Help around the house

[Eclipse]

I've decided that I ain't never going to be superwoman, so I'm investigating getting someone to come in and doing some cleaning for me once a week (or so). Does anyone else out there have "help"? If so I have a bunch of questions...

What do they do for you? I was thinking mopping/cleaning bathrooms/kitchen, vacuuming entire house, dusting and stuff like baseboards (which I hate to do) ceiling fans. etc. I'd love for someone to do laundry also, but I think that would take too much time. I really need a live in, but I KNOW I can't afford that! LOL

Do you straighten up before they come? LOL I really don't want anyone to see my house "dirty" so I would have to really get over that one!

How often do they come?

How much, if you don't mind sharing, do they charge? I know different places will be different amounts, but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect.

How did you find your person? We are always getting flyers on our mailbox, but I don't want to go that route. I do have a few friends that have someone, so I'm going to start there first if they are accepting new clients.

Are you at home when they clean? Does that feel weird? What do you do while they are cleaning?

What questions would you ask someone if you were interviewing them to do housekeeping?

I think that's it. Any help is appreciated! I feel a little weird even thinking about this. My grandmothers were both domestics, and after cleaning someone else's house all day they found the time to clean their own and raise children. I really feel like a slacker even thinking about it, but I truly don't have the time or energy to clean house like I want to!

[toocute]

Originally posted by Eclipse
I've decided that I ain't never going to be superwoman, so I'm investigating getting someone to come in and doing some cleaning for me once a week (or so). Does anyone else out there have "help"? If so I have a bunch of questions...

What do they do for you? I was thinking mopping/cleaning bathrooms/kitchen, vacuuming entire house, dusting and stuff like baseboards (which I hate to do) ceiling fans. etc. I'd love for someone to do laundry also, but I think that would take too much time. I really need a live in, but I KNOW I can't afford that! LOL

Do you straighten up before they come? LOL I really don't want anyone to see my house "dirty" so I would have to really get over that one!

How often do they come?

How much, if you don't mind sharing, do they charge? I know different places will be different amounts, but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect.

How did you find your person? We are always getting flyers on our mailbox, but I don't want to go that route. I do have a few friends that have someone, so I'm going to start there first if they are accepting new clients.

Are you at home when they clean? Does that feel weird? What do you do while they are cleaning?

What questions would you ask someone if you were interviewing them to do housekeeping?

I think that's it. Any help is appreciated! I feel a little weird even thinking about this. My grandmothers were both domestics, and after cleaning someone else's house all day they found the time to clean their own and raise children. I really feel like a slacker even thinking about it, but I truly don't have the time or energy to clean house like I want to!

I do!!!!

We have a cleaning service called Merry maids. Mr toocute and I have a big house and since Christopher came along it's just TOO much. At first I was like "dang...can't I clean my own house?" I felt like a big slacker but after awhile I was like shoot., I work FT many hours a day and have a terror toddler. Many of my friends with houses do the same thing. The house is SPARKLING when they are done.

Question 1

They mop, dust, clean both bathrooms, all the counter tops, vaccuum...girl everything but my laundry lol!!!

Question 2

Hayle yeah I straighten a little before they come. That pisses my husband off but dang...they can't see MY house looking a hot mess.

Question 3

About 6-8 weeks. I try my BEST to maintain it in between time. We can't afford every week or even once a month.

Question 4

How much? it depends on how many rooms you have. I think the last time was 110 or 125 (which is why we don't do this often)

Question 5

phone book and commercial on TV

Question 6

We are home when they clean...yes it feels weird but you get over it. I'm running after Christopher and my husband may be in the yard or something but you have to keep an eye on them. I don't know these people. Merry Maids sends a gang of about 3-4 people to your house so they are done in about 30 minutes.

Good Luck!!!

[DELTABRAT]

Both me and my mom do, as well as my aunt. My situation is really unnecessary as I live in an apt., but my mother insisted and she pays

Her house is really big so the lady gets her work on there.

We use the same person and she rotates. This is simple if you live in Los Angeles, as far as I am concerned because there is a surplus of people who do housework types of stuff and don't feel "above" it. If someone asks me to explain this, I will.

She cleans the pertinent areas, kitchen, bathroom, vacuums, dusts.

I don't clean up anything but then again, I am a pretty clean person. My mom also.

I stay here while she does it. My mom leaves her there and runs random errands sometimes. Basically, because it's not a maid service, she has been with us for a while, we feel that she can be trusted.

She comes once a month to each of us. We just stagger the weekends she does this.

Is there anyone in your neighborhood who uses a person that they can refer you to? I say this because the woman started at my mom's then my aunt was like "heeey" and she went there and then I was like "uh-uhm" and she was here. Word of mouth works well here.

Good luck.

[rho4life]

If you can afford it, go for it!

If student loans weren't breathing down my neck so much, I would do it.

One of my pals says it is the best money she spends b/c it saved her marriage. she and her hubby had been getting in fights over the dumbest stuff. he was starting a biz, while she was in school and working part time. getting someone to come in and clean the floors gave them the time to focus on what was more important in life.

I have done some housesitting for an elderly woman who travels a lot and has a housekeeper. She pays for them to come every two weeks, whether she's home or not . Home girl does NOT clean up b4 they get there. The place is tore up! from one lady and her cat!! But, the maids come in and change the sheets, vacuum, mop, dust, do laundry, dishes, etc. I have never been at her place when they come by, b/c they do it in the early afternoon. she has been using the same 2 people for at least 5 yrs, and they have keys to the house. My only complaint afer housitting for 6wks one time, was that English is not their 1st lang, and they washed ALL my clothes in the hamper, they didn't check labels for dry clean fabrics

Good Luck, and kiss your dust bunnies good bye!

[kiml122]

Yup, I do. It's a mother and daughter and they come every other week. They were referred to me by one of my ls's. I love it, because I won't even lie....I'm lazy, and so is the man.

I was use to this when I lived at home, my parents had someone come in every 2 weeks.

[honeychile]

I just recently decided to quit the "every once in a while" and go to every other week - and I will save quite a bit.

1) If you're using a service, they should have a printed copy of what you should expect. You can subtract some things (I like to do my own linens), but usually it will cost more if you ask them to do something extra (ie: clean out the refrigerator).

2) Unfortunately, both my mama & I tidy up before they come! For one, if you are paying by the hour, it will take them less time. In my case, it keeps me more apt to clean.

3) I'm going every other week starting January. Before that, I had them about 4 times a year.

4) I now use Molly Maids - $62.00 every other week, less if it's once a week, more if it's less often. The Maids (who I used to use) charge $100/hour - and their maids only get paid minimum wage! I found that outrageous!

5) My mama used to use a cleaning lady who she heard about. I would ONLY go word of mouth, if I wasn't using a (bonded) agency!)

6) Yes, I'm there. I tell them what's most important to me, and then go into the one room I don't ask them to do and play on the computer!

7) If you're going to interview a person, rather than use a team, be sure to ask them if they're comfortable with what you'd like them to do. Have a list prepared. Ask them for references WITH phone numbers, and if they'd mind if you ran a background check. F YI, I'd have no problem hiring someone who has been arrested, as long as it wasn't for theft. Asking (note that I didn't say "demand") about a background check will have the person who had a DUI when they were 19 admit it up front - usually. Also, ask them how long they think it would take to do your house, and take them for a tour.

Good luck!!

[Paradise359]

Well in the Bahamas & the Caribbean it's not odd to have a housekeeper. So we have a lady that's been with us for about 13 years, since I was 10. She's apart of our family. She cleans, cooks when needed & comes every day except the weekends unless she wants to finish some work.

There's not really a "service" as such to find household help. It's more word of mouth.

Most of the time I'm around when she cleans & it doesn't bother me...I guess cause it's been so long & I mean it IS her job to clean , so I can't really feel unconmortable when she's doing her job if that makes sense.

I think as far as questions..I think the most important thing is to make sure that the individual is trustworthy & hard working. B/c you don't want someone w/ sticky fingers. Hope this helps!

[Eclipse]

Thanks to all that replied!! now I just need to do a bit of research and figure out what exactly I want them to do!

Anyone else??

[AKA_Monet]

I grew up with several different housekeepers.

Some did simple and basic cleaning services, such as dusting, mopping, cleaning bathrooms.

Some did that and wash the clothes till they messed them up.

Some did that, wash the clothes and cooked.

Then, some did all of the above and nanny care when my brother and I were little kids.

I guess the prices vary over the years.

But now, my mom pays $50 per visit and my mom has to pick her up from another house that the lady is a live-in maid. The lady does not live far and then when she's done for about 4-5 hours of work on a Saturday, she is taken back to another house she lives in for the last 20 years...

When my mom has a party, she asks the lady to come help with the clean up efforts and pays her at least $50 and then some...

The lady is in her 40's... She is extremely reliable and trustworthy.

That is very difficult to find these days. So an interviewing process would be of great help. Ask for viable references when choosing... If a friend refers someone to you and you have seen this person's home and it's clean for the most part, then you know that have a decent housekeeper on board...

I would be leery with recommending someone under the age of 25 years old... But, then again, you never know who'd help you the most...

[Eclipse]

TTT for Wonderful

I did end up getting someone through a referral service (not Molly or Merry Maids) and she was horrible! When I am gainfully employed again I will look back into to this

[honeychile]

Originally posted by Eclipse
TTT for Wonderful

I did end up getting someone through a referral service (not Molly or Merry Maids) and she was horrible! When I am gainfully employed again I will look back into to this

Just out of curiosity, did you call to complain? My one bad experience, I called to say that the kitchen floor hadn't been done, and they sent a new crew out the next day for free! Free = good, in my book!

I am going to reinterate about being exact about what you want - the last service my mother tried, she didn't mention the bathroom (figuring that it was a given). They didn't do it, and she wouldn't complain. Since I hate a dirty bathroom, just call me "Molly"!

[SummerChild]

Eclipse, don't feel guilty. I say that life is all about *choices*. Sure, you could do everything that your grandmothers did if you wanted to but you choose not to. It's as simple as that. I don't have a housekeeper (although I've tried to obtain one before). A close friend of mine has one and she is the same woman who was her housekeeper when she was growing up. I say use the services of someone who also works with your friends. That way she/he comes with an implicit reference. I would say steer clear of strangers (even those from companies).

And don't, don't, don't clean before he/she gets there! I read that in Essence magazine some years ago. I am sure that in their profession, they have seen dirty homes before so it is probably no big deal.

Also, my close friend's housekeeper does not do personal laundry but will do sheets and that sort of thing so the range of services will vary by housekeeper.

SC

Originally posted by Eclipse
I've decided that I ain't never going to be superwoman, so I'm investigating getting someone to come in and doing some cleaning for me once a week (or so). Does anyone else out there have "help"? If so I have a bunch of questions...

What do they do for you? I was thinking mopping/cleaning bathrooms/kitchen, vacuuming entire house, dusting and stuff like baseboards (which I hate to do) ceiling fans. etc. I'd love for someone to do laundry also, but I think that would take too much time. I really need a live in, but I KNOW I can't afford that! LOL

Do you straighten up before they come? LOL I really don't want anyone to see my house "dirty" so I would have to really get over that one!

How often do they come?

How much, if you don't mind sharing, do they charge? I know different places will be different amounts, but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect.

How did you find your person? We are always getting flyers on our mailbox, but I don't want to go that route. I do have a few friends that have someone, so I'm going to start there first if they are accepting new clients.

Are you at home when they clean? Does that feel weird? What do you do while they are cleaning?

What questions would you ask someone if you were interviewing them to do housekeeping?

I think that's it. Any help is appreciated! I feel a little weird even thinking about this. My grandmothers were both domestics, and after cleaning someone else's house all day they found the time to clean their own and raise children. I really feel like a slacker even thinking about it, but I truly don't have the time or energy to clean house like I want to!

[EssenceofElle55]

Originally posted by Eclipse
I've decided that I ain't never going to be superwoman, so I'm investigating getting someone to come in and doing some cleaning for me once a week (or so). Does anyone else out there have "help"? If so I have a bunch of questions...

What do they do for you? I was thinking mopping/cleaning bathrooms/kitchen, vacuuming entire house, dusting and stuff like baseboards (which I hate to do) ceiling fans. etc. I'd love for someone to do laundry also, but I think that would take too much time. I really need a live in, but I KNOW I can't afford that! LOL

Do you straighten up before they come? LOL I really don't want anyone to see my house "dirty" so I would have to really get over that one!

How often do they come?

How much, if you don't mind sharing, do they charge? I know different places will be different amounts, but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect.

How did you find your person? We are always getting flyers on our mailbox, but I don't want to go that route. I do have a few friends that have someone, so I'm going to start there first if they are accepting new clients.

Are you at home when they clean? Does that feel weird? What do you do while they are cleaning?

What questions would you ask someone if you were interviewing them to do housekeeping?

I think that's it. Any help is appreciated! I feel a little weird even thinking about this. My grandmothers were both domestics, and after cleaning someone else's house all day they found the time to clean their own and raise children. I really feel like a slacker even thinking about it, but I truly don't have the time or energy to clean house like I want to!

I have a very nice lady that I found in one of the local papers when I realized that I couldn't keep up with a two year old, be pregnant, work and keep the house as clean as I would like it.

I usually have her do everything except laundry. She cleans, mops, sweeps or vacuums every room does what ever dishes are there when she comes. Cleans all the bathrooms. Everything, trash you name it. When I have a special project like cleaning out the frige or pantry I don't have her do some of the other rooms like the guest bedroom or bathroom.

I straighten up because I think that her job is not to straighten up after us but to clean. It makes things easier for her. She shouldn't have to put my makeup away because she has know idea where I want it.

She comes every other week and charges $55, each visit. The first time she came it was $85. If you go with a company it will definitley be more expensive.

90% of the time I am at home when she cleans. Sometimes I leave a key for her if I'm not going to be there. When she is cleaning I am usually watching TV or on the internet or chasing behind the kids. At first I thought it would be weird but now she is just like a part of the family so we talk about current events when she is cleaning in the room that I am in.

I would be sure to get references and ask how long they have been cleaning houses. Also you need to know what they don't do so there won't be any suprises.

Don't worry about feeling like a slacker. As women we are always putting ourselves last when it comes to getting help. But as hard as we work these days we deserve all the help we can get!!! It will be just one less thing to worry about. Good luck!!

[Eclipse]

Originally posted by honeychile
Just out of curiosity, did you call to complain? My one bad experience, I called to say that the kitchen floor hadn't been done, and they sent a new crew out the next day for free! Free = good, in my book!

I am going to reinterate about being exact about what you want - the last service my mother tried, she didn't mention the bathroom (figuring that it was a given). They didn't do it, and she wouldn't complain. Since I hate a dirty bathroom, just call me "Molly"!

I did, she came back out, but still did not do things the way I wanted, and I chalked it up to a bad "match". Plus, she had a bad attitude. THe service I used was just a referral service, not a group like Molly Maids or anything.

[Wonderful1908]

Originally posted by Eclipse
TTT for Wonderful

I did end up getting someone through a referral service (not Molly or Merry Maids) and she was horrible! When I am gainfully employed again I will look back into to this

Thanks Eclipse!!!

I have decided to do it. I can't keep up and the guilt of not keeping my brand new home God has blessed me with, in tip top shape is driving me crazy. Biblicaly I feel like as a woman I am responsible for keeping my house up. I barely get to the grocery store. Maybe if I spent less time on greekchat I would get more done.

I have an 8 year old, a new baby, full time teacher (plus summer school) and I am the JV softball coach. I truly have not stopped moving since I had my baby. My house was in excellent shape before she was born. Its like the few moments of the day I have to myself I don't want to spend cleaning. Does that make me lazy? I really think its starting to effect my health and well being. Life is to short to spend being stressed out over cleaning Then I feel like is that a wise way to spend money? I think it would give me so much peace of mind.