Are you debating whether or not a home cleaning service is worth the money? I’ve totally been there. For years I went back and forth wondering if I should bite the bullet and hire a cleaning service.
I knew that outsourcing some of the housework would give me more time to spend with my kids, work on my business, and complete other errands. However, I still had some reservations about the cost and whether my cleanliness expectations would be met!
After my second son was born my husband had to have a surgery that left him immobile for months. This is when I decided it was time to hire a cleaner. And I’m so glad I did.
Having someone come in to do an overall cleanse of our home — vacuum, wash floors, and clean the bathrooms — was a lifesaver. I just didn’t have the capacity to keep my home as clean as I wanted when I was trying to take care of a baby, toddler, and my man-child.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should hire a cleaning service here’s a list of things to consider.
Should I hire a cleaning service?
When asking whether or not a cleaning service is worth it, it comes down to more than just the monetary cost (though this is still important). If you answer yes to most of the following questions then hiring a cleaning service is probably a great idea for you. And hey, if you don’t like it you can just cancel.
Can you afford to hire a cleaning service?
As I said, this is not the only criteria you can use when it comes to making your decision but, if you can’t afford to hire someone to clean your house, then that’s kind of a deal breaker. A messy house can be stressful, but going into debt is even worse.
If your heart is set on hiring a cleaner then see if you can tighten the purse string in other areas to offset the cost. For instance, limit the number of times you eat out in a month and put that money toward a cleaning service. This will force you to cook at home more, which is usually healthier, and with a nice clean house, you’ll probably want to stay in.
You can also look on deal sites like Groupon to see if you can find a discounted rate. Or, you can join local mom groups and ask for recommendations for affordable services.
And remember, you don’t have to hire a cleaning service every week. You can do bi-weekly appointments, monthly, or even one offs.
Could you spend your time doing something more lucrative?
If you can spend your “cleaning time” doing something that nets more than the cost of the cleaning service — then go for it. Outsource the cleaning and spend that time making more money.
Is your messy home causing you stress?
The benefits of a tidy space are more far-reaching than you would imagine. A clean and organized room can reduce stress, increase productivity, and bring a feeling of calm. So, if your mental health is suffering because your house is a disaster, hire the cleaning service.
Do you and your partner fight about cleaning?
If a messy house is driving a wedge between you and your partner and you’re constantly fighting about the division of chores, then the cleaning service is worth it. The cost associated with a cleaner is definitely cheaper than a divorce! Use the time you would have spent cleaning (and fighting about cleaning) to do something fun together.
How to get the most out of your cleaning service
Remember that you get what you pay for
If you want something done right, then you have to do it yourself … or, you have to pay a higher fee! Like most things in life, when it comes to a cleaning service, you get what you pay for. So, the cheapest option is not necessarily the best option. Also, the first service you try might not be the right fit. it’s okay to shop around for the right match.
Pick up the night before
It sounds counterintuitive to tidy up before someone comes to clean your house — but this is normal protocol and it will result in a better clean. It’s worth it to spend an hour picking things up off of the floors and counters so the cleaners can do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. This is especially important if you’re trying to save money and you’re paying by the hour.
Communicate your needs clearly
Most services will set up an interview to ask you about your cleaning needs or they might have you fill out a survey. Be very upfront with what you want. If you’d like them to spend more time scrubbing the bathrooms and less time in the bedrooms, tell them. If you’re worried about whether or not the products they use are safe for your children or pets — then ask.
Provide constructive feedback
If there’s a problem with the service or if it isn’t meeting your (reasonable) standards, reach out to the company and provide your constructive feedback. Again, communication is key. If the problems continue, it’s time to shop for a new service.
Is a house cleaning service worth it?
The short answer is yes. I can honestly say, I’ve never talked to another mom that said she regrets having someone come and clean her house. Personally, I agree. I have no complaints in regards to having my house cleaned — I only wish it happened more often.
When it comes to hiring a cleaning service you do have to relinquish some control. You also have to recognize that things may be done differently than you would have done it, and if you are very particular you might feel like things aren’t up to your standards (which can often be remedied with good communication).
Worst case scenario, you hire a cleaning service, they come one or two times and you decide it’s not right for you. No problem. At least those one or two cleans can help give your home a reset that might make it easier for you to manage moving forward.
–By Jessica Martel
Leave a Reply