Quick Answer
Declutter before cleaning: Clear countertops and tables, pick up items from floors, sort belongings into keep/donate/trash categories, and create a designated spot for everything. Even 30 minutes of decluttering dramatically improves deep cleaning results.
Here's a truth professional cleaners wish more clients knew: a clean home and an organized home are two different things. You can't truly deep clean a cluttered space. When surfaces are covered with stuff, the best anyone can do is clean around obstructions.
Whether you're preparing for a professional cleaning service or tackling a DIY deep clean, spending time decluttering first multiplies your results. In San Diego's smaller condos and beach cottages, this is especially true—every square foot counts.
Decluttering Process
Start with a Quick Sweep
Walk through your home with a basket or bin. Collect items that are obviously out of place—mail piles, kids' toys, random objects on counters. This quick pass makes an immediate visual difference.
Clear All Flat Surfaces
Countertops, tables, and desks tend to collect clutter. Clear them completely, then only put back items that truly belong there. Most surfaces should have minimal items.
Sort into Categories
Use the classic four categories: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate. Make quick decisions—if you hesitate more than 5 seconds, it goes in the 'relocate' pile for later consideration.
Create a Donation Box
Keep a dedicated box or bag for donations. When it's full, immediately take it to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or schedule a pickup. Don't let donations sit and re-accumulate.
Tackle One Room at a Time
Don't try to organize your entire home at once. Focus on high-impact areas first: kitchen, main living areas, bathrooms. Bedrooms and closets can wait.
Clear Floors Completely
Move shoes to closets, pick up bags and boxes, relocate exercise equipment if possible. Clear floors are essential for thorough vacuuming and mopping.
Organize Cleaning Supplies
Group your cleaning products in one accessible location. Discard expired or duplicate products. This helps both you and professional cleaners find what's needed.
Create 'Homes' for Everything
Every item should have a designated spot. If something doesn't have a home, it either needs one or needs to go. Labels help family members maintain the system.
San Diego Home Organization Tips
Small Space Living
Downtown condos and beach cottages demand creative storage. Use vertical space with wall organizers. Invest in furniture that doubles as storage—ottomans, bed frames with drawers.
Beach Gear Organization
Create a dedicated zone for beach towels, chairs, coolers, and sport equipment. A garage or patio storage bench keeps sandy items out of the house and ready for spontaneous beach trips.
Outdoor Living Spaces
San Diego's year-round outdoor lifestyle means patios and balconies need organization too. Weatherproof storage keeps cushions fresh and entertaining supplies accessible.
Before Your Cleaners Arrive
- Clear countertops of non-essential items
- Pick up clothes and shoes from floors
- Put away dishes (or load dishwasher)
- Remove items from shower/tub edges
- Clear dining and coffee tables
- Collect scattered toys and books
- Secure or relocate pets
- Note any areas needing special attention
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I declutter before a deep clean?
Clear countertops, tables, and floors of items that aren't normally there. Move clutter to one 'landing zone' if needed. You don't need to reorganize your entire home—just clear surfaces so cleaners can reach them.
Will cleaning take longer if my home is cluttered?
Yes. Professional cleaners typically work around personal items but this adds time and limits thoroughness. A decluttered home allows cleaners to focus on actual cleaning rather than navigating obstacles.
Should I clean before the cleaners arrive?
Don't clean, but do pick up. Remove dishes from the sink, put away laundry, clear floors of toys or items. This allows professionals to focus on deep cleaning tasks—not basic tidying.
How do I maintain organization after decluttering?
Follow the 'one in, one out' rule—when something new comes in, something old goes out. Spend 10 minutes daily putting items back in their designated homes. Regular maintenance prevents the need for major decluttering sessions.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.
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