Who is doing the cleaning?

No, I wouldn't do the cleaning.  My contract with the client states that they will have the property professionally cleaned prior to staging day.  If we arrive and the cleaning hasn't been done, we don't stage -- plus there is a rescheduling fee -- or if we agree to stage, we'll clean and charge xx to do it.  You're a professional home stager, not a housekeeper, and should be expected to clean up only after yourselves when you've finished the staging.  The client needs to be responsible for maintaining the house during the staging period also -- good luck!

I wouldn't do the cleaning, but you could include it in your bid and have it done.  Then if you do decide to do it at least you'll be paid for it.

I echo Maureen.  My thoughts are we can act as a resource for them to contact a cleaner, but that's it.  We are hired to stage, not clean.  Personally, I think it detracts from our specialized skill set as a professional to DIY.  You don't ever  see a professional like doctor or a lawyer engaged in anything but what they have trained for.  I feel it is the same for stagers.   I like the idea of cleaning being in the contract that it is completed prior to the staging appointment, or a rescheduling fee applies.  Good one!

HI! I have an excellent professional home cleaner on my team.  I give her name and number to my clients and recommend she is hired before staging day.   

Chris ~ I tell my clients at the beginning, the home has to be cleaned before it can be staged. I give  them 2 prices one for just staging and one for cleaning and staging. If you have to clean, you have to get paid for it. 

Hello Chris ,In my staging contract I have an article about cleaning "saying that I will not be responsble for cleaning but only do occasional dusting" Best way to go I guess ;) 

I ditto Mr Jean Marie Nijs !!!! OH YEAH!

Chris,

My company is fortunate to have a stager who owed a cleaning company for seven years.  She is fabulous; however, she is now a stager and doesn't want to do tons of big cleaning jobs.  She has great referrals, tons of professional tips, and gives great advice to homeowners on what to expect from a professional housecleaner. 

I suggest having someone on your team who has this expertise because she has saved our bacon repeatedly and makes us look great.  We can offer "light cleaning" while our items are in a house.  We add it to the contract and it gives us more of a full-service capability.  When a homeowner hires someone who doesn't do a great job, our partner is fabulous at problem solving.  

She has taught us a ton about cleaning and our clients are thrilled with our knowledge.  One thing, though, if cleaning is not your expertise, it is not something to take on.  Cleaning requires different insurance and comes with its own challenges. 

Good luck

The bottom line is if you want to tackle the cleaning just be sure you get paid for it.  If you are not willing to do the cleaning, make it part of your contract, that the house will be clean  and ready for staging upon your arrival.

I agree with a bunch of you guys.  I have my own cleaning person that is more than glad to come in and clean prior to staging, which is very important.  I have seen other people do it differently in the past then get upset that the home wasnt left in the same conditon as when is was previously staged.  I always let my clients decide that they can contact my cleaning person and get the price from them ( which is normally cheaper) or we can provide them with that in our bid.  9 times out of 10 they go with the first option.

good luck

Janet