WiseBread had an article about household help, and it got me thinking. Have you ever thought about it? Maybe in the past? Right now? Waaaay in the future?
I have never really thought about it.
I think we’d be fine without it. We don’t have kids, so it’s just me and the BF. He’s really clean, I on the other hand am very dirty. I feel VERY bad for him most days. Maybe one day I will be better.
Anyways, here are things that you should consider, according to the article:
- What is your time worth? Would you be better off doing something else instead of doing stuff around the house? This is all about opportunity cost. If you could be making money or doing something else that is more worthwhile, then maybe you should think about hiring help.
- Budget. Does hiring help even fit in your budget? I fit doesn’t fit in your budget, then obviously it’s probably not a good idea.
- Make sure you research who you are hiring. You don’t want the person stealing from you or ahhh, putting cameras up in your house (yes I am extremely paranoid).
Have you ever thought about hiring help? Do you have help?
Live Simply- Live We says
Never. I have never thought about it. The idea of doing that is kind of weird. I feel like most people can find the time to clean.
Jennifer says
I have had cleaners come in my home for 8 years now. They come every two weeks. I love them! Cable and cell phones would go before my cleaners. I know that is not exactly a frugal statement and many will think I am lazy, but it works for our family. I still clean daily, they are almost like a restart. Since I am slightly disabled, it is my fairy tale come true.
Tanner says
Never thought about that. I don't think I'd feel right having someone else clean my mess, not that I'd have much of one. Most likely, I doubt I would.
Louise says
I've worked as a housecleaner for other people, I quite enjoyed it. Years ago when my kids where younger I worked shift work and was studying. I had a uni student board with us in exchange for doing some housekeeping and picking up the kids from school when I was working. It was a great arrangement, she became like part of the family and my kids just adored her. It was such a big help at the time. Now I wouldn't hire someone, but I think it can be a good thing if it frees you up to either earn more or have more time.
Hank says
My wife and I hired some one who comes in every other week and cleans just the bathrooms and the kitchen. She does it for a great price, she's fast, and has all her own supplies. It is definitely a cost/benefit analysis that goes on. It would take me too long to do a task that I despise. So, it is well worth the cost for me and my family.
Barefoot and Preppy says
We have someone (at my parents house) that comes in every week to clean. My parents both are really hard workers and when they finally are off they don't want to focus on cleaning their large house! Since I have grown up with this it was really hard for me to transition to learning how to take care of a house! Its not like I had someone pick up my clothes or make my bed every morning, just someone taking care of the weekly maintenance of the house!! Overall, I say its a good idea…if you have the money available that you want to spend on it (it is a pretty large financial commitment) It gives you more time to do the things you really want to be doing!!
~Carla~ says
Bahahaha!!! You kill me, girl! 😉 Seriously though, no. I'm quite happy to do it myself… what's one more thing on my list! lol!
Out My window says
I started to have a housekeeper about a year ago. The arthritis in my hands is bad and they lock when I scrub. She comes once a week for about 4 hours. She does the bathrooms,3 of them. 2400 ft of hardwood floor. She changes the sheets and vac cums and dusts. My house is always clean there are only 2 of us, but it costs me 64.00 a week and I can make 60.00 an hour sewing, So i spend my time where I can make money. If money got tight I would let her go immediately. Also when our older dog that sheds terrible finally passes ): I will have her come bi-weekly.
judy says
We had someone years ago when I was working 2 jobs. I would love to have someone come in twice a year and to the deep cleaning. But we have a history of RA in our family(moms is getting worse) so I would definitly look into it thenJudy
My money, my life says
Hahaha I never thought of someone installing cameras in my house. I've never hired household help, but if/when I do, I have thought about installing cameras in my place just in case. I don't really have any valuables besides my electronics, but the idea of a stranger going through my stuff gives me the creeps, as does the idea of someone being in my apartment without me being present. My bf is from a country where professional cleaning is the standard, even cleaners have professionals come in to help with their chores. I think if I grew up there I'd be less weirded out by the idea. But for now, I can't see myself hiring any help any time soon!
Sharon says
Yep. Just hired back my cleaning lady. The best thing I've done for myself. I agree with Jennifer, other things will go before she does. It's been a lifesaver since I've been dealing with a sore back.
Newlyweds on a Budge says
i will definitely hire someone to clean when we live in a bigger place than our shack. maybe when we have kids…i do A LOT right now, i don't know how I'll be able to handle kids. they take a lot of time, darn it.
Anonymous says
I clean houses for a living. Been doing it for 22 yrs. Started out doing post-construction cleaning on new houses & now do residential homes. I love my job, very gratifying knowing I help families out by freeing up their time that would of been spent cleaning.
Holly says
It's not in our budget at all, but I don't think I would hire someone even if it was. I don't mind picking up the house. Right now we don't have kids either, so it's never really crossed my mind. -Holly
Holly says
cute puppy photo too! hahaha
Sarah says
I've never thought about it. Especially on a student budget, it's not worth it.
Stephanie says
Even if I felt ok about spending the money on a maid service, I am the type of person who would feel compelled to tidy up for the cleaning lady… so it would really just be a huge waste of money anyway. 😉
Free!~ says
HAHA I am the cleaning lady. I get paid by a few friends to clean their houses on a semi regular basis. I'd never hire someone unless I was an over worked professional that just didn't have the time.
Ashley M. says
On a college budget, I haven't ever considered having a maid. However, my fiance has had a maid come and clean our townhouse (well his parents have). His parents have a maid who comes once a week and has for the last 18 years. She does the dusting, polishing, and other things.. things I would never think of cleaning haha. Maybe someday I will have a maid service.. but in the near future I will not be able to afford it!Also, could I get your email so I can send you book club stuff? It wasn't on your profile!!
jay says
I've thought about it and I can afford it, but I'm not going to do it. The main thing is that I can't stand the thought of having someone I don't know in my house. Really, cleaning does not take THAT long for a single person.Plus, my neighbors would wonder if they saw a cleaning person. I lead a spartan life and they all assume I'm poor 😉
Michelle P says
Stephanie, I'm just like you. I would probably clean up before the person would come over so that they wouldn't think I'm totally disgusting.
Rafiki says
Nothing to say really about the house hold help but your brutal honesty about you being messy and feeling for the bf really cracked me up lol.