Question About Hiring a Housekeeping Service

Services run things differently than individuals. They usually do certain things, rather than a list of things you leave for them that day. And they may bring a team who spends an hour and a half like a tornado moving through your house, and charge you pretty big bucks for it.

The service hires bonded employees. (Make sure of that, by the way.) Individuals aren't bonded, so it's better to hire someone who is referred to you by a family who has had her for years. An individual will be more likely to clean out your frig, clean your oven, etc.

Yeah, J., I used to have help in Japan. She and I still write each other. I miss her dearly. Everyday. Sigh!

D.

1 mom found this helpful

It just really depends on the people. If you hire a service they probably have specific things they do and won't do. If you just hire an individual, they are sometimes more flexible and may do whatever is asked of them. I've had the same two ladies for many years. I was one of the ladies children's first grade teacher, so totally trusted them to be in my house.

My people do general house cleaning....but they do a much better job then I do on my regular cleaning. Yes, I clean for the cleaning people...or should I say I pick up and put away. I want them to do the cleaning, they can't clean if my stuff is in the way. Mine do clean the fridge and organize my shoes as well. They will fold laundry if it is in the dryer, but they don't really do laundry. They will do extra stuff if I ask, but sometimes charge an extra fee. I once asked them to clean my baseboards...they did an amazing job...but charged me a lot.

The best thing about having a cleaning service is that it is the only time my entire house is clean at the same time. I clean everyday...seems like all the time, but with 3 little ones, getting the whole house clean in one day just isn't possible.

Most important, find out up front what they will and won't do. Discuss with them what you want done and write it down so there is no misunderstanding.

Most importantly...enjoy...I've had to cut back to once a month..and although I know it is a huge luxury...I do miss the twice a month.

1 mom found this helpful

I am an individual cleaner and I do the dishes (if asked), counters, cabinets, baseboards, doors, doorways, polish furniture, dust, bathrooms, vacume, sweep and mop. Laundry is usually not on the plan, but if I were to be asked, I'd do that too, for an extra charge. Wish I was in your area! :)

1 mom found this helpful

If you hire a private housekeeper you can include all the duties that you list. She will use your products and follow your directions. Expect to pay by the somewhere around $20 to $25 per hour or $100 a day. I have never heard of a housekeeping service that will do laundry and ironing. They generally do a routine cleaning and things like baseboards, refrigerator, oven, windows, blinds, etc. are priced as separate individual tasks. Depending on the size of your home you can expect a minimum of $125 per visit which will generally be 2 cleaners that get the job done in half the time. 2000 sq ft home may take 2 to 2.5 hours. Vacuum, mop, dust, make beds, clean bathrooms, clean kitchen (exterior of appliances) and empty the trash is pretty much the basic routine cleaning.