Do a critical check of your home environment and make the same changes to your SOP, the same way you would if complete strangers suddenly traipsed through your home every week.
Place credit card statements, bank statements, mail, jewelry, small expensive electronics, etc., inside drawers or closets.
Any personal items you'd feel uncomfortable showing to your mother should be stowed away in a specific, low-profile storage area that is designated for that purpose.
Any medications, particularly those classified as controlled substances, should likewise be placed into conveniently located storage cabinets, not your medicine cabinets.
Find better hiding places for any duplicate keys you may have around, detach any post-its on your phone, computer, security alarm system panel, that may carry passwords, access numbers, etc.
Don't discuss personal issues like recreational drug use, firearms possession, legal issues, etc. in the presence of your cleaner.
Do not argue amongst yourselves in the presence of your cleaner.
Do not hire undocumented workers to clean your home and check your homeowners insurance for coverage in regards to accidents and theft pertaining to househelp.
Do not leave underaged children or houseguests alone with your cleaner.
Do not leave sinks full of dirty dishes, towels, packaging, trash (daily cleaning), etc. for your cleaner to waste valuable time with.
Provide only those chemical products, tools, and necessary staples needed for the tasks to be completed, be flexible about considering the cleaner's preferred alternatives, be diligent about not running out of anything, refilling bottles, etc.
Review the cleaning methods you want employed from the get go, and demonstrate in a hands-on matter exactly how you expect these tasks to be performed on a regular basis, always remaining open to suggestions and new ideas from your cleaner.
Provide hangers and closet space for your cleaner's coat, hat, bags, etc.
Do find out what your cleaner's preferences are regarding food and snacks and make them readily available at the kitchen table throughout his/her visit.
Your cleaner is not Goodwill or Oxfam, and don't make a habit of offering every single obsolete object you own to take home with them...they may feel obligated to accept and be stuck taking home your "gifts" every night!
Do encourage frequent rest breaks and radio but not television, and don't burden them with unnecessary personal conversations or distractions.
If you don't want a treasured article broken, indicate this from the beginning and place a post-it note on as a reminder not to touch it, for the first few sessions.
Do instruct carefully and thoroughly how vacuums, hard floor washing machines, carpet cleaners, etc. are operated during session one, and keep a designated place for bags, supplies, etc. replenished, all tools in order and ready for use.
Remove any clutter you can possibly live with.
Please let your cleaner know of any frayed wires, sharp edges, etc. that you may take for granted but he/she would have no way of knowing about.
Keep basic first aid supplies and aspirin available.
Don't get involved with your cleaner's travel arrangements.
Don't get involved with your cleaner's friends or family.
Remember to appreciate your cleaner's role in helping your home run smoothly. Gift cards to popular mass-market retail stores , supermarkets, etc. are most welcome.
Most important....go with your own instincts.
If you suspect something is amiss, or anything just isn't right, take no chances and dismiss him/her outright, waiting for "proof" your cleaner is too hip to provide for you.
If you have to let a cleaner go, be unemotional but firm, and pay all outstanding pay in cash to them immediately.
You are under no obligation to explain your reasons for doing so.
I know this seems exhaustive, but it's better to establish boundaries from the get-go, so the working relationship WITH your cleaner can develop on a solid foundation based on dignity and mutual respect!
Good Luck!
