Confirm building access early
- Cleaner arrival window and whether reception, security, or a building manager must provide access.
- Lift booking times, loading-bay rules, height limits, and where cleaning equipment may be unloaded.
- Visitor parking, paid parking, street restrictions, and the walking distance to the apartment.
- Rules for propping doors, protecting lifts, moving equipment, noise, rubbish, and use of shared taps or drains.
- Key, fob, swipe-card, alarm, and lockbox arrangements, including who collects them afterward.
- Where the cleaner may dispose of ordinary cleaning waste and what must be removed offsite.
Coordinate a compact-space clean
Step 1
Release rooms deliberately
Have movers empty one area at a time so cleaners can work without equipment and boxes competing for the same floor space.
Step 2
Prioritise ventilation
Use permitted windows or mechanical ventilation and account for products and carpet work in a smaller enclosed home.
Step 3
Protect shared areas
Keep chemicals, cords, hoses, and waste out of corridors, fire exits, lifts, and neighbours' doorways.
Step 4
Inspect before access ends
Complete the walkthrough while the lift, parking, keys, lighting, and building contact are still available.
Small does not always mean quick
A compact kitchen can have dense cabinetry and appliances, while one bathroom may carry most of the property's build-up. Balconies, large glass areas, furnished layouts, and long equipment carries can add work not reflected in bedroom count.
Give the cleaner photographs and honest access details before accepting a fixed price. Mention if building rules prevent exterior glass, balcony washing, or use of certain equipment.
Keep common areas in scope only when agreed
Confirm whether the entry immediately outside your apartment, balcony, storage locker, or car park is your responsibility and included. Do not ask a provider to clean shared property without permission.