How to book a cleaning service in Tokyo

Step 1: pick the service

One-time reset: Express. Regular upkeep: weekly or monthly. Moving: move-out clean. Rental host: per-room turnover.

Step 2: confirm price and scope

Ask whether tax and travel are included, how many cleaners will come and how long they will stay.

Step 3: prepare

Clear surfaces you want cleaned, tell the cleaner about delicate items, and share building access rules.

Step 4: on the day

The cleaner arrives at the agreed time. For recurring plans, the same person usually returns.

Step 5: feedback

Let the provider know what went well and what was missed, so the checklist can improve.

Decide what you need first

Before you book, be clear about what you want done and when. A one-off reset, a regular schedule, a move-out clean or a deep clean are different services with different prices. Note the size of the home, the rooms that matter most and any concerns, such as mould, pets or delicate surfaces. Having this information ready makes it easy to compare quotes and to avoid paying for the wrong service.

Compare like with like

Ask each company the same questions: what is included, how many cleaners, whether the price is fixed, whether supplies and travel are included, and whether tax is included in the quote. Fixed-price services are easy to compare. Quoted services need a written scope. Check cancellation terms and how to change a booking. Ask which languages they can use, as clear communication prevents problems. Treat vague answers as a signal, and prefer companies that put things by message.

Prepare for the visit

Clear surfaces, put away valuables and tell the cleaner about areas to avoid. Share building rules about entry, lifts and rubbish. If you will be out, agree how the cleaner will enter, such as a key box or smart lock, and confirm it by message. Tell them about pets. For regular cleaning, keep a short note of preferences. Good preparation reduces the time spent on logistics and increases time spent cleaning.

After the visit

Check the result against what was agreed, ideally on the day. If something was missed, report it promptly and politely with a photo, as most companies will want to fix it. Give feedback so the next visit is better. For regular plans, review after a few visits whether the frequency and the scope are right. With eStreet!, bookings are online with fixed prices for standard services, written confirmation and replies within one hour.

Common questions before booking

How far ahead should I book? At least 24 hours for our standard services, and earlier for busy periods such as March and the year-end. Do I need to be home? Not necessarily, if you agree the access arrangement. What if I need to cancel or change? Message the company as early as possible and check the terms in the confirmation. Are cleaning products included? In our fixed-price services, yes.

Red flags to watch for

Be careful with companies that give a price with no scope, refuse to put anything by message, cannot say who is attending or for how long, ask for full payment far in advance without a clear reason or pressure you to decide immediately. A trustworthy company is happy to answer questions, and does not mind you taking time to compare. If something feels vague, ask again by message, and judge by the reply.

Booking for different situations

For a one-off reset, pick Express and tell us your priorities. For a regular schedule, choose a weekday and time that you can keep. For a move-out, book after the movers and before inspection. For a minpaku, share your calendar. For a business, tell us the opening hours and access rules. In each case, the more precise you are, the more accurate the quote and the smoother the visit. We confirm the details by message, so there is a record.