I cleaned my home, worked full time and raised 2 children since 1980. Now with my second family, my career is very demanding and I go to school at night, and bike. So we have a woman who comes twice a month.

An individual gives you more flexibility on what they do. I found her through a friend who had hired her to clean her home while she recouperated.

She will do most anything I ask, mop, clean windows, clean the oven, reorganize. I have things I want to clean myself, so she doesn't do those things.

I do not tip her.
I do give her a little bit extra for Christmas.

When she got injured and couldn't clean we cleaned the home ourself while she recouperated.

It is nice to come home to clean floors, counters and bathrooms. It is a luxury I've enjoyed the last 5 years. We are lucky enough to afford this luxury.