How To Hire A Cleaning Service To Save Time This Fall

With parent-teacher conferences, kids' soccer games and watching the Redskins every Sunday, early fall in Virginia doesn't leave much time for cleaning up the house. Thankfully, you can free up your weekends by outsourcing these never-ending tasks. Depending on the services you choose, housekeepers can help with everyday chores like vacuuming, dusting and mopping, as well as more complex needs like laundry and organizing.

Don't worry, you don't need to be that person who cleans the house before the housekeeper arrives. Standard maid services typically include a full kitchen and bathroom clean, vacuum, dust, linen change and dish washing. These can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. You can also add on additional services spanning laundry, moving furniture, polishing woodwork, cleaning ceilings and light fixtures, window washing, upholstery, floor waxing or carpet cleaning.

Most cleaning companies will also offer one-time services like garage, basement and attic cleaning. If you're in need of a garage storage makeover a la Marie Kondo, you might consider a professional organizer instead of a cleaning company. They will come in and help you decide what to donate or throw away, organize remaining items and design better storage solutions to keep your space clutter free. Fall is a great time to tackle this task before the cold hits. Once that's done, a cleaning service can ensure this immaculate storage system doesn't get dusty.

The cost of cleaning services varies between the type of company you employ. Private housekeepers typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while larger cleaning companies will charge between $50 and $90 per hour. While it seems that a private housekeeper may be much cheaper, keep in mind that the fee for larger cleaning companies typically covers a team of two or more. If you have a larger home, it may take one individual quite a while to complete the tasks at hand.

Additionally, larger companies have completed background checks and are always insured and bonded. On the other hand, you'll receive a more personalized service with a private housekeeper. You might feel more comfortable with the same person in your home each week instead of a team of strangers. If you decide to hire an individual, it is especially important to use a service like HomeAdvisor that has already vetted each business.

Read consumer reviews and interview several cleaning services before choosing one. Remember to ask about rates, their feelings about pets, insurance and who will supply the cleaning products. Sometimes, a service will bring their own while others request you supply the chemicals. You can also ask about environmentally friendly products if you have air quality concerns.

HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.