House cleaner in Bristow (preschool, to live in, friendly)

[mominbristow]

I give up. Finally decided I need someone to help keep my house clean, but don't know where to start. Anyone have any good (or bad) experiences with cleaners? What do I need to do to prepare (besides getting rid of clutter)? Does the dog need to be boarded for the day? Do I need to be home (at least when they first arrive)? What else do I need to know?!

[HereinVA]

I would start by asking your neighbors for a recommendation.

It's been a while since I had a regular cleaning lady, but when I did, I gave her a key to my house. She came highly recommended by friends who trusted her and used her for several years. She would usually arrive when I was dropping my kids off at pre-school and then I would just remain out of the house for several hours so she could finish without me around. At this time, I had my preschool kids, and also a newborn (who grew up to a toddler while we still had the cleaning lady) so while it was a bit inconvenient to stay out of the house, I think it made it easier on the cleaning lady. I know lots of people who don't leave the house, and I'm sure that's fine too. I just feel awkward being home, watching someone else clean my house.

I don't know if you necessarily have to board your dog. Is there one small room your dog can stay in, that you don't necessarily need the cleaning person to clean?

[Bigfoot424]

One of my neighbors is in this business. A one-woman show. She's been doing it for some time and has dogs so she's used to them. Very nice and I believe trustworthy.

[spencgr]

I received a recommendation from my sister (and have since recommended her to a few co-workers and friends.) She's completely dog-friendly and just cleans around them. She arrives sometime during the day when I'm working. I choose to not be there, but a friend is normally home when she comes.

So, I think, it's all about the individual situation and the individual cleaner/ company. I think you just need to have a discussion when first meeting and tell her what you expect/ want. If they are cool with that, you've probably found your house cleaner.

[ChristineVA]

I used to have a cleaner. I work full-time so I was never home nor wanted to be. I put my dogs in the basement on the days she came. She had her own key.

We had to definitely declutter the night before so she could actually clean. Kind of hard to clean the kitchen counters when there's junk sitting all over them.

[mominbristow]

Thanks all...now any names you'd like to share

[Middlin]

I have used individuals a couple of times over the years with some missed results. Part of the problem is if you are unhappy with the job their doing, it can be a bit awkward. We had too many missed appointments and she would end up coming when it wasn't convenient for us, etc. I ended up going with a company (Merry Maids) and for a long time we had the same ladies each time. Over the years it can be different people but if I have an issue I just call the office and the problem is resolved. In the 4 years since we've used them I called once and said I wasn't happy with the job and they sent a crew the same week and recleaned the house. For the most part we aren't home when they come and since they only clean the main and top floor, having the dogs in the basemnet isn't an issue.

[Dazed&Confused]

My parets used to live in Bristow and used Merry Maids. They were also very happy with them.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by mominbristow

Thanks all...now any names you'd like to share

Did you get my PM yesterday?

[mominbristow]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Did you get my PM yesterday?

Yes, just did. Thank you very much!