Thinking of getting a cleaner

[hwoolfe]

DH and I have recently moved into our forever home (which is much bigger than where we used to live!) and although I love it here am finding it very difficult to stay on top of all the housework as we both work very long hours.

If you have a cleaner, where in your experience is the best place to look for someone? What is a reasonable rate of pay (we live in the North West)? How can I work out how many hours they would need and how often? Which tasks should/shouldn't I ask them to do?

Any advice would be much appreciated

I've used an agency and someone recommended on Facebook - the latter was cheaper and more efficient. We have all floors vacuumed and mopped, quick wipe/dust in every room, kitchen and bathroom thoroughly cleaned and one or two beds stripped and remade.

Took three hours but often there was time over for cooker, fridge or a couple of windows to be cleaned.

I am not in NW, but I wouldn't be happy paying less than £10 per hour or more than £15. The average around here is £10 but up to £16 from an agency. Our agency cleaner was on minimum wage, so I preferred to employ someone independent but you need to check references etc yourself.

Like @Cynderella we got a Facebook recommendation and our cleaner is fab. We pay her for three hours and she hoovers, mops, dusts and polishes every week, and then she'll do things like clean the insides of windows and the oven as and when it needs doing. I know some people get their cleaners to change and make their beds, but I prefer to do that myself (strange I know, but I find it a bit too personal!). We're in the South East so its not a like for like comparison, but we pay £15p/h.

Facebook recommendation here too. It has changed our lives and been such a positive change in our home!!! We pay her £25 for two hours, near London.