Housekeeper

Hi,

My name is G. and we lived in Okinawa for a little over 6 years. I used a mamasan after I had surgury, the gal I had was very nice and honest, but, she did not like to do actual housework, only laundry. I have found with several of my friends that it is very common for the ladies to only want to do laundry. Japan update is the best source of information and requests. Once you look thru the website and place a few ads you will be hooked. I was able to sell and buy quite easily.

good luck,

G.

Hello!
I lived on Okinawa from 92-97...so things may have changed some. However, one avenue you could take is advertising in the base paper. Unless you speak Hogan or Japanese, you'll probably want your cleaning lady to speak some English. Make sure you iron out all the money details and everything that you expect from her upfront. Also, they used to have mama-sans called 'sew ladies'---these women are phenomenal. When I was there, it was $75 and lunch for a full day of sewing. You needed to have a store of paper bags from which they would make their patterns. I'd hand them a photo/magazine/catlogue of an expensive dress that I wanted and they'd make it in no time. Usually got 2-3 dresses out of it!
Hope that helps. Good luck!
Macke

M.,
I don't know anything about housekeepers sorry, but I was wondering where in West Virginia are you from? My husband and I are both from Bunker Hill, WV which is in the eastern panhandle near Martinsburg.

These are all services offered and advertised on the Japan Update classifieds.

*Amber's Spic & Span Cleaning Service* $60.per visit for cleaning weekly, twice or once a month. You don't have to be home. I will lock up behind me. I have experience & references. I am honest & reliable. For more info call or email me. Have a beautiful day! Amber ###-###-####-4485 Cell ____@____.com email

DIRTBUSTERS CLEANING SERVICE: Are you tired of chores? Do you need a little extra help? If you want a english speaking professional give us a call @ 080-396-34157 or email us at ____@____.com offer weekly, biweekly, or one time cleans for a very competitive rate. We serve all on and off base locations.

EXPRESS CLEAN: Tired from a long days work? Just don't have the time for deep cleaning? Let us make your life easier. We are English speaking, have excellent references and service both on and off base. All base access. Please call us at ###-###-#### and leave a message; or email us at ____@____.com

Anointed Hands Cleaning:We are two very experienced ladies. We do pcs cleaning, general cleaning, off and on base. Please call us today and we will take care of all your cleaning needs. Email us at ____@____.com or cell phone 09065677493

Deanne's House Cleaning, let us provide you professional, reliable cleaning at competitive prices. We are committed to making your home sparkle on a weekly, bi-weekly, or PCS basis. We specialize in PCS cleaning, let us ease the stress of cleaning your home for a final inspection. Call ###-###-#### (H), ###-###-####-4128 (C), or email ____@____.com for a free estimate.

I haven't used any of them so can't recommend one over the other but I hope you can find someone that will work for you :)

-O.

Hi there. I don't really have a response to your question but I was just wondering how you liked living in Japan. We currently live in England and will be here for 2.5 more years but it will be time to start updating our sheet pretty soon and we were kind of curious about the other side of the world. By the time we leave our children will be 9 and 10. Any suggestions? Would you recommend Japan? After this tour my hubby only has 8 years left so we have time for one more overseas. Thanks so much! Nikki Turnbach

Hi M.,

We lived in Misawa, Japan 1998-2002. Although I did not employ a mama-san personally I knew people that did. They do a great deal in one day, from washing, ironing, and cleaning house. I think you are expected to use them on a weekly basis not just when your house needs a good going over! If there are certain things you dont want them to do you must point that out beforehand, as they can do a lot more in a day than you would expect. I would ask around to see if there is anyone who uses one or put an ad in the Base Newspaper. Best of luck.

M.

I would look on Okinawaads.com. I'm at Yokota and that is where the website started and then they recently started the ad site at Okinawa. There are always ads for cleaning services on Yokota so you may get lucky and find a maid. I know my husband was stationed at Kadena prior to joining me here at Yokota and there were always ads in the base paper for cleaning on Kadena when I would go to see him. Good Luck on your hunt!