MoneySaving Poll: Do you pay for domestic services?

Former_MSE_Darryl · 15 April 2014 at 10:23AM

Poll started 15 Apr 2014

Is housework still a preserve of the family, or in our growing service culture, are more people spending money on help in and around the home?

Do you pay for domestic help? If so, what do you pay for?

Vote in this week's poll

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stevemcol · 15 April 2014 at 11:24AM

I had to let the butler go last year

sheeps68 · 16 April 2014 at 2:40PM

As a disabled person who likes cleaning. Yes really I do but cannot do certain tasks I have to pay for a cleaner. Will never understand why our DLA doesn't include basic cleaning element as I only pay for a cleaner as I simply cannot do it myself. Bet I'm not the only one in this position.

happyinflorida · 16 April 2014 at 9:27PM

I'd love to know what everyone pays for the help they're getting - that would be very interesting!

DKLS · 19 April 2014 at 2:50PM

I use a cleaner she has OCD and is awesome, I pay her £12 an hour. I could get cheaper but I wouldn't get the level of service.

rageagainstessays · 19 April 2014 at 5:15PM

No currently I'm more likely to the employed as domestic labour, than being an employer of domestic labour.

But it's an aspiration

momist · 19 April 2014 at 10:02PM

nearly 40% paying for a window cleaner I can understand, although I never have. What amazes me is that, on a "Money Saving" forum, 20% pay for a cleaner!
Wow, I never would have thought that.

mr-tom_2 · 22 April 2014 at 7:09AM

I got a cleaner (who also irons my work shirts) when i was really sick some years ago - it was one less thing to do and helped me hold down my full time job.

Im now somewhat more well, but ive kept the cleaner - they cost less per month than sky (I'm more than happy with freeview), and i don't have to sit through endless adverts.

For those curious: £10.50 per hour, 3 hours per fortnight. If i had a bigger place, or kids, that would probably have to double.

TBagpuss · 22 April 2014 at 3:12PM

I don't at present, but once I am settled in to my new home I would like to find a cleaner if I can.

I don't think it is any different to paying any other tradesperson - it's worth it if the time / stress you save by paying a professional, and getting the job done properly, outweighs the financial cost.

In the past I have paid for a catsitter (it was much less stressful for my cat then sending him to kennels, meant that there was someone visiting the house so it was much less obviously empty, and was not actually any more expensive than paying for a cattery.

I am not good at DIY and there are a lot of things which are physically difficult/painful for me due to a long standing medical issue, so I will definitly pay for a handyman/woman when necessary - in fact I am looking for one at present, as I have a little list of jobs which need doing...