How much to pay for cleaning help?

I need a good cleaning, and was wondering what the going rate is for a cleaning lady.

No laundry or cleaning dishes needed. Just the house - vacuum, mopping, surfaces, bathroom, kitchen, windows, & organizing etc.

It's a one time thing. In Lakewood. For a 2 bedroom, and 1 bathroom ranch.

Do I pay hourly or give a flat rate? How much for both scenarios? I'm assuming it'll take a few hours.

TIA

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 24 2008 Posts: 6528

In Lakewood the average rate is 9.5 - 10.00 per hour. In more expensive areas it is more.
Some agencies will make you pay an extra $2 for finding her (but not all)

I have a 2 bedroom, 2 floor home. Right now I have someone amazing who cleans regularly cleaned areas in 3 hours (no laundry or linen). But in the past it normally took longer. I've always paid by the hour.

Regarding the organizing, taking someone for one time normally won't help with organizing too much because they really don't know where anything goes. Unless you are giving them cabinet by cabinet.

Minimum three hours for a one time thing, probably closer to four because it's new and unfamiliar and you will have to be there too.