Some projects are best left to the experts, such as home maintenance tasks you should hire a professional for. This is typically for safety and proper completion purposes. Some professionals, though, simply help us lead improved lives.
For example, every once in a while it would be nice to leave the cleaning to someone else. Maybe you just want a break from the regular weekly dusting, vacuuming, washing, or perhaps it's a deep clean you are looking for. Either way, you've started to consider hiring someone to help you out.
But how do you know you're hiring the right cleaner?
Individual or Company?
How much cleaning do you want to have completed? Depending on the size of your home and the nature of the services you seek, you may need to choose between hiring an individual or a company.
Individual
Hiring an individual means you're dealing with one single person for the entire transaction, and you'll want to know if you can trust them to be in your home. However, an individual will also likely be more budget-friendly as he or she has much lower overhead costs. By hiring this same person for multiple cleanings, you also gain the routine of someone learning your home and your personal preferences.
Company
Hiring a company instead of an individual might cost you a bit more, but a reputable cleaning business will also have taken some extra steps such as bonding its employees (ensuring you're reimbursed if anything goes missing) and running background checks. A company can supply more than one cleaner if your job is a bit more involved, and if someone is sick or on vacation you aren't forced to reschedule. However, with this option comes unknowns. You may not know the cleaners in your home as they may change from time to time.
Types of Rates
Cleaners can determine and charge their rates in a variety of ways, and you'll want to ask plenty of questions. Do they charge hourly or a flat rate per session? What is included in that rate? Will you need special services, and are they included or extra? How much time do they estimate to complete the job? Do they bring their own equipment and supplies?
References are Golden
Of course, if your friends or family have hired a particular service and were happy with the results, it's worth considering hiring the same individual or company. Not only will you know the level of service you'll receive, but you'll likely feel more comfortable with them in your home if someone you know trusts them.
Even though you're getting a reference from someone, it's still in your best interest to do some research of your own to ensure it'll be the right hire. Check their online reviews to see if others had the same experience as those making the recommendation.
Discussing the Project
When you decide to reach out to a cleaner, outline your expectations as clearly as possible. This way you ensure there are no miscommunications and that you're receiving the services you pay for. If you have special requests or something that needs extra attention, be sure to clarify what you need so your cleaner can plan for any special supplies or equipment needed to do the job. Not only will you receive a proper quote with no surprises later, but you'll be far more likely to be happy with the results.
Access and Pets
You'll want to clarify a couple of other items as well, prior to hiring your cleaner. First, how do they generally gain access to your home? Will you need to leave a key or grant an access entry code? Also, if you have pets you'll want to ask how they prefer them to be handled. Should they be taken outside, or are they fine to be crated in a room? And if a home with pets costs a little more to clean, you'll want to discuss that ahead of time as well.
Do Your Part
As much as your cleaner wants to do a great job for you, there are some things that are likely not on their lists to do (unless you stipulate they're part of the deal).
The low-maintenance features of custom living make this pretty easy on you. Just do your best to pick up toys, laundry, papers, or other random items lying around that could be getting in the way of the task at hand. Help them help you.
Sometimes it's just nice to take a break from cleaning and hire someone to take care of it for you. We all live busy lives and life can get overwhelming. By hiring the right cleaner, you may find yourself wanting to do this on a regular basis, allowing you to spend more time with your family or to experience some well-deserved relaxation.
