| How To Hire a Cleaning Service If you just hate house cleaning -- hire someone! Isn't that better than having a dirty house? Here are some tips to make it easier: 1. If you hire a professional housecleaning service they should bring their own cleaning materials and supplies. You don't wont to have to go out and be bothered with buying the right kind of stuff. They will probably want to use their own cleaning things that they feel comfortable with. Make sure a cleaning company is bonded, insured and carry's worker's compensation. Ask for copies don't just take them at their word. Most housecleaning companies are reliable and have extra people to work if someone is sick. 2. An individual cleaner will probably request that you provide supplies and will give you a list. They may not be trained properly on how to clean. Compared with a service, they need some type of training. The individual will probably be more personable and be willing to do extra work like wash, fold and put away clothes, and maybe even cook, but they would have to be a good cook to cook for me. Ask a co-worker or friend if they know of someone who is good. Make sure you have a set day and time they will be coming.They will probably not have insurance, bonding, or worker's comp. Maybe if you go through an agency, that company may provides those things. 3. Always meet with the person you are hiring before they start working for you. Be up front about what you are looking for and have a list of duties they will have to perform. You may want to ask a couple of questions as you are walking through your home. For instance " Mary, what would you use to get out these stains on my shower door?. Or what kind of furniture polish do you recommend?" I have heard so many horror stories about a housekeepers using ammonia to clean antique furniture or something to that effect. 4. Make sure you make it clear about sick days, vacation pay and overtime. Go over the cleaning products that the person will use in your home. The person is supposed to show up and do their job on the days you have agreed on. If he or she starts to get flaky early on in the relationship, get rid of them. Those are red flags. Start looking for someone else. When you have found someone, give your current cleaner at least a weeks notice to hit the road. You also have a responsibly to stick with your side of the bargain and not cancels cleaning days, just because the house did not get so dirty last week, or you were out of town for a couple of days. When I am gone on vacation I still have may cleaning lady come. Believe me there is always something to do, like windows, the oven inside, defrosting the freezer, cleaning out the refrigerator, organizing a closet or two, or stripping and waxing floors. I'm sure you can think of some things yourself. 5. If you are hiring a individual check there reference and call your insurance company to see if you need worker compensation for that person. May your home insurance will cover people working in your home. Call your account and find out how to handle the payroll, deductions and taxes. If the person agrees to be a sub-contractor be sure you know what the rules are they are changing all the time. 6. No matter how much you trust your cleaning person or cleaning company, never leave out credit card, checks,cash, expensive jewelry and other item. I have owned a small safe for 8 year know I lock up all my things, not because I think my house keeper will take them, but some one else might. A safe is a good thing to have. |