Whether you are planning a vacation or a short trip, you have probably thought about the dangers of leaving your home unattended. For this reason, you might want to consider hiring a housekeeper near you to look after your home while you are away. However, finding someone trustworthy can be a daunting task. Below are some tips for finding the right housekeeper.
Determine What Services They Will Carry Out
Housekeepers provide numerous services. This includes collecting mail, cleaning the house, watering your plants, caring for your children, walking and feeding pets, etc. Therefore, before you set out to hire a housekeeper, determine first what services you will require while you are gone, so you can make the right hiring decision.
Seek Referrals
An easy way to find a trustworthy housekeeper is by seeking referrals from friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who have used the services of reputable housekeepers before.
Read Online Reviews
Similarly, you can find potential housekeepers through online sources like HousesitterAmerica and Care 4 Hire. These online sites often provide housekeepers profile together with reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. A benefit of using housekeeper agencies is that they have multiple candidates suitable for your needs.
Meet and Test Potential Housekeepers
Once you have identified potential housekeepers, plan to meet them in person and see how you feel about them. If the task will be to look after your pet, introduce them to your pet and see how they approach them. The test run will help you establish whether they can handle the tasks while you are gone. Arranging for a meet-and-greet will also allow the housekeeper to get a sense of the state of your home, garden, and pet before they can agree to stay.
Interview Your Housekeeper
While they are in your house, you can take the chance to do a formal interview in order to establish whether they have the qualities you are looking for. Inquire about their reasons for wanting to be a housekeeper and the additional services they offer and whether they can handle the tasks at hand. During the interview, pay attention to their communication skills. What’s more, a trustworthy housekeeper should have no problem providing you with references.
Provide Necessary Tools and Information
Once you have shortlisted potential candidates, it is only reasonable that you provide them with the necessary tools and information that they will need to undertake the tasks. Before you travel, it is worth giving them a tour of your house and the neighborhood.
Inform them with specific details like how to feed the pets and instructions for who will be visiting the house. Also, ensure that you equip them with emergency contacts that they can use to reach you. Last but not least, do not forget to give them a message to relay to visitors to let them know that you are currently unavailable.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable and honest housekeeper to care for your house can bring a huge sense of relief. Find a referral from people and online sources you trust, and ask the prospective candidates to provide you with references of their former employers. This will help you make a final informed decision.