To close for comfort?

[Littleunicorndreams]

I’m looking for a new cleaner. I think I have found someone but I have found out that our DCs are at the same school. Would you be comfortable with this? Part of me would rather employ some one local directly as some agencies seem to pay their staff a pittance...

but...

My concerns are that - I don’t want everyone at school to know that we have a cleaner - I know its not an option for most familes there. (I’m a bit embarrassed about it in general as I feel I should be able to do it myself).

Also my house house isn’t the tidiest (hence needing some help) and I am worried that the state of my bedroom could become common knowledge.

I’m sure most cleaners are really discreet but apart from their cleaning references I know nothing about them

Should I go through a big firm who are likely to send people from out of our local area?

Voting Yes, go direct and local, No - go to agency

I’m looking for a new cleaner. I think I have found someone but I have found out that our DCs are at the same school. Would you be comfortable with this? Part of me would rather employ some one local directly as some agencies seem to pay their staff a pittance...
I don't have DC but, yes, I'd be comfortable. She's offering a service, you're paying for a service. Why on earth would anyone feel uncomfortable about this? What if you wanted a new hairdresser and found one and your/their kids were at school together. I assume you'd be okay with this, so why would a cleaner be any different?

but...

My concerns are that - I don’t want everyone at school to know that we have a cleaner - I know its not an option for most familes there. (I’m a bit embarrassed about it in general as I feel I should be able to do it myself)
Ugh, I fucking hate this idea that women should be able to do cleaning ourselves and be ashamed of getting a cleaner to help. No-one ever says this about 'men's work' and employing men to do stuff in the house. Don't be ashamed of having a cleaner, be pleased that you can offer this woman money and work.

Also my house house isn’t the tidiest (hence needing some help) and I am worried that the state of my bedroom could become common knowledge
This is a really bizarre concept to me. I mean, who actually cares? I'm sure she wouldn't go around telling everyone anyway. But even if she didn't who gives a shit? It reminds me of my mom's close watching of how clean all our neighbour's nets were Who actually gives a toss what other people think of your mucky bedroom?

Should I go through a big firm who are likely to send people from out of our local area?
As long as you trust this woman, I would always go local. I used to have a national company come in and do my house. They charged the earth and were only okay. I now have a woman from the next street over come in and she's amazing.

Cleaning is her job. She won't care if you leave your anal beads in the bath - she's there to clean.
Discussing your personal situation with others would result in her losing her job.

I think you should give it a go.

I'm a cleaner, I've worked in both contract and personal home cleaning. I hate to break it you but I dont think about my clients from the minute I close their front door until I'm back again to do my job . Honestly I have much better things to do with my time than gossip about what your house looks like.

I'd always recommend a private cleaner as opposed to an agency one if you're looking to continue a working relationship. Agency cleaners are grand I've been one but they're in and out, it's not the same level of continuity. A good cleaner who knows your house, knows what needs a bit of extra attention etc is worth their weight in gold, a bit like as other posters mentioned a hairdresser. My hairdresser is a mum from the school, as is one of the Drs from the local surgery.

I clean for several people who all know each other!!
The 'cleaner code' is discretion! I would never discuss 1 home to another customer!!

Also my house house isn’t the tidiest (hence needing some help) and I am worried that the state of my bedroom could become common knowledge

A lot of cleaners won't tidy, they are there to clean. If they can't vac the floor because you've left stuff all over it, then the floor won't be vac'd.

You'll have to work out an arrangement with your cleaner, but be prepared for some to stipulate they don't tidy. As you know, tidying takes up most of the time, so if you're paying for cleaning and expecting them to tidy, there's not going to be much time to actually clean.

Thanks for all your comments. it would be really interesting to hear the views if the 64% who wouldn’t choose the local cleaner?

And yes I know I need to tidy up. Having a cleaner is an important part of me keeping the place tidy as I have a deadline to put the clutter away!

I'd worry about it being awkward if she doesn't do a good job. What if you decide she isn't for you and decide to stop employing her, will that be awkward, seeing her around school?

Sorry I wouldn’t - too close for comfort in my opinion.

I don’t want everyone at school to know that we have a cleaner

Mention to the cleaner that you'd rather it wasn't disclosed to anyone.

I am worried that the state of my bedroom could become common knowledge.

Tell him/her not to mention it to anyone.

I’m sure most cleaners are really discreet

This is his/her profession and most of the questions you've posed are questioning their professionalism but on what grounds? Do you think that because their profession is "just a cleaner" that they will act in a less professional manner, that their reputation is not as important as people in other professions?

Personally, my only concern would be about my own child picking on the child of the cleaner as they "work for my mummy" or some other such thing. I think that's infinitely more probable than this person risking their local professional reputation by badmouthing your home or family.

Hire them. Keep it local and small.