Cleaning the house is a chore; it falls in the category of yard work. It HAS to be done, the question remains: who will do it: you, or will you pay someone to do it for you?
Like yard work, some people actually like cleaning the house. Some find it therapeutic; it makes you feel as though you've accomplished something; unlike doing things like paperwork, you can look back and see what you've accomplished.
Is a Maid Service Too Expensive?
First of all, it really depends on your outlook. Some people feel as though paying someone else to clean your house is lavish and unnecessary, while others look upon it as simply the cost of running the house, such as paying insurance. It really isn't cheap to have someone come in and clean your home; depending on where you live, and of course, the unemployment rate, it could cost $100 for someone to come in twice a week and do light cleaning. Light cleaning does not involve lifting couches and cleaning behind them.
One of the most important things to be considered is your time. Is your time worth cleaning your house? This is called an opportunity cost; it is the opportunity of doing something else. For instance, in the time it takes to clean your house, could you be working for a client and earning an income? If that income is greater than the cost of hiring someone, you would be better off to hire someone. However, the opportunity cost may be more intrinsic, such as spending that time with a loved one.
Saving Money On Cleaning Products
Whether you choose to clean your house yourself or pay someone to do it, here are some tips on saving on the stuff to clean your house:
- Go for your own; some people make their own cleaning products, such as laundry detergent
- Go for the rags; use rags as opposed to UNGREEN, expensive paper towels
- Go to the warehouse; wholesale clubs have great buys in bulk, and cleaning supplies don't usually expire
- Go with coupons; another great way to save and buy in bulk
- Go for basic products; these are all-purpose cleaning products that keep you from purchasing something different to clean everything in your house
A Home Cleaning Plan Even You Can Follow
If you decide to clean your house yourself, just like getting out of debt, a plan will help you get there. Start with a single task, or possibly a single room, make it a small task or room, and mark it off your list when you're done. Just like paying off a credit card balance, you'll feel good about it, and it will give you incentive to tackle the next item on the list.
Plus, having a clean house always makes you feel good.
Do you like cleaning the house, or do you feel it's a chore?