Some Tips for a Happy Housecleaning Experience

Most people who call me to find out about rates, my schedule, or a consultation have never hired someone to clean their house.  They've always struggled to do it themselves, either making time when there wasn't any or leaving simple chores for weeks, even months, on end.  Living in a dirty or messy house only adds to your stress, though.  If I could have one wish for my business, it's to get prospects to understand that, truly, all I want is for their lives to be simpler and more enjoyable.  Yes, it will cost you.  But not much, and anyway, what luxury that makes your life simpler and more enjoyable doesn't cost?  (How much was that iPhone again?)  The bottom line is that I want you to feel comfortable enough with me to follow these tips.  You won't regret it.

1. Trust me enough to either leave a key or have a spare made for me to keep.  I promise, I'm not a dishonest person.  I won't steal from you or give your key to a burglar.  But, if you do not leave a key, that means you have to schedule the cleaning for a time that is convenient for both of us, not just me.  This severely limits your options and you might have to wait longer than you wanted to get a clean house.  First, you have to remember the appointment, then you'll have to stay there while I clean which is awkward for both of us.  You're in my way; I'm making noise; I can't listen to my iPod; you can't chat on the phone... see how this doesn't make your life simpler?  This brings me to number 2.

2. Don't even think about me.  Don't put my appointment on the calendar, don't stress about it while you're at work, don't worry about making up the bed before I come over.  I am here to clean your house, not judge you.  If you are worried about my visit in any way (Did I leave cleaning supplies out?  Did I forget to turn off the alarm?) then you aren't getting the full benefit of paying someone else to do the dirty work!

3. Be completely upfront during your consultation.  If you only wish you could afford to have someone clean house for you and in two weeks you're going to regret this, I'm going to regret it too.  Let me know if you only want a one-time cleaning.  It won't hurt my feelings.  However, making me believe you want to begin a commitment and then calling on the day of your next appointment to cancel - permanently - will leave me upset and with a hole in my schedule.  Let me know exactly what you need and why you're hiring help.  Is it because you and your spouse both work and you want to spend Saturdays with your kids instead of mopping the floors?  Is it because you have a bad back and simply cannot do the chores anymore?  Is it because you just hate to clean house and don't want to think about it?  Whatever your needs, fill me in - I'm on your side!  Most importantly, let me know if your biggest concern is quality or cost.  Don't say you're fine with the cost if you know your husband will resent you, you'll feel guilty, and you'll eventually have to cancel.  This is my livelihood, so I need to know I can count on you just like you want to know you can count on me.  I have clients who tell me that no matter where I am on my checklist, don't work more than 3 hours.  I have other clients who would be appalled if I didn't leave the house spotless, no matter how long it took me.  So let me know what matters to you and I'll make it work.

4. Don't let someone else determine what you deserve.  We all do things to treat ourselves.  For some of us, it's a weekly manicure or a daily Starbucks run.  Maybe it's Bunko or book club.  Whatever you value as a sanity saver, don't let someone talk you out of it.  They have different needs.  If house work simply stresses you out, don't feel guilty for hiring help.  It doesn't make you less of a domestic diva - it just frees up your time for other responsibilities.  Case in point, if you and your spouse are in agreement that it's worth it to take cleaning house off your plate, don't let your mother-in-law's visit and subsequent nagging change your mind.

I hope these tips help.  I wish I could mail them to all prospective clients.  It would make everyone's experience so much better!

If you have any questions or are interested in discussing your needs, just e-mail me at spotlessmontgomery@gmail.com or visit http://www.spotlessmontgomery.com/ for more information.

The Launch of Spotless

I've done Corporate America. It kinda feels like Corporate America did me too. I began with the publishing field, then, after going into marketing, tried out banking as well. There were great things about each job. I loved the professional places I worked. I loved the great friends I made. I loved the steady income, although it was never quite as high as I wished it would be. But, considering I graduated college in the beginning of the worst economic season of my lifetime, I was destined to leave all of these jobs. One because of a move due to my husband's career, and two others were lay-offs.

After a few weeks of pity partying, I decided I really didn't want to go back to a traditional job. I wanted the freedom to make my own hours, take off for the vacations I wanted (no more crossing my fingers and praying I could be with family on Christmas Eve), and be in control of my salary. So I jumped. I started my own business in September of 2009. Behold, Spotless. http://spotlessmontgomery.com

This blog will chronicle my adventures through cleaning houses: my struggles, my accomplishments, and eventually, my hiring a team to do the dirty work for me!