Do I Need to Be Home During the Cleaning? Everything You Need to Know | DayMaker Cleaning Co.

One of the first questions people ask: "Do I have to be home when you clean?"

Short answer: No. Most of our Saint John clients aren't home.

Here's everything you need to know about being home (or not), how access works, and how we keep your home secure.

You Can Be Home If You Want

Some people prefer being home during cleaning. Maybe you work from home. Maybe you have a new baby. Maybe you just feel more comfortable being there.

That's completely fine. We can work around you.

Our three-person team will move through your home efficiently, and you can go about your day—working in your office, hanging out in the living room, whatever works.

But here's what we've noticed: Most clients who start out being home eventually choose not to be.

Why? Because it's just easier. You don't have to move around as we clean different rooms. You're not in the way. We're not in your way. Everyone can just do their thing without coordinating.

Why Most Clients Choose Not to Be Home

The biggest reason: It lets us get into a workflow.

When we're not working around someone, we can move through your home more efficiently. We're not waiting for you to finish a call before we clean your office. We're not tip-toeing around because you're working.

We just come in, get to work, and leave your home clean. You come back to a finished house without being there for any of it.

For most people, that's the dream. You leave for work at 9am with a messy house. You come home at 5pm and it's spotless. You didn't have to do anything.

How Access Works: Keys and Door Codes

If you're not home, we need a way to get in. Here are the two options:

Option 1: Leave Us a Key

Most clients give us a spare house key during the first visit.

How we keep it secure:

We store your key in a locked keybox in our office. Each key is numbered—not labeled with your name or address. So if a key were ever misplaced, there's nothing identifying what it opens or where.

Only authorized team members have access to the keybox, and keys are signed out for appointments then returned immediately after.

Your key is as safe as it would be in your own home.

Option 2: Give Us Your Door Code

If you have a keypad or smart lock, you can give us the entry code.

How we keep it secure:

Your code is stored in our CRM system, which is password-protected and only accessible to necessary staff. It's never written down on paper or stored in an unsecured place.

Some clients even set up a temporary code just for us that they can change anytime. Smart locks make this really easy.

What Happens on Cleaning Day

If you're not home:

We arrive within your appointment window. You get an "on our way" text when we leave the previous house.

We let ourselves in with your key or code.

We clean your home completely.

We lock up when we leave (and double-check doors are secure).

If you are home:

Just let us in when we arrive. Then you can go about your day however you want—stay in one room, work upstairs, whatever works for you.

We'll work around you and let you know if we need access to a room you're in.

What About Pets?

Pets can absolutely be home. Most of ours are.

Your dog? They can roam around and supervise. If your cat prefers hiding, that's fine too.

Your pets can do their thing. We're used to it.

What If I'm Nervous About Giving Someone Access?

Totally understandable. You're trusting us with your home and your belongings.

What I would suggest: For the first cleaning, stay home. Meet the team who will be cleaning your home. Get to know them and let them know your preferences. Ask them any questions.

After that first visit, most clients feel completely comfortable leaving us a key or code. You've met your team, you've seen their work, and you trust them. The nervousness goes away pretty quickly once you meet the team.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to be home. Most of our Saint John clients aren't.

If you choose not to be home: Give us a key (stored securely in a numbered lockbox) or door code (stored in our password-protected CRM). We let ourselves in, clean, and lock up when we leave.

If you prefer being home: That's fine too. We'll work around you.

Either way, your home and belongings are secure. Your access information is protected. And your house gets cleaned without you lifting a finger.

That's kind of the whole point.

Most clients aren't home during cleaning—we securely store your key or code, let ourselves in, and lock up when we leave. Or stay home if you prefer. Whatever works best for you.