the Cost of One Time Housekeeping Service

Just before the holidays and the visit of our out-of-town guests, we hired a service to come in and do a solid cleaning of our house. They provided two women who brought their own cleaning supplies, and they worked for two hours at $100 per hour, which was the minimum time that the company hired them out for. We also tipped them $10 each so the entire cost of the service was $220.

The two workers did a pretty good job, but I didn't realize how short of a time two hours really is, so they weren't able to get to some of the things that I would have liked them to clean. We talked for a few minutes when they arrived and I gave them a list of the most important things that I wanted done, and then they went to work. I wasn't watching them the whole time, but it looked like they work working efficiently and doing a nice job. I have them focus on the kitchen and bathroom areas, and also some of the cosmetic things like dusting. The price was fair for the amount of time and also the holiday period. I was satisfied with their work and the service.

I wasn't aware of it, but I've since learned that there are often coupons in local papers and magazines for these services, so check for a discount. Also, make a list in advance of what you want the housekeeping service to do, and then talk on the phone to the scheduler to plan an appropriate amount of time for the visit.