by Kara | Feb 13, 2024 | Organizational
We know that trying to juggle housework, your career, family care, social obligations, and time for yourself can seem impossible—which is why Pepper’s Personal Assistants is ready to enter your life and make the transition as easy as possible, The Pepper’s Way.
We’ve asked our team what advice they’d give new clients just starting out with the personal household assistant process, and we’ve put together a guide for first-timers.
Prepare for Help
The first thing clients should do is prepare for help. And no, we don’t mean start organizing your house before someone comes to organize it for you!
Think about your goals, both personal and for your home, and what you would really appreciate another set of hands with. Do a “mind dump” of ideas to brainstorm why you want a personal household assistant and what you’re looking to get out of the arrangement. What are your current pain points? Don’t worry about finding the solution—that’s where we come in. List these tasks and problem areas out in order of priority, and you and your PA can work together to make things easier.
Many people, especially those who have no previous experience with personal household assistants, find it difficult to ask for and accept help. We’re here to make sure that you feel supported, because asking for help never should be looked at as a sign of weakness. Successful people outsource. Our personal assistants give you a helping hand so you can find time for what matters: self-care, and spending time with your friends and family.
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Get Started With Your Personal Household Assistant
Once you have your list, you can begin getting set up with your personal household assistant. Taking the time to ask the most important and targeted questions will set you and your household assistant up for success.
Decide on a schedule, and remember that consistency is key. Consider using virtual organization tools such as Google Calendar, Slack, AnyList and Trello to share information, and communicate regularly with your assistant. Apps such as LastPass are great for saving passwords if your assistant is helping you answer emails and pay online bills. Call your credit card company to add your household assistant if they will be making purchases for you. You can also set up a petty cash system with Venmo or Paypal.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Communication is the key to success in any relationship. We find joy in making your life easier and view feedback as a gift. No matter how big or small, always let your household assistant know if something isn’t working as soon as possible. This will get you where you want to be much quicker.
We suggest clients set aside a regular time to meet and talk with their household assistant to check in. Even a five minute conversation can unblock a lot of items and get things moving in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to discuss your preferences and if there is a certain way you’d like things done—after all, we’re here to make your life easier!
Use Slack to communicate outside of check-in times, and feel free to share how you best operate. What works well? What is most important to you? Your least favorite tasks to tackle? What do you wish you had more time for? What keeps you in your zone of genius?
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Allow Time to Find a Rhythm
Our goal is to get to a place where things are running like clockwork—but that takes time. We’ve found it’s best to give your personal household assistant a little time to get to know you and your home in order to set up a strong foundation. This typically takes around 90 days. As you and your personal household assistant get to know each other, it’s going to become easier for them to anticipate your needs and for you to feel more comfortable asking for help.
Trust the Process and Let’s Get Started
Remember, your personal household assistant is here to make your life easier. Trust the process, let go, and lean into them for support! It may seem like a lot of work up front to hand off tasks and responsibilities, but the more you work together and communicate, the easier it will be in the long run.
Interested in learning more? 
and let’s get started.
by Kara | Feb 12, 2024 | Organizational, Residential
Whether you’re relocating across the country, internationally, or to a new neighborhood, moving can be a hassle. No matter how far your move, hiring a personal household assistant for moving is guaranteed to take a huge load off your to-do list as you make Seattle your new home.
Assistants aren’t only there to take care of administrative technicalities such as updating your mailing address, voter registration and much more. A personal household assistant can pick up the slack in many significant ways before, during, and after the move. This will give you time to focus on your career and personal life.
Here are some ways a personal household assistant can help ease the stress of moving:
Apartment-hunting
So you’ve decided to make the move to Seattle—but you’re currently living several states away. In most cases, it’s not realistic to constantly travel between locations as you search for the perfect pad. This is where a Seattle-based PA can step in as a local liaison.
Browse apartments online and whittle down your list of top picks. Then, your household assistant can coordinate in-person viewings at each location and can even stand in for you at any appointments you can’t attend.
Perhaps you’d like to Skype or FaceTime to see each spot in real-time through your PA’s eyes? Or maybe you’d prefer a text or email with detailed photographs and notes? Your superstar sidekick is ready to help according to your needs.
Storage
Your PA can track down the storage facilities closest to your new neighborhood and reserve a space at your preferred location. When moving time approaches, your spot will be ready for you to store boxes, furniture, recreational equipment, and more. Your assistant is there to help you in any way you see fit. Whether it’s coordination or lending a helping hand as you shuffle between home and storage, we’re here.
Unpacking
Those stacks of marker-labeled cardboard boxes always seem to linger long after moving day. Both on and after moving day, your PA can help you unload and recycle boxes. This is especially handy once you return to work, as an extra pair of hands can ensure no time goes wasted. The sooner those boxes are out of sight, the sooner your new place can start to feel like home.
Homemaking
Once you begin to get settled, you’re likely either preparing to return to or start work, are busy job-hunting, or are bogged down with a million other post-move tasks. Though hunting for the best deal on a couch may not be at the top of your to-do list, it’s still a huge priority—especially if the only available living room seating is on the floor!
We can make furniture store runs, start arranging your decor according to your personal style, and run any necessary errands (after all, that empty refrigerator will need stocking!). While you’re at work, we can also be onsite during the 4-hour service and delivery window given by many furniture and internet providers.
With enough time invested daily, we can have your place spick and span by the end of your first week.
Local Intel
If you’re new to the area, allow us to make a few recommendations! Many of our professional personal household assistants are longtime Seattle-area residents. They are happy to share their intel on favorite local attractions, restaurants, markets, outdoor activities. We can even give recommendations on the more technical stuff such as doctor offices, schools, auto service shops—you name it. With a Pepper’s personal assistant by your side, you’ll be a tried-and-true Seattleite in no time.
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants Today!
Thinking of starting your journey with a new personal household assistant? and let’s get started.
Featured image courtesy of Nicolas Huk
by Kara | Apr 3, 2023 | Organizational, Outsourcing
Even if you’re a meticulous scheduler, certain appointments can sneak up on you and really throw a wrench in your daily plans.
Luckily, personal assistants like those at Pepper’s Personal Assistants are experienced in coordinating routine lawn maintenance, last-minute dental appointments and everything in between.
In fact, a personal assistant can not only make sure these appointments make it on your calendar but also prepare and send relevant information beforehand. Then, they can follow up on your behalf with any questions or concerns afterward.
[Related: How To Reduce Your Stress in the New Year]
Personal Assistants and What Appointments They Can Handle
A personal assistant can help you organize all sorts of appointments. Here are just a few of those nagging-but-necessary items on your to-do list.
Medical, Dental and Vision
It’s crucial to take care of your health. Of course, with a busy schedule full of work obligations and family activities, your well-being can easily fall by the wayside.
A personal assistant can ensure you keep up with your annual medical, dental and vision exams so that you stay confident in your health.
Hair, Nails and Spa
Whether you’re a working parent or a single entrepreneur, your busy days might not fit moments of relaxation and pampering. Self-care is essential in lowering your stress level and balancing your mental health.
So let a personal assistant keep you feeling (and looking) great by helping plan salon and spa appointments.
Pet Checkups and Grooming
Our furry friends are always there for us, ready to play, snuggle or simply sit by our side in front of the TV after a long day of errand-running. A personal assistant can help you be there for them, too.
With a personal assistant, make sure your pets get the regular bathing, grooming and vet visits they so rightfully deserve. After all, you want to ensure their long-lasting health and happiness as your four-legged BFFs.
[Related: 6 Signs You Need a Personal Assistant]
Vehicle Maintenance
If you’ve ever panicked when your “check engine” light popped on unexpectedly before a road trip, wasn’t prepared for your registration to expire that month or simply needed reminding when an oil change was due, a personal assistant could have come in handy.
While you’re busy living your life, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to reliably get to where you’re going!
Allow your personal assistant to schedule regular car maintenance appointments and make emergency repair appointments. They’ll also make sure you know when you need to replace important documents — like registration and insurance.
House Maintenance
Additionally, a personal assistant can guarantee your home is in tip-top shape at the hands of professionals. They can organize home repair services, yard and landscape maintenance appointments, as well as package delivery and reception.
[Related: A Personal Assistant Can Make Your Summer Vacation Even More Relaxing — Here’s How]
Connect With Pepper’s Personal Assistants Today!
Have we convinced you that a personal assistant can improve your life? Pepper’s Personal Assistants are experienced, skilled and ready to handle the tasks many successful people outsource every day.
Our personal assistants can drastically improve your daily life by giving you back the time you’ve earned.
Maybe you have a few more questions. Contact us today to learn how long-term, recurring household support can increase your happiness. Let’s get started!
Featured image via Unsplash
by Kara | Mar 17, 2023 | Organizational, Outsourcing
Once you hire a personal assistant, you’re probably ready to sit back, relax, and let them work their magic. We don’t blame you! Your personal assistant should be ready to reduce your mental load and clear your plate so that you can find more time for yourself and your family.
However, like any relationship working or otherwise, it’s important to do your part to maintain a good working environment so that your new personal assistant will feel appreciated and want to stay and grow with you in your employment.
Here are just some ways you can keep that successful relationship going and retain your perfect personal assistant.
[Related: The Best Interview Questions for Personal Assistants]
Respect and Trust Your Assistant
We know it can be hard to let someone “take over the reins” and start doing things for you. Especially if you’re used to doing it all yourself.
A little trust goes a long way. Let go a little and have faith in your assistant to do quality work and keep your best interests at heart.
Schedule Regular Check-ins
Regular check-ins are crucial in retaining your personal assistant. This allows both you and your assistant time to ask and answer questions that can help your assistant better do their job.
Check-ins should be scheduled consistently so that they are expected and normal. We recommend weekly 30 minute check-ins for the first month to make sure your assistant is feeling supported.
After a month, 10-15 minutes a week depending on current projects might work just fine. Conduct more formal check-ins at the 30, 60, and 90 day mark, and after that every 6 months should suffice.
One way to structure these one-on-ones is to ask your assistant to come with a win, a challenge, and at least one question to start off.
[Related: Do Successful People Outsource? The Answer Is Yes.]
Give and Receive Feedback
Both parties should be continuously sharing their honest feedback — not just during scheduled check-ins. To build a culture of feedback as a gift rather than a punishment, give both positive and constructive feedback and be open to listening and taking action on any feedback from your personal assistant as well.
Set Up a Permanent Schedule and Establish Business Hours
Having your PA come on the same day and time each week will create consistency in your routine, which is the best way to add balance to your busy life.
Additionally, boundaries are important for a work-life balance. Respect that your assistant has a life outside of work, and establish strict business hours for communication. Let them know that they’re not required to ever respond to any messages outside of those hours unless it’s a true emergency.
Be Transparent and Over Communicate
No relationship will work out in the long-run without communication, so clear communication and transparency from day one is important. Have conversations about your preferences and expectations in order to set up a long and happy partnership with your PA.
Moreover, let them know when they’re doing great, as well as what they can improve on. For example, if you’d prefer they store clean, folded linens in the laundry room cabinets instead of in the bathroom, or if you like each meal prep container labeled in a specific way, don’t hesitate to let them know! If you aren’t sure whether they’re comfortable doing a particular task — such as taking your dog to the dog park — just ask.
Your PA is on your team and wants to do everything possible to make your life easier (even the small stuff).
[Related: Our Advice for Getting Started With Your Personal Assistant]
Set Goals to Maintain Focus
To respect the time of both yourself and your personal assistant, it’s crucial to set goals and work off of lists of things you’d like to see done.
Start a “bucket list” of things you’d like to get off of your plate. You and your PA can prioritize these tasks so that there is always something they can work on each week, and they’ll feel guided and supported.
Going on a vacation? Ask your assistant to come up with some remote projects, organizing tasks, or home improvement projects that they can work on while you’re gone. This way you can enjoy your time away without stress, and they’ll have some direction while you’re out of town.
Use Tech Tools to Your Advantage
Use tech tools to communicate and be productive. One such tool that has been a life-changer for Pepper’s Personal Assistants is Slack, which offers both a desktop and a mobile version. Slack allows clients and PAs to keep track of all communication in one accessible interface. It also features an easy-to-use search function to find past conversations.
Other project management, organization, and communication-oriented apps that we recommend include AnyList, To Do, Trello, and Voxer.
[Related: Personal Assistant Apps — Do They Really Help?]
Show Appreciation
The biggest and perhaps simplest tip on our list for retaining your personal assistant is showing basic appreciation. Genuine recognition of hard work goes a long way — you never know how much a “thank you” can mean to someone.
Start Your Journey and Reclaim Your Time with Pepper’s Personal Assistants
Are you interested in hiring a personal assistant? Pepper’s Personal Assistants can provide you with the help you need, when you need it most. We make it easy to find the perfect personal assistant for your lifestyle and goals.
Learn more about us, or contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation to answer any of your questions.
by Kara | Nov 2, 2022 | Organizational
With the holidays just around the corner, our normal workloads are about to quadruple in size and scope. Santa Claus may have an entire workshop of elves to help him get through the holiday rush, but how are all of us mortals south of the North Pole supposed to cope?
One recent study shows that 60% of Americans feel increased stress and anxiety around the holidays. The hustle and bustle can be overwhelming, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for the help you need. But when friends and family are going through their own holiday stressors, who do you turn to?
While we may not have the magical powers required to make a sleigh fly, we do know the next best thing: a personal assistant who can make your life run smoothly.
Here’s how a personal assistant can help you this holiday season.
[Related: 6 Signs You Need a Personal Assistant]
Shop for Gifts
Once you’re done making a list and checking it twice, the hard work begins: braving holiday traffic, mall crowds and busy stores to pick up the perfect presents.
But especially as you rush to complete your workload at the office in time for the holiday weekend — perhaps even putting in some overtime or working late nights — finding time to devote to gift shopping can be challenging. Besides, the free time you do have on weekends is precious and to be savored, not spent in a harrowing stampede of shoppers.
Hand off your gift list to us, and we’ll handle the chaotic parking lots and long lines. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the real reason for the season — spending time with loved ones. We’ll load up the sleigh and shuttle the haul back to your home for wrapping (which we’re happy to help with, if you’d like!).
Delegate and Send Out Greeting Cards
How many times have you planned to send out old-fashioned holiday cards? And then before you know it, the season’s wrapping up — and you haven’t addressed half the envelopes or even purchased the cards?
Your personal assistant can help you find the perfect greeting cards, gather names, address envelopes and ensure they’re all in the mail on time.
[Related: Do Successful People Outsource? The Answer Is Yes.]
Brave the Post Office and Mail Packages
The post office run can be a truly chaotic errand during the holiday season. Lines are often out the door, and in the ruckus it’s easy to forget to send out packages on schedule.
Trust your personal assistant to gather all gifts headed to far-off friends and family and make sure they’re shipped on the dot. They’ll also brave the long lines and the mayhem of actually going inside the post office.
Book Lodging and Travel Accommodations
Are you planning on traveling for the holidays?
A personal assistant can take the stress off booking lodging and travel arrangements. First, your assistant can sift through the endless hotel and Airbnb reviews to find you the ideal option. Next, they’ll do their best to snag you a flight for a decent price (and at a decent time).
Prep Before Events
Whether you’ll host an extravagant holiday meal with the entire extended family or have a few friends over for a small gift exchange, if you plan to open your home this season, chances are you’ve got a few to-dos before entertaining.
Your personal assistant is here to lend a hand as you prepare everything from the menu to the house itself.
Got a few small pieces to finish off your festive decor scheme (wintry figurines, decorative pillows, wreaths, garlands or candles)? We’re happy to set them out on the couch, mantle, coffee table or elsewhere.
While we’re at it, how about some help with grocery shopping and meal prep? We’re experts at chopping veggies for the stuffing and fruit for the pie.
Need someone at home to sign off on a special delivery package? Or maybe you need someone to water those poinsettias, put away the laundry and tidy up the living room before the guests arrive? You can count on us to complete tasks at home and beyond!
[Related: Pepper’s Personal Assistants’ Local Seattle Holiday Gift Guide 2021]
Lighten Your Seasonal Load
Between work obligations and social events, family gatherings and seasonal errands, your already-busy life gets about five times busier during the holiday season.
Fortunately, you’ll find no better time to enlist personal assistant services.
Your personal assistant can cover the time-consuming tasks that burden your week. We’ll drop off and pick up your party dress or suit from the dry cleaners just in time for that festive soiree.
Hitting the road for a holiday meal at grandma’s house? We can take the car in for maintenance so you can safely navigate any wet or icy highways.
Perform Absentee Services
If you’ll spend the holidays at another destination, we can hold down the fort while you’re away. Here are just a few samples of how a personal assistant can help this holiday season while you’re away:
- Picking up and/or organizing your mail, newspapers or other deliveries
- Taking out any trash or recycling
- Turning lights and electronics off or on
- Completing light tidying (like sweeping, dusting or turning down bedding)
- Monitoring your home’s temperature (in other words, running the heat if necessary for pets or houseplants that require a specific climate)
- Running faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting
- Restocking the fridge and having a meal ready for your return
A personal assistant can give you reprieve from worrying about your home while out of town. That way, you’ll be able to focus on relaxing and making lasting memories with those you love during the holidays.
[Related: All About Pepper’s Personal Assistants—and How We Can Help]
Relax This Holiday Season With Pepper’s Personal Assistants
Getting ready for the holidays should be exciting, not stressful.
Embrace the warmth and merriment of the next several weeks and avoid the panic of last-minute preparations — Pepper’s Personal Assistants has your back.
Interested in learning more about how a personal assistant can help this holiday season? Contact Pepper’s today!
by Kara | Sep 21, 2022 | Organizational, Parenting
When the first bell rings at the end of summer, for busy working parents, it means so much more than the end of a nine-week break from school. It seems as soon as September rolls around, the shortening days close in on a landslide of seasonal commitments and back-to-school stress.
Then, add daily school drop-off and pickup, after-school chauffeur duties, homework help and the impending holiday rush to the mix of ‘round-the-clock career, home and social responsibilities.
Now you’ve got a recipe for stretching yourself too thin.
[Related: 6 Signs You Need a Personal Assistant]
For bogged-down parents who find themselves in need of an extra set of hands during this busy time, enlist a professional personal assistant (PA) to help pick up the slack. The best part? Your freed-up schedule makes room for more quality family time!
The trick is to get back into the swing of things before the holidays hit. You can use September and October to tackle your to-do list before Halloween gives way to the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas takeover. This is where your PA steps in to save the season.
Here are a few ways PAs can help lighten the load during the frenzied back-to-school season.
Meal Planning and Prep
Grocery shopping for dinner ingredients and preparing each component can eat up a lot of your spare time.
While you’re at work, hand off your shopping list to your PA. We’ll shop during non-peak hours and stock your kitchen with all the fresh and dry goods you need. We can also measure and chop vegetables beforehand, so all you have to do when you get home is assemble, serve and enjoy.
Our PAs can even pick up your favorite bottle of wine so you can pamper yourself with a glass once the kids are in bed!
As a result, you replace mealtime stress with relaxing personal time.
[Related: Burnout: What’s at Stake and What Can You Do About It?]
Scheduling
We can take care of calendar organization, including scheduling important dates:
- Upcoming doctor and dental appointments
- Yard services
- Car tune-ups
- Repair services
- Haircuts and beauty appointments
- Child and pet care arrangements
- Home delivery coordination and reception
Our PAs can also make sure that any school-related events — such as PTA meetings, field trips, concerts and other extracurricular activities — make it onto the calendar. That way, they’re easy for you to review. Never double-book again with the help of a PA.
Taking Care of the House in Your Absence
Flying out to visit the in-laws for the holidays? Your PA will take care of your home while you’re away — whether this means watering plants, cleaning up after the kitty, checking the mail, restocking the fridge or all of the above.
Event Planning
Hosting a holiday party or Thanksgiving dinner? Allow your sidekick to manage your invites and get a head start on the shopping.
Maybe your child wants a very specifically themed birthday party, and you don’t have time to research who exactly the Avengers are and what kind of cupcakes Iron Man is into. A PA can take the reins and work with your budget to plan an unforgettable event.
[Related: Do Successful People Outsource? The Answer Is Yes.]
Shopping for School Supplies
It can seem that each year, school supply lists keep getting longer and longer. And because every parent out there needs to get those items, navigating busy stores can take a lot more time than it needs to.
Pass off these lists to your PA. They’ll grab all the notebooks, pens, pencils, tissues, and crayons your kid will need this year.
Pet Care
With the increased activities of fall, one or two family members may feel a bit neglected. Let your PA make sure your furry, four-legged friends get enough care and attention on those extra-busy days when you aren’t home that much.
Our PAs can guarantee your animals are happy and entertained. They’ll feed, walk, make vet appointments and give extra belly rubs.
Balancing Career and Home Life
Own a small business? Wrapped up in a full-time consulting job? Staying late at the office as business picks up during the fall and winter?
With a PA to take care of errands, chores and home life details, you can focus your energy on workday operations for maximum success — and use your hard-earned time off to relax for once.
[Related: Case Study: How One Mom Got Back Her Time]
Relax This Fall With the Help of Pepper’s Personal Assistants
If you’re thinking of starting your PA journey, contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants today. Let’s get started!
Want to learn more? Check out the best interview questions to ask a PA, our advice for getting started with your PA and the five apps we recommend for making back-to-school time a bit easier.
Featured image via Pexels
