As moms, our days are packed from morning to night. Between caring for kids, managing a household, working, and maybe even chasing a personal or professional goal, thereโs hardly any time left to breatheโlet alone focus on ourselves. Thatโs why I want to talk about something that could completely change the game for you: hiring a house cleaner.
Now before you start thinking, โThat sounds nice, but I canโt afford itโ or โIโd feel too guilty letting someone else do what I should be doing,โ stay with me. I get it. I had the same thoughts at first. But after years of working toward big goals in the middle of motherhood, Iโve learned that hiring a house cleaner isnโt a luxuryโitโs a strategy.
Letโs break it down together.
Time vs. Money: What Do You Have More Of?
When youโre working toward a dreamโwhether thatโs starting a business, writing a book, or simply creating time to restโyou need two things: time and energy. If youโre anything like me, youโre probably short on both. Thatโs where hiring a house cleaner can help.
You might be surprised how many moms can afford a house cleaner but have never actually looked into it. The first objection I hear is: โIt probably costs too much.โ But hereโs the truth: you donโt really know until you get a few quotes. Iโve had friends receive one outrageous estimate and assume all cleaning services were expensiveโonly to later discover a trusted cleaner that cost a third of the price.
If itโs within your budget, even just once or twice a month, this could be a way to buy back 5โ10 hours of your life. Hours that you could use to work on a goal, start a project, or finally rest without guilt.
What Will I Do While They Clean?
Another hesitation I hear often is: โIโd feel weird just sitting there while someone else cleans my house.โ Totally valid. That feeling of awkwardness is real, especially the first few times.
But hereโs the reframe: youโre not being lazyโyouโre being strategic. You donโt have to scrub your floors to prove your worth as a mom. You can use that time however you want. Run errands. Take a walk. Work on your laptop. Sit outside with a book. Or simply relax.
Personally, I usually work from home while the cleaners are there. Iโll just switch rooms when they get to the one Iโm in. And when I can, I read outside and soak in the magic of having a clean house without having lifted a finger.
And if it really bothers you, you can always clean alongside them. No shame in that. The key is finding a rhythm that works for your comfort level while still freeing up time in your week.
Letโs Talk About Trust
Some moms hesitate to hire help because theyโre worried about theft or damage. Thatโs understandable. Itโs your home, your safe space. But hereโs whatโs worked for me: be smart, but donโt let fear be the boss.
If youโre concerned, lock up your valuables. Donโt leave out cash or heirloom jewelry. Use a fireproof safe or a locked drawer. Ask aroundโyour neighbors or friends probably know someone they trust.
And sure, things might go wrong once in a while. A decorative vase might get broken. (That happened to me onceโand it turned into the perfect excuse to redecorate my daughterโs bathroom!) But 99.9% of the time, if you hire someone reputable, itโs absolutely fine. The peace of mind and time saved are worth it.
Tips for Hiring a House Cleaner That Fits Your Life
Over the years, Iโve picked up some tips that can help make this process smoother:
- Ask for personal referrals โ Your friends or neighbors probably know someone they love and trust.
- Get at least three quotes โ Donโt assume one price reflects the industry standard.
- Consider a team over individuals โ A group of 4โ5 cleaners can finish your whole house in 1โ2 hours instead of one person taking five.
- Schedule around your garbage day โ My favorite hack! Have your house cleaner come the day before trash pickup so they can take out the garbage as part of their service. It saves me one more step.
Even if you decide hiring a house cleaner is just a temporary solutionโsay, while you’re launching a new project or during a particularly busy seasonโit can be enough to get the momentum you need.
Itโs Okay to Ask for Help
Hereโs the bottom line: You donโt have to do it all yourself.
There is no gold medal for scrubbing toilets or dusting fan blades (which, letโs be honest, Iโve never remembered to clean). Youโre allowed to create space in your life. Youโre allowed to invest in support. Youโre allowed to dream and actually take steps to make those dreams happenโeven in the messy middle of motherhood.
If hiring a house cleaner gives you the time, energy, or mental clarity you need to pursue your goals, then itโs more than worth it.
So what would you do with 5โ10 extra hours this week?
Go do that.
Want more tips like this? Subscribe to the Dream to Done podcast, where I help moms take their dreams seriously, one doable step at a time.
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