Top tips for cleaning in a coliving space

If you’re new to coliving, you might be a bit confused about the cleaning situation, including what you can expect to be included in Outpost’s services and what’s expected of you. Of course, at Outpost we have a regular cleaning service included in your rate, but that doesn’t mean you should leave everything for the cleaners. Cleaning in the coliving space is about everybody pulling their own weight.

What you can expect the cleaners to do... 

Our cleaners provide a regular service to Outpost members. You can expect them to wipe down surfaces in the kitchen and dining areas, mop the floor of the common areas, make sure the bathroom is scrubbed and restocked with toilet paper, and other essential tasks. They will also clean the floors of your room if you leave the door open to signal it is alright to do so.

What you can't expect the cleaners to do...

1) "Everything"

Okay, it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people get the wrong end of the stick here. One of the benefits of coliving at Outpost is that everything is included, including our in-house cleaners, but it’s important to remember that you should always try to keep things clean in between visits, as far as your personal property (and dish usage) is concerned.

2) Keep things spotless in between cleanings

If you want to live in a tidy house (and we hope you do!), some of the cleaning will have to happen on your end. It seems simple really, but cleaning up as you go is the best way to avoid roommate arguments and keep harmony in the coliving space. Although we have regular cleaners, mess can build up quickly, so it isn’t realistic to leave things like dishes and personal belongings in between cleaning sessions (and it shouldn’t be the cleaners’ responsibility to deal with personal items such as dishes). Coliving is all about sharing, and sometimes that means sharing the chores as well as the fun.

Even though you might be in a rush in the morning before work, that doesn’t mean you can’t clean up when you get home at night, and it’s a lot easier doing it in small bursts than all at once. Cleaning up in small ways like doing your dishes, filling up and emptying the dishwasher and wiping down surfaces in between cleaners’ visits makes all the difference to the happiness of your fellow roommates.

3) Keep your room clean

It is your room, after all, and although the cleaners will of course help you out with regular cleanings, it's important to keep things clean in between visits. If you’re sharing a room, you might find that it’s sometimes a challenge to keep things clean. The best way is to keep your own part of the room clean and avoid unnecessary mess caused by eating in your room or not putting clothes back in the closet. And when cleaning day rolls around, simply leave your door open to signal to the cleaners it’s alright to come in and make sure that all clothes and other obstructive objects are off the floor so they can clean your room easily and efficiently.