Is It Safe to Let House Cleaners In When You're Not Home?
One of the biggest perks of hiring a house cleaner is coming home to a clean house without having to be there for it. But handing over access to your home is a big step, and it's completely normal to feel unsure the first time. Here's how to think it through, set up access safely, and choose a cleaning company you can trust in Regina.
Why so many people aren't home for their cleaning
Most people book cleanings during the workday. Being home means taking time off, working around the cleaners, or trying to stay out of the way while the floors get mopped. Letting the cleaners in while you're out means:
- You don't lose part of your workday
- The cleaners can move through rooms without working around you
- You come home to a finished, fresh house
Of course, that only works if you feel confident about who's coming in.
What makes a cleaning company trustworthy
Before giving anyone access to your home, look for a few key things.
Background-checked cleaners
Ask whether the company runs background checks on its cleaners. This is one of the most important questions you can ask, and a reputable company should be able to answer it clearly.
Insured and bonded
Insurance helps protect you if something is accidentally damaged during a clean. Bonding is an added layer of protection related to the conduct of the people working in your home. A company that is both insured and bonded is taking your trust seriously.
Clear policies
A trustworthy company is upfront about how things work: how pricing is set, when you pay, and what happens if something isn't done right. Surprises are the last thing you want when you're not there to see the work.
Setting up access safely
There are a few common ways to give cleaners access when you're not home.
Lockbox
A lockbox holds a key and opens with a code. It's one of the most popular options because:
- You don't have to hand over a key permanently
- You can change the code whenever you like
- It works well for recurring cleanings
Mount it somewhere discreet, such as near a side or back door rather than in full view of the street.
Key handoff
Some people prefer to give the company a key to keep for recurring visits. If you go this route, ask how keys are stored and labelled.
Smart locks and door codes
If you have a smart lock or keypad, you can create a temporary code just for the cleaning day and delete it afterward.
Writing great access notes
Clear access notes make the visit go smoothly and help your home stay secure. Include:
- Which door to use and where the lockbox or key is
- Alarm instructions, including the code and how to reset it when leaving
- Parking details, especially in condo buildings or on busy streets
- Pet information, such as whether your dog will be crated or your cat hides under the bed
- Rooms to skip, like a home office you'd rather keep closed
- Locking up, including any deadbolts, garage doors or patio doors to double-check
In winter, a note about which entry is shovelled can save your cleaners from wading through a snowbank. A little detail goes a long way.
Smart habits for peace of mind
Even with a trusted company, a few simple habits make sense:
- Put away cash, jewellery and important documents
- Lock away prescription medications
- Consider a doorbell camera if it gives you peace of mind
- Walk through the house after your first clean to see how things look
Questions to ask any cleaning company
Whoever you hire, ask:
- Are your cleaners background-checked?
- Are you insured and bonded?
- How do you handle keys, lockboxes and codes?
- What happens if something is missed?
- When do I pay, before or after the clean?
- Do I need to be home for the first visit?
A good company will answer these without hesitation.
How YQR Cleaning handles it
At YQR Cleaning, you don't need to be home. We work with lockboxes, keys and access notes, and our cleaners are background-checked, insured and bonded. You pay after the clean, and if something was missed, we come back and fix it free.
We're a locally owned Regina business that has been cleaning homes since 2022, and you can learn more in our story. Whether you're in Cathedral, Whitmore Park or Arcola East, you can get your price online in about 30 seconds, or call or text us at (639) 739-7669 with any questions about access before you book.