faster and focus solely on hygiene tasks. |
If you’re hiring a cleaning service and wondering whether decluttering is still necessary, the answer is yes. Decluttering ensures that cleaners can perform their duties thoroughly without spending time managing personal belongings. It improves access to key areas and protects your valuables. For the best results, it should always be considered a vital first step.
Essential Items to Gather Before You Begin
Preparation begins with the right tools. Homeowners should collect practical items that help categorise and sort their belongings during the decluttering process. These may include black rubbish bags for items that need to be discarded, cardboard boxes for donations, and containers or baskets for items to keep but relocate. Labels and masking tape can be used to clearly mark containers for sorting purposes. Having a notepad or digital checklist is useful for noting items that require further attention after the clean, such as repairs, storage upgrades, or decisions that can be deferred.
This preparatory step helps reduce decision fatigue during the decluttering process itself. It also creates a clear workflow, so that time is not wasted mid-task trying to find a suitable container or figuring out what to do with uncertain items. With minimal preparation, the act of decluttering becomes significantly more focused and manageable.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Plan
Each area in the home presents its own types of clutter. Taking a structured approach ensures no area is neglected and reduces the likelihood of decision fatigue.
In the living room, start by removing visible clutter from tables, sofas, and shelving units. Items such as books, remotes, and miscellaneous decorations should be evaluated to determine whether they are necessary or contribute to a disorganised environment. Fold or remove blankets and cushions that are not in use. Cables, chargers, or devices should be stored or neatly bundled.
In the kitchen, clear benchtops are essential. Small appliances, storage containers, and utensils should be relocated or stored away unless used daily. Check the fridge and pantry for expired items and remove them. If dishes are present, ensure they are cleaned and stored, leaving the sink and surrounding areas free for sanitisation.
In the bathroom, organise and store away personal care products that typically clutter the sink or bath ledges. Replace used towels with clean ones, and remove any used laundry or floor mats. Ensure that cabinets are closed and surfaces are clear so the cleaning team can disinfect effectively.
In the bedroom, the priority is the bed and adjacent furniture. Make the bed, and tidy or remove items on bedside tables or dressers. Dirty laundry should be placed in hampers or laundry bags, while accessories, chargers, and miscellaneous items should be stored in drawers or storage bins.
Entryways are transitional spaces that often collect clutter such as shoes, coats, bags, and parcels. Organise shoes neatly or place them in racks.
Jackets should be hung or stored, and any other items that block the floor or access areas should be put away.
The table below outlines the key focus areas:
Room | Decluttering Focus |
Living Room | Clear surfaces, remove visual clutter, fold or store blankets |
Kitchen | Empty benchtops, remove expired food, clean and store dishes |
Bathroom | Store toiletries, replace towels, and remove floor clutter |
Bedroom | Tidy bed area, clear nightstands, manage laundry and accessories |
Entryway | Organise shoes and coats, clear walkways, and remove parcels or bags |
Avoiding Common Mistakes Before a Deep Clean
Many homeowners try to be helpful before a scheduled deep clean, but often inadvertently cause delays. One common mistake is moving large furniture or appliances. Unless the cleaning team has requested this, it’s best to leave these items in place. Professional cleaners are trained to manoeuvre around or under these objects when required and may need to clean without disrupting a home’s layout.
If you’re unsure about moving large pieces of furniture, know that most cleaning teams, including those from Total Cleanz, are trained to clean around or under these items as needed. Unless you’ve received specific instructions, there’s no need to rearrange the room beforehand.
Another common misstep is attempting to perform deep cleaning tasks oneself. While this approach seems efficient, it can lead to duplicated efforts or inconsistencies in product use. Let the professionals handle those aspects – your focus should remain on preparation, not execution.
Additionally, ensure that valuables and fragile items are stored safely. It includes jewellery, sensitive documents, and breakables. Even the most careful teams can unintentionally shift an item during cleaning, and it’s always better to prevent that risk.
Avoiding Common Mistakes Before a Deep Clean
Total Cleanz is here to help you on your journey to mental clarity. We offer professional cleaning, decluttering, and organising services that are tailored to your specific needs. Here are some practical steps to get you started with us:
Set Clear Goals
Determine the specific areas you want to declutter and set achievable goals for each space. Start small and gradually work your way up to larger projects with the assistance of Total Cleanz's expert organizers.
Sort and Organize
With the guidance of our skilled team, divide items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and discard. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use.
Take It One Step at a Time
We understands that decluttering can be overwhelming. We'll work with you to tackle one area or room at a time, ensuring that the process is manageable and stress-free.
Establish a Routine
To maintain a clutter-free environment, our team can help you create a cleaning and organizing routine that suits your lifestyle. Regularly tidying up prevents clutter from accumulating again.
Decluttering isn’t just about organizing physical possessions; it’s a powerful tool for achieving mental clarity and inner peace. With Total Cleanz Decluttering & Organizing Service by your side, you can experience the transformative benefits of decluttering with professional guidance and support.
