Do you have a cleaner?

Jonathan_Powell

I live in a small 2 bedroom house. Never thought of getting one previously but now seriously considering it now we have children. I just had someone do the garden for me and I was thinking if he could do it on a regular basis so things don't get overgrown and I don't have to worry about it, it would be such a relief. The house used to be in good condition but the kids have meant cleaning schedules and such go out of the window which results in a dust build up.

Always thought having a cleaner was not necessary for a small house but seriously considering it now. 

neilmcl

If you can afford it and prefer to spend your time doing other things then go for it. Personally I prefer to do it myself.

My dad has one that comes once a week but he is 79 and disabled but the one thing that does my head in whenever she's been is having to move things back to where they were on shelves etc.

pollypenny

I don't have e now, but I certainly did when I was working. As long as you pay a fair hourly rate it shouldn't be a problem and could be a big help to someone. 

Monsternextdoor

I am considering it when we move if I start up my business.

ka7e

I haven't, but my daughter did, pre-Covid. If you have other commitments and can afford it, why not? A professional cleaner should get the chores done faster than you, and if you priced your own labour at the same rate then you're obviously saving money!

[Deleted User]

I contemplate this too, so far haven't gone ahead with it because i think i'm probably too private and don't really want someone knowing my business.

A lot aren't professional, most i hear about are just everyday people - that could make the difference between thorough and average - which dictates price and quality.

Rosa_Damascena

Pro: you don't have to do your own housework.

Con: I'd end up at least tidying the house first.

I'm not a fan of housework as a task but there is something quite satisfying about mooching around in my PJs in the mornings having a cleaning blitz. Yes the time argument is a powerful one, but I also think that if I can't clean my own home its probably too big for me. On balance, whilst I'm capable of doing my own housework I will.

OTOH I've got to the stage where I actively resent time spent on tidying up the garden; a gardener has been a no-brainer this summer.

twopenny

Or teach your children to do it 

Mojisola

Yes

Rosa_Damascena said:

Pro: you don't have to do your own housework.

Con: I'd end up at least tidying the house first.

I found your 'con' to be another 'pro'.
A cleaner (unless you pay for extra hours) is there is to clean, not tidy up - for me, that means that the house is kept generally tidier all the time so that I don't have to rush around before the cleaner arrives. 

scottishblondie

We haven’t at the moment, but we’re getting one soon. With 2 small kids and both of us working full time (after my mat leave finishes) there are so many other things I’d rather spend my time doing than a revolving list of cleaning tasks. 

zoothornrollo_2

Yes

Mojisola said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

Pro: you don't have to do your own housework.

Con: I'd end up at least tidying the house first.

I found your 'con' to be another 'pro'.
A cleaner (unless you pay for extra hours) is there is to clean, not tidy up - for me, that means that the house is kept generally tidier all the time so that I don't have to rush around before the cleaner arrives. 

totally agree with this. Although we generally do end up rushing round tidying up the evening before the cleaner is due (still, no bad thing)