ckcowl

We have a wonderful girl who comes in twice a month, the first couple times I was home- in my sewing room staying out of the way. She does a great job & now we don't worry about leaving or not being home when she comes in. It is best to meet with the person you are considering, discuss what all you want done, how long you think it should take, what you will pay, any areas that are off limits.... If you are not totally comfortable with the person for whatever reason, don't hire them, look for someone else, if you find you really do like the person ( good vibes/ bad vibes)
Give them a try. Be home the first couple times, but not in the way, don't*hover* watching every move- that will make both of you uncomfortable. Before they leave do a ( glance over- walk through) if anything is not done gently point it out, if everything is great let them know ( wow, great job, thank you, see you on....)
Remember everyone finds their own methods to do things, don't expect a person to do everything exactly how you do them, do expect a good job, final outcome to measure up to your expectations.

Jeanne S

I have had good and bad experiences over the years--but to me paying for someone else to clean my house so I have that time to do what I want is so worth it!!! I recommend you go with someone with referrals from someone you know and trust vs an unknown cleaning service. If that doesn't work check out Angie's List ratings for some in your area. Have a 2 or 3 come to your house, do a walk through of what will be done and what won't and get bids first. Some will change bed linens, others will not. What about cleaning light fixtures? Discuss who supplies cleaning supplies and if you have any specific needs--for example I provide the cleaner for my hardwood floors because I do not want any other product used on them. I also hate the smell of Pine Sol! Keep in mind accidents do happen--if you have a lot of breakable treasures sitting out, think about handing the dusting of them yourself. I also have a window washer come quarterly and love to have sparkling windows.

barri1

We have had a couple of live in household help that have become family. We sponsored one for citizenship. She, and her husband (who she met here) just moved back to Columbia. We are saddened by this, and we miss her terribly. The other woman, goes back, and forth to Columbia, and stays with us when she is here as a guest. We would trade these women for anything. There was one that we caught stealing, and it was pretty funny. At the time she was here, we owned telephone booths all over NYC, and we had always had sacks of change that we had to wrap, and bring to the bank. We caught her when we found coin wrappers that were from a different bank in her room.. It's a little funny, as there was so many other things that she could've taken that were more valuable. We have a safe, but some things can't be put away..

coopah

I have not had problems with my cleaning ladies. One quit and didn't tell me. (She didn't like my son being home when she was there.) With another cleaner, the only time I was disgruntled was when the pantry was rearranged and all my spice packets were thrown out because of the freshness date. Those things are good way beyond the date posted, and even if not, they were mine to throw. BUT I realized the lady was trying to help me, so I kept my mouth shut and didn't stash so many spice packets after that. She did break something once and told me right away. It wasn't something I could replace, but it was a thing. ​People are more important. She was a gem in all other ways. Wish I could have moved her with us!

Stitchnripper

I agree that if you have trust issues, you won't be happy until you address that. Out of all the people you might consider, some would have been great and some wouldn't. It's really a crap shoot (excuse the language). I've used a cleaning service on occasions after surgery, etc. No problems with them. My friend uses the same service every week and she has no problems with them stealing anything. So I wouldn't automatically eliminate a licensed, bonded, insured service. It also makes it easier on the paperwork because if you hire someone yourself you have to file their social security.

suzyq2154

LOL I quilt for health reasons also....it keeps me from dying of boredom.

earthwalker

Here most people request a Police Clearance and also if children are around the house, a Working With Children check/card. In house cameras are reasonably cheap/useful, also make sure your cleaner has insurance or your household insurance will cover any dramas.

NJ Quilter

I agree with many of the things already said. No one will clean the same way you do. If you can accept that, you're half way there. Get references from folks you know. Meet with the cleaner and spell out what you need/want done; type of cleaning products you prefer (or that manufacturer recommends for given flooring/appliances); what you are okay with them not doing. Another thing to remember, pick up 'droppings' yourself and put them away. My attitude always was 'I'm paying them to clean, not tidy up'. DH leaves stuff everywhere. He was always good about picking up for the cleaning folks - not so much for me, but that's a different issue. I'd rather put my things away where I'll know where to find them again instead of someone else putting them in a place I'll never think to look.

I had several different cleaning people over the years while I was working. Never had a theft issue but did have some breakage. As others have pointed out, this can happen to you as well. If you want to be there, out of the way, a couple of times until you feel more comfortable there's nothing wrong with that.

I wish I could justify having a cleaning person now! Kinda hard to justify when I'm not working though.

AZ Jane

Remember, they are there to clean, not pick up. If you leave things laying around, they will dust/vacuum around it, usually. My daughter got a cleaning service but she said she had to clean before they came and it just wasn't worth it. If she had to clean first, she might as well finish with a little dusting. Just a thought.

Wanabee Quiltin

I have never used a cleaning person before but many of my friends have. I would go with someone recommended before looking in the yellow pages. Also, I believe you will be in the house at the same time they are cleaning it, that would help with your trust issues. Lock up all valuables, I never leave anything out in the open due to a beautiful valued bracelet being stolen once by someone visiting my home. If you have very fragile items that need dusting, ask them to be very careful or do it yourself. Accidents happen, no-one is perfect. Good Luck.