How to Hire a Maid Service

Hiring a maid can help you keep your sanity.

Once thought of as a luxury for the rich, having a maid is now fairly common. Whether due to job responsibilities or just a hectic schedule, having a maid come in and clean once or twice a week can make a real difference in your life. With all the maid services out there, take the steps to choose the right one for you.

Instructions

1. Check your local yellow pages, the Internet and the local bulletin boards to find candidates. Major maid services have branches throughout the country.

2. Get recommendations from your friends who have maids or know others that do.

3. Interview all candidates.

4. Research the companies you're considering. If they have a website, read the documentation on their policies and services offered. Also check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

5. Find out if the maid service requires you to provide the cleaning supplies; some do, and this will be an added expense.

6. Negotiate for a better price. This might be in the amount or type of services covered or a lower overall price for standard services.

7. Have the maid service come in for a trial cleaning, and make sure you're home for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Only hire a maid service that has bonded employees and pays all the taxes necessary.

• Don't just hire a maid service based on price; remember, you'll be trusting all your valuables to them.