Okay so last week I realised my place was basically a disaster zone, like seriously. Wasn't just messy, it was deep down dirty. That gross layer on everything, you know? Forget mopping, felt like needing hazmat suits. Decided enough was enough, needed pros. But where? Started googling like crazy.

The Search Begins, Feeling Overwhelmed

Typed in "cleaning services Guildford" and bam, pages and pages of results. So many companies! Felt instantly swamped. Which ones were actually good? Which ones just looked good online? Started clicking through random ones.

• Looked at websites: Some were super flashy, looked expensive. Others were... um... basic. Not sure if that meant cheaper or just outdated.
• Checked prices: Trying to figure costs online was a headache. Most just said "get a quote". One flat rate, one hourly, others charged per room. How do you even compare? Felt annoying.
• Searched for reviews: Now this got interesting! Went beyond the company websites, looked on places where people actually chat. Found some companies had lots of five stars. Others? Woah, some scary one-star stories about damage or just not cleaning properly. Started a little list: who had consistently okay comments?

The Ring Around: Calling Places Up

Armed with my messy list, I started dialling. Honestly, what a mix!

• First call: Lady sounded nice but tired. Gave a quote straight away. Okay, baseline price.
• Second call: Got voicemail. Left a message. They actually called back later that day. Bonus points! Quote slightly higher.
• Third call: Guy was super pushy. Started talking about special offers before I could describe the job. Felt rushed. Hmm, crossed them off. Don't like pressure.

The big thing? Explaining exactly what I needed – kitchen needed a proper scrub down, bathroom especially grim, dust everywhere else. Some companies listened better than others. Some seemed like they just wanted to send a generic cleaner.

Making The Choice & Booking It

Looked at my notes: prices I'd scribbled down, who called back, who sounded actually helpful. Narrowed it to two. Both seemed okay price-wise.

• Option 1: Slightly cheaper, good reviews mostly, but needed a full week before they had a slot.
• Option 2: A bit more expensive, amazing reviews especially about being thorough, and could come tomorrow.

My mess was winning, I needed it gone fast. Went with Option 2. Booked over the phone. Felt relieved. They confirmed the time via text right after, solid.

The Cleaners Arrived (And Wow!)

Two women turned up spot on time with all their gear. Looked professional. Did a quick walkthrough with them, pointed out the really bad spots. Then? They just got cracking.

For two hours they worked hard. Saw them cleaning places I forget exist – like tops of doors and skirting boards. Used their own vacuum and mops too, which I appreciated. When they finished? Place smelled amazing. Actually looked shiny. Windows sparkling, kitchen surfaces unrecognisable, bathroom tiles actually white again. Definitely lived up to the hype online. Worth every penny. Paid cash like agreed.

Honestly? Stressful start finding someone decent locally, but ending with a spotless home? Best decision I made this month. Feels like a new place now.