Here are a few suggestions on how to find an awesome house cleaner.

Housekeepers should be like family. They are invited into your home to clean it, after all. They see your dirty laundry – if you add-on laundry service. However, hiring a housekeeper can bring such a sense of relief, but only if you’ve done your homework. It’s important to find someone who is trustworthy, so start with a company that has a good reputation, particularly if they will be cleaning your home while you’re at work or running errands, and will take their time to do the job properly. Ask around for referrals and consider the ins and outs of using a sole proprietor or hiring a larger cleaning company before you commit to a housekeeper. Larger companies vet their maids, run background checks, and are usually insured and bonded.

One of the best places to look for an awesome housekeeper is to ask your family and friends if they have a company or person that they use and love. A local company that serves your community is also a great source.

When considering hiring a housekeeper, one of the things that you might have to decide is if you’re going to pay by the hour or pay a flat fee, though the housekeeper or company might have their own non-negotiable policies. Flat-fee housekeeping is far more popular, as there is no uncertainty about knowing how much it will cost.