Let's be honest: if you're considering hiring a house cleaner, you've reached the "tipping point". Maybe you're sick of the pile of dishes in the sink. Maybe it's the fine layer of dust across the house. Maybe you're sick of cleaning the toilet. Maybe it's a positive spin - you just got a raise and you're looking to invest it back into your life!
Ultimately, any of your reasons reason boils down to one thing:
Cleaning takes time - and a lot of it.
This means dishing out a little extra cash each month may be worth the cost to save you time. (Time is money, right?) Check out our list of pros and cons to help determine whether you should make the investment:
You may want to clean on your own if…
You're already a highly organized person
If keeping on top of things is already in your wheelhouse, there may be no need to hire a cleaner. Often steps to cleanliness are just doing small things each day (putting away things after you use them, not leaving behind messes).
You may also find a cleaner disruptive if you have your own organization mindset. Cleaners will bring a bit of their own cleaning philosophy to the table, which leads to…
Having control of where things are is important to you
Be aware that good cleaners will move objects (to remove all the dust) and also put things away for you (to deliver a truly clean house). If you're someone who needs their things in particular spots, having a cleaner may throw off your efficiency more than improve it.
Remember, though, you can always clearly communicate with your cleaner what you want them to touch and what they should leave alone!
You're already struggling for income
This is probably the most obvious point. If you can't afford a cleaner, don't hire one! No reason to sink yourself into more financial trouble for something that is not a necessity.
You may be surprised at the affordability of a house cleaner is, though, which brings us to the "pros":
You should hire a house cleaner if…
You can split the costs with those you live with
Living alone, particularly in a big city, is pretty rare, given the cost of living. Whether you're living with roommates or loved ones (or both!), you'll probably have the opportunity to decrease the cost of hiring a cleaner.
You can cut out a couple Dunkin Donuts orders each week
This is honestly a question of self-evaluation. What's more important: the daily egg sandwich, or saving a few hours (and some sanity) to have your place cleaned for you?
Most cleaners in major cities charge around $35 an hour (give or take). If you have your place cleaned once a month and split the costs with a few roommates, that can bring the cost to around $10 a week for each of you. Pass on the Dunks and grab the coffee from the company Keurig a few times a week instead?
Cleaning responsibilities are causing conflict
If you live with other people, there will be plenty of opportunity for disagreements. Someone will always be the "messy" roommate. One person won't like how the other leaves their toothbrush in the bathroom. You might wonder why your loved one refuses to clean the sink.
Hiring a cleaner can't fix your communication, but they may be able to alleviate a bit of tension. Not only does it remove some chores from being delegated around the house, but it is an opportunity for everyone to come together and agree on a standard (what should be cleaned, how clean it should be, etc).
Do these pros and cons resonate with you? Any other advantages or disadvantages you've found from cleaning on your own or hiring a house cleaner? Let us know below!
If you're curious about how much it might cost to clean your house specifically, check out our cleaning cost estimator!
