As a busy freelance writer, Airbnb host, and eternal college student’s wife, I know all too well the struggle of maintaining a clean and organized home. It’s a never-ending battle that can quickly become overwhelming, sapping our energy and mental focus. But what if I told you that hiring a professional cleaner could be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier household?
Believe me, I was skeptical at first. The idea of hiring outside help to clean our Victorian-era “money pit” of a home just seemed so… indulgent. After all, I grew up watching my own mom clean houses for a living. Who was I to have someone else do that kind of work? But after reaching a breaking point of constantly feeling stressed and defeated by our ever-growing to-do list, my husband and I decided to take the plunge.
Overcoming the Guilt of Hiring Help
I won’t lie, the decision didn’t come easy. There was a nagging sense of guilt that I just couldn’t shake. “What will people think?” I wondered. “Are we being lazy or privileged?” It’s a common reaction, according to research by Harvard Business School professor Ashley Whillans. Her studies have shown that people who spend money to save time are significantly happier than those who use their funds for material goods. Yet, the majority of us struggle to make that mental leap.
“Blame that nagging guilty feeling,” Whillans explains. “In ongoing research we find that guilt really does undermine consumer likelihood of buying time – and the benefit you get from buying it.” There’s also the matter of time feeling more abstract and money being more concrete. As Whillans puts it, “We always think we’re going to have more time tomorrow than today, whereas money is equally valuable anytime.”
But I couldn’t get the “siren song of help” out of my head. After weighing the pros and cons, my husband and I decided to take the plunge. We found a local cleaner through a recommendation and worked out the details – she’d come once a week on Friday mornings. And let me tell you, the transformation in my outlook was nothing short of remarkable.
A Breath of Fresh Air
As I surveyed the gleaming floors, polished furniture, and sparkling kitchen counters after that first cleaning, I realized just how much the constant state of disarray had been weighing me down. The worry and stress that had become an ever-present companion in our home suddenly lifted. I could finally “draw an easy breath,” as the article describes.
No longer did I have to fret over the toothpaste splatters or tumbleweeds of dog hair. I could simply “shake it off” and move on, knowing that our cleaner would handle it all come Friday. That weekly deadline and the freedom it provided made a world of difference. My husband and I fell into an easy routine of keeping things picked up, and we no longer fought about who was responsible for what.
Reclaiming My Time and Productivity
With several hours a week freed up from cleaning, I found myself busier than ever in a good way. I was able to devote more time to the work I love – writing, reporting, and sharing stories. But it wasn’t just about productivity; it was about regaining a sense of balance and wellbeing.
The feeling of peace that settles over me when our cleaner leaves on Fridays is priceless. I’m more likely to invite friends over, spend quality time with my dog, and simply enjoy the home we worked so hard to acquire. No longer do we lose entire weekends to frenzied bouts of cleaning and organizing. Instead, we can relax and recharge, ready to tackle the week ahead.
The Financial Considerations
Of course, the decision to hire a cleaner wasn’t one we took lightly. As a self-employed individual, I had to do the math to ensure it made financial sense. “What is your rate? How long would it take you to do the job? Is it cheaper to hire someone than to do it yourself?” These were the questions I posed to myself.
While I may not necessarily make more than our cleaner, the benefits far outweigh the cost. As financial advisor Luke Meador explains, “They need to have a good budget, know how much disposable income is available, and simply prioritize spending. If it fits in your budget and you don’t like cleaning, is it worth it?” For me, the answer was a resounding yes.
Spreading the Word and Inspiring Others
Once I experienced the transformative effects of having a professional cleaner, I couldn’t keep it to myself. I shared our experience with local friends on Facebook, singing the praises of our cleaner and offering her contact information. To my delight, the messages came flooding in – it turns out many of my friends were also desperately in need of help.
Now, our cleaner, M, has expanded her business, taking on several new clients from my neighborhood. She’s even set a timeline to leave her day job and pursue this newfound passion full-time. I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in playing a small role in helping someone else achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Healthier, Happier Home
So, if you’re like me – constantly overwhelmed by the demands of a messy home, longing for more time and mental clarity – I urge you to consider bringing in professional help. It may feel indulgent at first, but the payoff in terms of your wellbeing and productivity is incalculable.
Stop letting guilt and preconceptions hold you back. Invest in the gift of time and watch as your home – and your life – transform before your eyes. With a clean, organized space and the weight of endless chores lifted, you’ll be free to focus on the things that truly matter: enjoying your home, nurturing your relationships, and pursuing your passions.
So why not explore professional cleaning services today? It just might be the missing piece in your journey to a healthier, happier home.
