NEED HOUSE CLEANING HELP?

Options To Consider If You Can't Do It Alone


In today's busy world, all too often we leave some things undone as we try to keep up with work, kids, activities, friends and relatives, etc. One of these things is often house cleaning. If you are finding yourself too busy to keep up with your housework, there are several options you can exercise. You can farm out the chores to kids and spouse, or you can hire outside help to get it done. Or you can use a combination of both. If you've checked your budget and have decided on outside help, you're ready to look for house cleaning or maid services. This article will give you the help you need to hire a cleaning service, what you will have them do, some approximate costs, and other information to help you decide on the service that is right for you. And if you decide you'd rather hire an individual instead, there are some regulations you need to be aware of, which we'll present as well. Read on!


Start With a Plan

Once you have decided to hire a house cleaning service, you should sit down and plan things out. Probably one of the first things to do is get an idea of what cleaning services do and do not do, and their prices. Most cleaning services will have a predetermined list of cleaning tasks they provide, and some will include extras as well. If you have any special chores you'd like done, list those so that you can check to see if they can be included. It's difficult to get a price quote online without actually filling out the forms and submitting them, but from what I've learned, plan to spend at least $75 an hour if you go with a cleaning service. If you can find an individual who works alone, you may spend less money, although other hassles might not be worth the savings. More on that later. Cleaning services generally employ people who are bonded and whose backgrounds and references have been thoroughly checked. Their employees are well-trained and do a thorough and efficient job.

Check Out These Cleaning Services

There are three well-known national cleaning services that you can start with. We'll provide information on each one below.

  • The Cleaning Authority
    Fill out the form on their site for a free estimate. They will detail clean a different area of your home at each visit, so that eventually your whole house is sparkling. They come to your home on a pre-determined, set day. Their employees have undergone extensive cleaning, and full background checks have been run on each one. They will clean to your specifications, and if you aren't satisfied, will come the next day to correct the problems.

  • Molly Maids
    Molly Maid's professionals will perform specific cleaning jobs in your home. They have basic chores that they do, such as vacuuming and dusting, thorough cleaning and sanitizing of bathrooms, and kitchen cleaning as well. If there is anything specific you want done, let them know when you are in the consultation phase, and it will be included for you. Molly Maid professionals receive training and are also subject to backround checks.
  • Merry Maids
    Another national franchise, Merry Maids will clean to your specifics too. Their employees are bonded and insured, and they receive extensive cleaning training. Their rates are dependent on many factors, such as size of the home, clutter, if you have pets which shed a lot, etc.

What You Can Expect

All three of the above cleaning services guarantee their work, and their employees are well trained, bonded and insured. Their cleaners usually work in teams of at least two, so that your home is cleaned quickly and efficiently. All offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or occasional cleaning plans. All provide their own cleaning supplies. All taxes, insurance and other paperwork are handled by the cleaning service.

Our next paragraph deals with hiring individuals to do your cleaning, what is involved and why you might rather have a cleaning service do the work for you.

Would You Rather Hire Just One Person, Not a Cleaning Service?

If you would rather hire one house cleaner who works on her own, rather than through a house cleaning service, be aware there are some restrictions that may apply, and some hoops you will have to jump through if you want to be legal. According to the IRS, if you hire someone to do household work and you control what work is done as well as how it is done, you have become an employer. If you pay your household employee (aka cleaning lady) more than $1,400 a year, you are liable to withhold and pay the employer's portion of her Social Security and Medicare taxes, withhold and pay Federal and possibly State taxes, and get an employer identification number, among other regulations. This is the main reason why most people prefer to go with a cleaning service. While you might be able to save some money by hiring an individual, you'll need to decide if the savings is worth the hassle of all the Federal paperwork and tax collecting you'll have to do to be legal.

Final Words

There are more than likely some fine cleaning services in your local area that you can consider. Once you have made the decision to have outside help cleaning your house, check your local listings under cleaning service or maid service and get estimates and information from them. The listed services have offices in almost every location. Compare prices and the services provided before making your decision. And if you decide to hire an individual, consult IRS publication 926 to see what your legal obligations are.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes