You need a domestic cleaner. It is an emergency – the in-laws are coming for Christmas and you have been binge watching Suits on Netflix instead of vacuuming and dusting on weekends. What do you do? Panic starts to set in.

OK. I’ve been there and the feeling is not nice. House cleaning is something that needs to be done regularly (ideally weekly). But how can you come on top of the obstacle that has rung in at the last minute last night to announce a rather sooner than anticipated arrival?

You need a professional home cleaning company. End of. I do not underestimate your unbelievable mopping and wiping skills but this job is better left to the pros. When time is of the essence money starts to lose its value. Or would you rather face the wrath of your mother in-law.

Here is a quick plan that has helped many a Netflix-head to avoid sudden danger:

1. Google is king and your best friend right now. Type “same day domestic cleaning London” (if you, like me, share a passion for living in the capital) or “short notice domestic cleaning London”.
2. Give the top 3 companies in the organic search results a call. Don’t bother with the paid results – companies that appear at the top of the organic search results are 9 out of 10 good reputable businesses.
3. Call them. You haven’t got time for exchanging messages.
4. Trust your gut feeling. If the deal is too good to be true, then it is just that – too good to be true. Emergency cleans are not cheap and secondly good things cost good money. Cleaning is no exception. Don’t fall for the cheap stuff. Cutting corners in the face of imminent danger is the last thing you want to do.
5. Get the quote and date of arrival confirmed in writing. Look for Guaranteed service. In most cases the cleaning company will request pre-payment due to the urgency of the job. Do not worry but make sure you pay with a card that says Visa or Mastercard on it.

That’s it. Done.

Now relax and enjoy some last minute Harvey Specter handsomeness on Netflix.