House cleaning

[Dr Jekyll]

Elderly relative has somewhat neglected house. It's maintained OK but there hasn't been much in the way of cleaning, there's lots of dust, carpet stains, some cobwebs. I was wondering if it would be possible to get some cleaners in as a one off to get it in a decent state. Plenty offer end of tenancy cleaning but presumably that's once he tenants have moved at least most of their stuff out, while this place is cluttered (80 year old widower, bookcases in every room, you get the picture).

Could a cleaner sort this out or would it need complete decluttering first? Any idea of costs for 3 bed semi?

[anonymous-user]

I'd declutter first to save cost and check what was being disposed of, then get the cleaners in. Cost would depend on how much work was needed but I believe £10/hour is the going rate near me.

[oilslick]

Grahamdub said:

I'd declutter first to save cost and check what was being disposed of, then get the cleaners in. Cost would depend on how much work was needed but I believe £10/hour is the going rate near me.

I paid more than double that for an end of tenancy deep-clean (they brought in all their own stuff), I'd have been delighted to get it done that cheap!

[randlemarcus]

Ring around a few agencies. Most will offer a one-off job, some will help with the decluttering (to a limited extent, no hoarders please), and I suspect a few will even be open to lowering the one off costs in return for a weekly couple of hours (assuming this isn't a complete one-off because she's not going to be staying there). £10/hour is optimistic, though.

[anonymous-user]

oilslick said:

I paid more than double that for an end of tenancy deep-clean (they brought in all their own stuff), I'd have been delighted to get it done that cheap!

There does seem to be a lot of cleaners by us. The price is what I have seen on their Facebook adverts.

[V8RX7]

Yes some cleaners would do it - don't get an agency in.

I would very much sort through / declutter a bit yourself as older people have a habit of hiding cash around the place

[anonymous-user]

V8RX7 said:

I would very much sort through / declutter a bit yourself as older people have a habit of hiding cash around the place

This, my Gran dug out £600 from around the house to buy a new cooker.

Clearing the house after she died took ages as everything had to be checked before disposing of, we did find several hundred pounds hidden away.

[redicisfollowsqq]

It’s completely possible to get cleaners in for a one-off deep clean, even if the house is still cluttered. Professional cleaners are experienced in tackling such situations and can work around furniture, bookcases, and personal belongings to bring the home back to a decent state. While decluttering might help make the process faster, it’s not a necessity for a deep clean. They can handle dust, cobwebs, carpet stains, and more, leaving the place much fresher and more comfortable.