Having a clean home is a luxury that can keep family members healthy and stress-free. But hiring a maid service can also be expensive.
If the cleaning professional’s checklist looks complete, it probably is. But a checkmark doesn’t mean that everything got done. Ancillary work can lead to oversights.
1. Identify Your Cleaning Needs
Depending on your needs, you may want the maids to clean the entire home or just specific rooms. For instance, some people choose to only have the kitchen and bathrooms professionally cleaned each time while others opt for a comprehensive deluxe cleaning every month.
Aside from the physical benefits, it is important to note that regular cleaning reduces indoor air pollutants. These include dust, pet dander and mold spores. These can cause respiratory distress, and it is essential to have a regular clean home to minimize them.
When deciding on the services you need, it is also important to think about your budget. Different cleaning companies have different rates and packages, so it is important to shop around before making a decision. Some companies offer a flat rate for cleaning based on the size of your home, while others charge per hour.
Generally, most cleaning companies will give you an initial quote over the phone or through their website. This will allow you to get a general idea of how much the services will cost, but it is crucial to understand that this estimate is subject to a full review and in-person inspection of your home. It will take more time to clean a large house than it does a smaller one, and this must be taken into consideration when determining the initial quote.
You can help keep your cleaning costs down by doing some of the work yourself before your scheduled cleaning session. This can include things like vacuuming, washing your windows, and cleaning the home office. You can also save money by reducing the frequency of certain tasks, such as dusting the high areas of your home on your own between cleaning sessions rather than having the maids do it for you.
2. Determine Your Budget
A maid service can remove one of the biggest chores from your to-do list, giving you more time to relax. However, these services can be costly and you must be able to make the decision if they are worth it for your situation. Creating a budget worksheet is a great first step to determine how much money you can devote to cleaning services each month without sacrificing other financial goals and necessities. Be sure to include ongoing expenses like rent or mortgage payments, groceries, insurance, and utilities as well as any one-time expenses such as annual credit card fees or car repairs.
Maids typically work by the hour, so you will need to decide how many hours per cleaning session you would prefer to have your home cleaned. It’s also helpful to consider if you will want the maid to complete all tasks in your home or if there are some areas that don’t need to be cleaned as often, such as a formal dining room.
Then, identify the type of products that you don’t want to be used in your home (or if you have sensitive pets that may come into contact with them). If there are special needs such as using eco-friendly or pet safe chemicals, make sure the maid service knows so they can accommodate these requests.
When you interview maids, ask for references from past clients and try to get a sense of the company culture. A reputable company will be happy to provide these references, and their online reviews should give you a good idea of what to expect. Choosing an established company with multiple employees will ensure you have the best chance of finding a professional and reliable maid that will get your home looking its best.
3. Ask for References
When choosing a maid service, it is important to ask for references. This is a great way to get an idea of how satisfied past customers were with the company’s services. In addition, it can help you determine whether or not a company is right for your needs. For example, if you need hardwood floors cleaned, you should make sure that the cleaning service you choose will be able to handle this task. Usually, you can find this information by checking online reviews.
It is also a good idea to compare prices between different companies. However, remember that the lowest price is not always best. In fact, if a company offers significantly cheaper services than others, it could be a red flag that they do not meet quality standards. Once you have found a company that meets your needs and budget, it is time to schedule a visit. Some people hire maids on a one-time basis, while others prefer recurring or weekly services. Either way, hiring a maid service can be a great way to keep your home clean and tidy without putting too much stress on yourself.
4. Choose a Company
Most people keep their homes clean for a variety of reasons, from the simple joy of living in a tidy space to impressing friends and family. But a clean home can actually have health benefits as well. It’s important to find a cleaning service that takes your needs and health seriously.
When choosing a cleaning company, read reviews and get recommendations from people you trust. Look for a company with a good reputation, excellent cleaning services and reasonable prices. It’s also a good idea to choose a company with plenty of experience. This will ensure that they’ve developed a system for cleaning and are comfortable handling any problems that may arise.
Another thing to consider when choosing a company is whether or not they’re insured and bonded. This is especially important if you’re planning to have your cleaners work in your home. If the company is not insured or bonded, you could be at risk of having your belongings stolen. A reputable cleaning company will take the time to make sure their cleaners are fully insured and bonded.
Finally, be sure to read the contract carefully. Many companies require that you sign a contract that locks you in for a certain amount of time. If you’re not happy with their service, be sure to get out of the contract as quickly as possible.
Another important consideration is how often you should tip your maid service. Many larger NYC maid services advertise that tips are not required; this is usually because they’ve built gratuity into their workers’ wages, so that the cleaners receive a livable hourly wage and don’t need to rely on tips. However, if you feel that your maid has gone above and beyond for you, it never hurts to give them a small tip.
5. Schedule a Visit
Maintaining a clean home can be challenging for many homeowners, especially those with a busy lifestyle or large family. Maid service cleaning services offer a convenient and affordable solution to keep homes sparkling clean and tidy. Whether you need help with regular cleaning or a deep clean, there are many services to choose from. To find the right service for you, be sure to take into account your individual needs and budget.
When hiring a maid service, it is important to schedule your visits carefully. This will ensure that the maid is available when you need them and will not have to travel long distances between appointments. Additionally, it will help minimize downtime, which is time that the maids are not cleaning and generating income for you.
Make sure to avoid mistakes when scheduling your maid appointments, such as leaving gaps between cleaning jobs or scheduling a small home in between larger houses. These errors can result in the maid spending unpaid time driving between clients and may not be able to clean as many homes per day as possible.
During your first appointment, be sure to discuss all the services you want the cleaners to provide. It is also a good idea to provide clear instructions and a list of tasks that should be completed during each visit. Also, if you have any specific preferences for your cleaners — such as using an acid-based product on marble surfaces or using a specialized tool to remove soap scum from stainless steel tubs — make sure to let the company know ahead of time.
Lastly, be sure to consider tipping your maids. While it is not necessary, it is a great way to show your appreciation for their work. Many cleaning companies include gratuity in their workers’ wages, so be sure to check before leaving a tip.