As homeowners, renters, landlords, parents, professionals and pet owners, we all have plenty to do without having to clean house. The addition of a reliable and consistent housekeeping service may be just what you need to relieve the stress associated with keeping your home tidy, organized, and functional. Whether you bring in a single housekeeper or a team of people from a housekeeping agency, hiring outside help will likely improve your quality of life, and give you more time and energy to spend with family and friends.
Ready to Find Help? Here Are Your Options:
- Private Housekeeper: A personal housekeeper is often the most cost-effective solution for keeping your house in tip-top shape. This can be virtually anyone who publishes an ad offering housecleaning services, so be cautious when hiring. Some are excellent and trustworthy; some aren’t. A good place to start is by asking friends and family for references. But remember, you will ultimately be responsible for evaluating these qualities for yourself.
- Agency: An agency is a local or national company that dispatches one or more housecleaners to your home. The benefit of using a professional cleaning service is that the team assigned to your household reports straight to a manager or the owner of the company, whom you deal with and pay directly. Although this is not true of every cleaning agency, reputable companies are typically insured and bonded for your protection.
The Bottom Line
Choose the option that fits your needs best. Check references, as well as the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International to find the right residential cleaning service for you.
Updated by Rachel Murphy on 20 June 2017.
