Outsourcing Your To-Do List

By Tracey Dowdy

Though it’s been around since 2008, I was recently introduced to the world of TaskRabbit, a site that connects your to-do list with available to-doers in your area. Got a refrigerator that needs a good cleaning? Gutters that need to be cleared? Music that needs to be cataloged? A basement that needs organizing, a dollhouse to be assembled, a dog walked, groceries delivered or help moving a piano…you get the picture. If you have a list of things that you’ll eventually get to – I’m looking at you, baby albums – chore sharing or outsourcing those jobs may be the answer.

Of course posting on a site like Craigslist is always an option, but it’s difficult to know if the individual you’re hiring is who they say they are. Credentials, resumes, references, and past clients are easy to fake and sometimes difficult to verify. These sites are reputable and have done the homework for you.

TaskRabbit

Taskrabbit_logo13Once you sign up, just let TaskRabbit know what chores you need done and they will match you with a fully-vetted “tasker” in your area. Rates are posted with each profile with a minimum one-hour fee charged. Once the task is complete, you pay online so no cash is involved. All jobs are fully insured and you can cancel at no charge up to six hours before the task. If you cancel inside that six hour window you’ll be charged for one hour of work. Customer service is available 24/7, so you’re never left hanging if you run in to an issue or have a problem. TaskRabbit is currently available in 18 cities nationwide with plans for expansion.

Agent Anything

askanythingAgent Anything carries the tagline “Do less, accomplish more” and helps you accomplish that task by outsourcing your to-do list to local students. Simply post what you need done, set your price, choose from the offers that come in and pay once the job is done. You can choose to award the job to the first person who responds or review the profiles before making your choice. You also have the option to allow the agent (student) to make you an offer. Once you’ve made your choice, Agent Anything runs your credit card but the amount is on hold until the task is complete. Past jobs include everything from beta testers for start-up companies to running errands for seniors. Available in New York and New Jersey.

Zaarly

zaarlyZaarly connects small businesses and local independent contractors with home owners looking to get home improvement projects done. Jobs can be as small as fixing a broken hinge or as big as putting in your garden. Each small business has been screened for quality and customer service and is regularly evaluated to ensure standards are maintained. Users browse the list of experts, choose the one that best meets their needs, clarify the project by answering a few questions and generally receive a response and a quote within three hours.  Payment is secure – neither Zaarly nor the service expert you hire can see your credit card and the card isn’t charged until the job is complete. Zaarly even offers a message platform so you can chat and share photos with your expert. Available in Austin, Denver, Kansas City and San Francisco.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack_Logo_2014Thumbtack connects you with professionals who will do everything from hang pictures in your den to redecorate the entire room, help you move across town, plan a birthday party for your six year old or train your dog to sit. Tell Thumbtack what you’re looking for and they’ll match you with local service providers who will then send you a quote that includes a price estimate, customer reviews, contact information, a personal message and their business profile so you can have confidence you’re making the best match for your needs. Best of all, Thumbtack is available in all 50 states.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Comments:

  2. What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read
    this piece of writing i thought i could also create comment
    due to this sensible post.

  4. What’s up, yeah this post is really fastidious and I have
    learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
    thanks.

  5. I visited various web pages however the audio feature for audio songs present at this web page is really excellent.

  6. Hey there! I understand this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.

    Does building a well-established blog like yours require a massive amount work?

    I am completely new to operating a blog but I do write in my journal daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my
    experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for new aspiring bloggers.
    Appreciate it!

  7. No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing, so he/she desires to be available that in detail,
    so that thing is maintained over here.

  8. Why users still make use of to read news papers when in this
    technological world everything is available on net?

  9. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am no longer positive whether this
    post is written by means of him as nobody else realize such certain about my difficulty.
    You’re amazing! Thank you!

  10. Hi, i believe that i noticed you visited my blog so i came
    to go back the want?.I’m attempting to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose
    its good enough to use some of your concepts!!

  11. Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment
    (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just
    sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to
    the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for newbie blog writers?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  12. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email.

    I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing.

    Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over
    time.

  14. Your style is so unique in comparison to other
    folks I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess
    I will just book mark this page.

  16. You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the
    work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not
    afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after
    your heart.

  18. Hi everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web
    site, and piece of writing is in fact fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting such articles.

  20. Hey I am so thrilled I found your website, I
    really found you by error, while I was looking on Digg for something else,
    Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a remarkable
    post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the
    minute but I have saved it and also added your RSS
    feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
    more, Please do keep up the awesome jo.

  25. Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems
    different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  26. My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was totally right.
    This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just
    how much time I had spent for this info!
    Thanks!

  27. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.

    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?

  30. Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
    I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  31. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any
    problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of unique content
    I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the
    web without my authorization. Do you know
    any ways to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  32. I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your site.
    It seems like some of the written text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide
    feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too?
    This might be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Many thanks

  35. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it
    for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where
    u got this from. thank you

  40. I will right away take hold of your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription link
    or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me understand
    in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  41. Can I just say what a relief to uncover an individual who actually understands what they’re discussing over the internet.
    You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    A lot more people should look at this and understand this
    side of the story. I was surprised that you are not
    more popular because you definitely possess the gift.

  42. This is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate information… Thank you
    for sharing this one. A must read article!

  43. whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles.
    Stay up the great work! You know, a lot of persons are hunting round for this information, you
    can help them greatly.

  45. Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.

    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

  46. constantly i used to read smaller articles that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post
    which I am reading at this time.

  52. It is truly a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you just shared this useful information with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  53. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you
    really recognise what you’re talking about! Bookmarked.
    Please additionally discuss with my site =). We can have a link
    alternate arrangement between us

  54. Superb site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of community where
    I can get comments from other experienced people that share
    the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let
    me know. Thanks a lot!

  56. Nice blog here! Also your site rather a lot up fast! What host are you using?

    Can I am getting your associate link in your host?

    I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  61. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after looking at a few of
    the articles I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking
    it and checking back often!

  63. I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this
    kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website.
    Studying this information So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly
    what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make sure to do not fail to remember this site and give it a
    look regularly.

  67. Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
    I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I’m sure they will be benefited from this web
    site.

  69. Simply wish to say your article is as surprising.
    The clarity in your post is just excellent and i can assume you are
    an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me
    to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  70. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely
    enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author. I will ensure that
    I bookmark your blog and will eventually come
    back later in life. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice weekend!

  71. I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by
    him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.
    You are wonderful! Thanks!

  72. Excellent blog right here! Also your site lots up very fast!
    What host are you the use of? Can I get your affiliate link in your host?
    I want my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  73. Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this site on a regular basis,
    this website is actually good and the visitors
    are in fact sharing nice thoughts.

  74. Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future
    but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most
    blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  76. Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be back
    again to read more, thanks for the information!

  78. you’re in point of fact a just right webmaster. The site loading
    speed is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick.

    In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a fantastic activity on this topic!

  80. Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
    be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  83. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.
    I am hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well.

    In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get
    my very own website now 😉

  84. Hi there, I do think your website may be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
    Apart from that, great site!

  86. Having read this I thought it was really enlightening.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article together.
    I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
    But so what, it was still worth it!

  88. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to
    say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write
    again very soon!

  90. Valuable info. Fortunate me I found your website accidentally, and I’m surprised
    why this coincidence did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.

  93. Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.

    After all I will be subscribing on your rss feed and
    I’m hoping you write again very soon!

    Also visit my webpage – sekiki.net

  95. Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious.
    And naturally, thanks for your sweat!

    Take a look at my web page … kabarutama.net

  99. You’re so interesting! I don’t think I’ve read something like this before.
    So wonderful to find someone with genuine thoughts on this subject.
    Seriously.. thank you for starting this up.
    This site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!

    Here is my homepage :: 릴게임사이트

  134. I don’t even know the way I finished up here, but I
    thought this put up was once great. I do not recognise who you’re but certainly you’re going to
    a well-known blogger for those who aren’t already.
    Cheers!

  140. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favourite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest thing to remember of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about issues that they plainly
    do not recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as
    well as outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , other folks can take a signal.

    Will probably be again to get more. Thank you

  142. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to
    my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to
    her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her
    ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I
    had to tell someone!

  145. It’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  146. Hi there, everything is going sound here and ofcourse
    every one is sharing data, that’s actually fine, keep up writing.

  149. Greate post. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
    I am sure they will be benefited from this website.

  152. First of all I would like to say wonderful
    blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
    I have had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.
    I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just
    trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
    Many thanks!

  153. I believe what you wrote made a lot of sense. However, think on this, suppose you were to create a awesome title?

    I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your website, but suppose
    you added a post title that grabbed people’s attention? I mean Outsourcing Your To-Do List – The Online Mom is kinda plain. You might look at Yahoo’s front page and note how they create news titles
    to grab people to open the links. You might try adding
    a video or a pic or two to get readers excited about what you’ve got to
    say. Just my opinion, it might make your website a little livelier.

  155. Thank you for every other wonderful article. Where else may just anybody get that type of info
    in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and
    I’m at the search for such info.

  157. With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of
    plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve
    either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any methods to help prevent
    content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  158. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire
    someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to
    design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
    many thanks

  164. Hi there excellent website! Does running a blog like this take a large
    amount of work? I’ve no understanding of programming but I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, if you have any ideas or techniques for new blog
    owners please share. I know this is off topic but
    I simply wanted to ask. Thank you!

  166. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that
    it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.

    I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Many people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  171. I believe this is among the most vital information for me.

    And i’m glad studying your article. But want to observation on few general
    things, The website taste is wonderful, the articles is in reality
    excellent : D. Just right process, cheers

  172. Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
    with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

  173. It’s difficult to find educated people about this topic, but you seem like you
    know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  176. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer
    for your blog. You have some really good articles
    and I feel I would be a good asset. If you
    ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some
    material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an email if interested. Thank you!

  178. Hi, this weekend is good designed for me, since this moment i am reading this great educational article here at my residence.

  179. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.

    I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to
    a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  183. Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of info on your page.
    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hi there, You have performed a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and
    for my part recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from
    this site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended Articles

7 Apps for Finding Stuff Online

10 Essential Apps for the Busy Mom

Apps for Managing Your Finances

7 Apps for a More Beautiful Home

Best New Apps for Working On-the-Go