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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 12:44:10 GMT
I'm fairly new to having housecleaners. I usually try to make sure the clutter is all picked up and dishes in the sink are actually done the night before they come. But last night I was just too beat to do any of it. They are coming in like two hours and my house is a disaster. Obviously I am trying this morning to pick up as best I can. So I'm wondering if that is a weird quirk I have or if this kind of clean up is usually expected before a housecleaner comes.
What do you do to prepare or not prepare for housecleaners?
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 3, 2021 13:12:12 GMT
I wouldn't call it a weird quirk as I've known many who feel the way you do. The only thing I worry about putting away are things that I am particular about (i.e. sewing room/projects, special items, etc). The housekeeper does the rest. I do some of my laundry and she does sheets and towels. Having had housekeepers for over 30 years probably plays into that level of comfort though.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714 
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Nov 3, 2021 13:14:17 GMT
I'm like you. My dog is a shredding machine, so I try to vacuum at least the day before. I do always have sheets washed bc I want them to be able to put on a new clean set. Basically, I try to make sure they can clean everything they can so that I get my money's worth.
I had to call the owner of the cleaning service for something, and I was telling him how bad my dog was shedding. He reminded me that they have seen the worst, and my house definitely is not it LOL!
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,630
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Nov 3, 2021 13:19:08 GMT
Dishes are done so there's an empty sink; clutter is picked up and I always put my medications away - not out of fear she'd take them or anything (oooh, Synthroid on the black market!) but she "tidies" and often it takes me a while to find them again if I don't put them away.
Also, I make sure all laundry is in the laundry room. I don't want her to waste her time doing the things I don't mind doing. I'm paying her to do the things I don't want to do (scrub the floors, the bathrooms etc...)
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 13:21:24 GMT
The only thing I worry about putting away are things that I am particular about (i.e. sewing room/projects, special items, etc). The housekeeper does the rest. I just loaded the dishwasher and got it running and washed the pots and pans in my sink. Does your housecleaner put your dishes away? What about taking out the recycling? I always try to get my recycling out before they come. |
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,566
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Post by anniebeth24 on Nov 3, 2021 13:22:24 GMT
If it doesn't bother you that they might move your "clutter," I'd say leave it and see what happens.
I left a couple of dishes in the sink and was pleasantly surprised to find them washed and on the drying rack. Sometimes a paper pile on the counter is consolidated into a neat stack.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 13:22:52 GMT
I had to call the owner of the cleaning service for something, and I was telling him how bad my dog was shedding. He reminded me that they have seen the worst, and my house definitely is not it LOL! That is one thing I do not do. They seem to have no trouble with pet hair. And I've got hardwood floors so there are dust bunnies. But no carpets. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 13:25:06 GMT
I always put my medications away I always put my medications away too. I'm not worried about her taking them or misplacing them. I worry about people judging me...lol. I shouldn't, but I do. It's all my bipolar meds. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 13:26:38 GMT
Sometimes a paper pile on the counter is consolidated into a neat stack. I am one of those people who when I'm depressed, I don't open my mail for weeks on end. There is always a big stack on my counter. It's actually quite ridiculous. My housecleaner told me last time that she's terrified of that pile. And we had a good laugh. |
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Post by candygurl on Nov 3, 2021 13:35:41 GMT
Yes we try to clear away clutter so she can clean the counter tops. I do a quick clean of the bathroom since we do have a kid who doesn’t know how to aim in the toilet. Don’t think it’s fair for her to have to clean all that up. Other than that, no we don’t do much besides picking up toys/stuff on the ground or stuff on the counters.
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luckyexwife
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,067
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Post by luckyexwife on Nov 3, 2021 13:38:16 GMT
I get all the clutter picked up, because I would rather pay them to scrub everything, than spend their time picking up clutter so they can get to the surface that needs to be scrubbed. I have 3 teenage boys, they have a lot of stuff that needs to be picked up! (The boys do pick up, I just make sure it is done!)
I also make sure the sink is empty, as I love coming home and seeing the shiny sink and counters!
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,736
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Nov 3, 2021 13:46:03 GMT
It's just the two of us now, with one cat. Far cry from having the kids and the dog and other cat in years gone by. I don't mind picking up clutter, washing the dishes, getting the beds stripped and clean sheets out. I really hate the scrubbing part of housekeeping, so I like to make sure they have easy access to all surfaces.
But I figure that you're paying for the service, so you get to choose what you want them to do and how you leave things.
I use the time when they're upstairs cleaning to clean off my desk and office space. I always have papers strewn everywhere (it's how I work!) When they come downstairs, they polish it all up while I head out to run a couple errands.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 3, 2021 13:52:10 GMT
I just loaded the dishwasher and got it running and washed the pots and pans in my sink. Does your housecleaner put your dishes away? What about taking out the recycling? I always try to get my recycling out before they come. Yes, she not only puts them away, she loads the dishwasher with whatever dishes are in the sink or sitting on the stove when she gets here. She also takes all the trash and recycling out to the big cans at the end of the day, as well as puts the big cans out at the curb since trash day is the day after she comes. You (and many others I've known) seem to be suffering from what I call "housekeeper guilt".  It's feeling guilty for hiring someone to help you and trying to do the work you hired them to do to assuage that guilt. Let them do the job you hired them to do. If you don't like how they do it, then you show them how you prefer it to be done. Something for you to think about - if you hired an admin. asst. to work for you, would you do some of their job each day to make it easier on them? |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 13:52:46 GMT
But I figure that you're paying for the service, so you get to choose what you want them to do and how you leave things. Do you think if I asked too much of them, they would just be bold enough to tell me that they needed to increase my price? I would be open to that if they thought I was expecting too much and paying too little. I'm actually quite surprised at how affordable they are to begin with. I should have done this years sooner. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 13:55:48 GMT
You (and many others I've known) seem to be suffering from what I call "housekeeper guilt". It's feeling guilty for hiring someone to help you and trying to do the work you hired them to do to assuage that guilt. Let them do the job you hired them to do. If you don't like how they do it, then you show them how you prefer it to be done. Something for you to think about - if you hired an admin. asst. to work for you, would you do some of their job each day to make it easier on them? This is a very good point. I guess that is how I feel. I do have some guilt. I am constantly trying to make it easier for them. LOL! |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 3, 2021 13:59:28 GMT
Do you think if I asked too much of them, they would just be bold enough to tell me that they needed to increase my price? I would be open to that if they thought I was expecting too much and paying too little. I'm actually quite surprised at how affordable they are to begin with. I should have done this years sooner. Did you go over what chores they would do when you hired them, or did they tell you what their cleaning covers? If not, then consider going over that with them now. Better to know up front what each party expects. |
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,772
Location: Kentucky
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Post by Kerri W on Nov 3, 2021 14:10:06 GMT
We are tidy people (luck of the draw with DH and only kid left at home) but I do make sure things are taken care of before the cleaners get here. It's a priority for me to have them to do the things I don't like to do--actual cleaning lol. Therefore I keep things picked up so they can scour bathtubs and mop floors and I get the most for my money. But that's because we don't have a clutter problem. If we did, I may have different feelings. I'm picky about laundry so I have never asked my cleaners to do laundry. And on the off chance my scrapbook room or DS's bedroom are messy, I close the door and we don't get the privilege of them cleaning that week. Fingers crossed-we have a new person starting tomorrow. My last crew was super unreliable and didn't do a good job. I needed to read **GypsyGirl** words months ago when I kept giving them 'one more chance.' |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 14:11:21 GMT
Do you think if I asked too much of them, they would just be bold enough to tell me that they needed to increase my price? I would be open to that if they thought I was expecting too much and paying too little. I'm actually quite surprised at how affordable they are to begin with. I should have done this years sooner. Did you go over what chores they would do when you hired them, or did they tell you what their cleaning covers? If not, then consider going over that with them now. Better to know up front what each party expects. I told them what I wanted done. However, now that they've been coming a couple of months, I'm working out the specifics of what I feel needs cleaning. In other words, I think there is a learning curve involved for me. They always step up and do more so they are here for 2.5 hours. So one time, they will clean out my garbage closet. Or one time, they will do a thorough mopping of my hardwoods (I don't want them mopped every time). Or they will clean all my dining room windows (my dining room is virtually all windows, almost floor to almost ceiling). So I don't require that every single time either. Or they will wash all the light fixtures. Or they will completely wipe down my dining room chairs. They seem to do what I ask and then some for their cleaning to last about 2.5 hours. Today, I'm asking for all the hardwoods to be mopped and them to clean the floors in my office/craft room too. I'm normally working when they come and sometimes that room is a mess so I don't normally have them do that part. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 3, 2021 14:38:01 GMT
It sounds like they are experienced and know what needs to be done. Not all of those things are weekly chores, so it's good they are doing them without being asked. Is 2.5 hrs the time you agreed on? I have mine for 4 hrs weekly, but we have 2,400 sq ft, 2 bathrooms and a dog. She's vacuuming and mopping the entire house each week. This is a very good point. I guess that is how I feel. I do have some guilt. I am constantly trying to make it easier for them. LOL! Don't feel guilty! You have hired them to do a job, thereby helping the economy in your area and keeping someone employed in addition to getting much needed help for yourself. |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,736
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Nov 3, 2021 14:44:40 GMT
Sounds like it could be time for an evaluation of what's working and what's not after having them in for a few months. You might as well be up front about it with them. If you want them to start dealing with the dishes and recycling, then let them know. Honestly, that's probably like 5 minutes for them to take care of, so I doubt you need to pay more. Would it help you to have them pick up the clutter? This is supposed to make your life easier, not harder LOL.
I would just talk to them about it, and if they feel they can get it all done in the time allotted, then yay! Otherwise, you can decide if you want them to stay a little longer to take care of more things.
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Post by shanniebananie on Nov 3, 2021 14:52:55 GMT
Tomorrow our cleaners come, so I will spend today getting g ready for them. Everything is off the counters, everything off the floors, beds made, etc. Basically all the cleaners need to do is wipe down all surfaces, dust, mop and vacuum. They are there for 3 hours and I want them to not have yo pick up my stuff but do the real deep cleaning stuff I hate to do.
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Post by busy on Nov 3, 2021 15:01:11 GMT
I have things generally tidy - any clutter, dishes, laundry put away, etc. She will take care of those things if needed, but I'd rather have her spend her time on the bigger tasks and not the daily maintenance. I leave recycling and garbage, because she'll be taking out whatever she generates anyway. I don't have her do any laundry for us, so I also make sure beds are made and fresh towels are out.
ETA: We pay her a flat fee for X hours. So it's not guilt that motivates me to do the basic daily stuff myself - it's my desire for her to have time to do the deep cleaning tasks (washing windows, baseboards, cleaning the inside of the fridge, etc) that I hate rather than spending time on the small stuff that we do every day when she's not here.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 15:04:26 GMT
My house is only 1200 square feet if you don't count the basement. And I never have them do the basement bathroom because right now no one is using it. So only one bathroom to clean. I do have two dogs and two cats and two birds. So they do a fair amount of cleaning after pets.
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Post by MichyM on Nov 3, 2021 15:25:56 GMT
Fingers crossed-we have a new person starting tomorrow. My last crew was super unreliable and didn't do a good job. I needed to read **GypsyGirl** words months ago when I kept giving them 'one more chance.' I’ve got someone new starting today. After 3 years of being super unreliable, I had to let my cleaner go. New one is $$$ and appears professional so I’ve got everything crossed that it works out this time! |
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Post by fredfreddy44 on Nov 3, 2021 15:27:07 GMT
All clutter put away, the less they need to move, the more they clean. Sink empty. Stuff up on beds (they don't make them).
The floors and bathrooms are always nasty after 3 weeks. I prefer they spend the majority of time on them. If I spill some food the day before, I don't clean it up.
We've had the same service since 2006. We always leave a check, no pets, stuff put away, always answer the door and then stay out of their way or leave, and a Christmas bonus. They are the best but I have the feeling we are also one of their better clients.
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Post by scrapmaven on Nov 3, 2021 15:32:40 GMT
I wish I had this problem. My husband is very private and has always been anti-housekeeper in this house. My house is tidy, but I don't have elbow grease and could really use help scrubbing bathrooms and floors. Dh will do it, but he works hard and I want him to enjoy his weekend. A housekeeper even once per month would be really helpful. jeremysgirl, don't feel embarrassed by your meds. Most of us take meds for something. Synthroid vs. Lamotrigine? Who cares? The meds just mean that you're taking care of yourself. Power to you! |
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Post by greendragonlady on Nov 3, 2021 15:42:01 GMT
I wish I could afford a housekeeper. It hurts my back to do a lot of the chores.  |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 16:04:59 GMT
If I spill some food the day before, I don't clean it up. This makes me feel terribly guilty. Because I did not clean up my kitchen last night, I left the stove top and the counters unwashed this morning. I know she probably doesn't care as she makes them sparkly for me. But it makes me feel lazy.  Housekeepers guilt. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 16:10:06 GMT
My husband is very private and has always been anti-housekeeper in this house. My house is tidy, but I don't have elbow grease and could really use help scrubbing bathrooms and floors. Dh will do it, but he works hard and I want him to enjoy his weekend. A housekeeper even once per month would be really helpful. I really thought Jeremy would be opposed. But he really saw how it was impacting my quality of life. I don't have physical issues, but mental ones that were interfering with my ability to keep things the way I wanted them. And now they've been coming, he says he wishes we could afford them to come weekly instead of bi-weekly because he appreciates so much the good job they do. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 3, 2021 16:11:05 GMT
I wish I could afford a housekeeper. It hurts my back to do a lot of the chores. It was seriously impacting my mental health. I think the cost is definitely worthwhile. If you can work it out, somehow, I encourage you to do so. |
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Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
Housekeepers guilt.