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Onboarding a new cleaning contractor: the first-week checklist

Prepare access, contacts, scope, supplies and inspection expectations before the first cleaning shift.

Charlie Solution LLC editorial team · · For clients & facility managers

Make access dependable

Confirm doors, alarms, parking, working hours and key control. Name the person who can resolve an access problem during the actual shift, including after hours. Do not put sensitive access codes in a public notice or broadly shared checklist. Use the property's approved method.

Walk the scope together

Review each room and the task schedule with the responsible supervisor. Identify sensitive equipment, restricted areas and surfaces with special care directions. Record existing damage and incomplete maintenance. Confirm which supplies the customer provides and where the contractor can store equipment.

Agree on communication

Set a clear contact for routine concerns, urgent incidents and extra-work approval. Explain how observations and work completion will be documented. Establish photo rules that protect private documents, occupants and patient information. Good records should make a decision easier without collecting unnecessary data.

Inspect and adjust early

Use a joint inspection after initial service to discuss expectations and access issues. Separate missed tasks from gaps in the original scope. Confirm corrections in writing and share them with backup staff. A short first-week review can prevent different versions of the agreement from developing across shifts.

Bring this to your next walkthrough

Your quick checklist

  • Access and emergency contact
  • Joint scope walkthrough
  • Supplies and storage
  • First-week review date

This guide offers practical planning ideas. Agree on the actual scope, access and responsibilities with your facility and service provider.