How to Choose a Housekeeper

Choosing a housekeeper can be a stressful task, but it does not have to be. There are a few basic things you need to do before making your final selection. By taking the time to carefully select a housecleaner, you will be able to accomplish other things on your daily agenda.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Cleaning supplies

Instructions

1. Ask your friends or neighbors who they use to clean their homes. A word of mouth reference for a housekeeper is much better than a random selection from the telephone book or another type of advertising. Consider asking a friend or neighbor with a personality similar to yours, as the housecleaner they use may be more compatible. Be sure to ask the following questions:1) How long has the housekeeper worked for you?2) What is the housekeeper's hourly or flat rate?3) Are you happy with his/her work?4) Is there anything you would like to share about your reccommendation?

2. Telephone the housekeeper for an appointment. Invite the housekeeper to visit your home to give you a bid on the job you would like performed. Ask if there is a difference in price for each of the services provided and if she will be bringing her own cleaning supplies or if you must provide them. Also, be sure to clarify what the housekeeper's service does not include. For example, some housekeepers do not clean mini-blinds. Also, if there is any special types of cleaning you would like to have done, be sure to inquire whether there is an extra charge for the same.

3. Ask for references and if the housekeeper is bonded. Although many individuals would not think of stealing from your home, some do. Being bonded assures you as the homeowner that the housekeeper can be trusted. Note, being bonded is not always necessary, but something to consider if you want added assurance.

4. Set up a day and time for the housekeeper to begin her position in your home. Consider a time that will be less hectic on you and one in which you are able to tidy up your home to make the housekeeper's job easier.

5. Give your new housekeeper the opportunity to adjust to your home's surroundings. A reasonable amount of time might be three to four weeks. After this period, you should be able to tell whether or not you like her cleaning abilities.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to provide all of the cleaning supplies, you may be able to negotiate a lower hourly or project rate.

• Be specific in your description of what you want cleaned. If there is a special way you want something cleaned, be sure to inform the housekeeper early on.