Woman’s Place - May 2012
10 tidy reasons to hire a cleaning service
By Christina
Katz
I have no idea why I was so stubborn about asking for help. But now, for a
modest monthly investment, here I sit in a sparkling clean home thanks to the
focused and swift efforts of a cleaning service.
And suddenly I am an evangelist for housecleaners everywhere! I want to spread
the good news to overworked parents whose toilet bowls could use a good scrub,
whose dust-bunnies are starting to organize, and whose children are grumbling
about their friend’s homes being a lot “nicer” than theirs.
You might think you shouldn’t or you couldn’t hire someone—but you
definitely should and you probably can. And here are 10 reasons why:
1. You’ll have time for other chores.
In case you are concerned that you will suddenly have nothing else to do if
your home is always clean, I can assure you that you will still have ample
chores to divide and conquer. After all, the seasons will still turn. The pets,
yard, and garden will not suddenly start taking care of themselves. Your
children will not become angels overnight. Your husband, if he is anything like
mine, may never find the clothes hamper. Clutter will still accumulate and need
to be purged.
2. You’ll think more clearly.
Burdens are funny things. They drag along with us invisibly everywhere we go,
including throughout our workday. So that sink full of dirty dishes waiting for
you when you get home probably is bothering you. Worse, it might be distracting
you from matters at hand. With increased order under your roof, dishes are
easier to keep up with, life goes more smoothly in general, and decision-making
becomes easier. A clutter-free house, a clutter-free mind.
3. You’ll be happier. You know the
expression, “You have to spend money to make money”? Invest the money in your
and your family’s happiness and reap the dividends of that investment for the
long run. Having a clean home will likely inspire you to stay home more, which
will save you money.
4. You’ll nag less. If your pastime
has been snapping at everyone to pick that up, put that away, and don’t leave
that for me to clean up, you will be pleasantly surprised when the regular
appearance of cleaners motivates everyone to pitch in and get things tidy.
5. You’ll be able to redecorate.
You’ll find yourself viewing your old digs with new eyes. Flipping through home
décor magazines, you may notice that your kitchen walls could use a fresh coat
of paint or that your teenage daughter’s room with its pink princess theme
isn’t as cute as it was when she was five. Freed from cleaning, you’ll likely have the energy to act on
your ideas.
6. You’ll want to party! Your old
logic went: You had an un-presentable house and you didn’t want others to know
it. Your new logic goes: You have a neat and tidy house, and you remember how
much you liked people before you became overly concerned about whether they
would judge your housekeeping habits.
7. You’ll eat better. Everyone knows
that fast food, and worse, inhaling food on the run, leads to poor food choices,
weight gain, and a stressful sense of rush-rush-rush. You now have the time to
do better. What is easy and delicious to make? Soup. Casseroles. Crock-pot
meals. Breakfast for dinner. Even grocery store takeout is better than dining
on the dash. Fill your place with the smell of home-cooked meals.
8. You’ll be healthier. According to
the American Heart Association, we all need at least 30 minutes of moderate
exercise five times a week or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise three times a
week to stay fit. The AHA also recommends strength training twice a week. Use
the time you’re not cleaning to get a move on and lift some weights. You’ll fit
back into those “skinny” jeans in no time.
9. You’ll reconnect with your life.
Remember all the things you used to like to do before cleaning your house (or even thinking about cleaning your
house) drained all your energy? Meeting the girls for a chick flick, enjoying a
nice leisurely stroll with the family, painting, and scrapbooking are all
things you will have time for again.
10. You’ll find your bliss.
Creativity isn’t just about art and culture; it’s the way we respond to life.
Give yourself permission to innovate, riff and dare. Cut loose and have more
fun. You have the time! BC
© Baltimore’ Child Inc. May 2012
