Can hiring a cleaning service lead to a happier, healthier relationship?

The simple answer: yes. But let’s talk about the reasons why.

It starts with dual-income working couples. If you look back to the 1960s, having a single income earner was the norm. One spouse, generally the man, would work while the other tackled the day to day tasks of running a home. There were very clear divisions of labor and responsibilities. Everyone knew their role and did that role well.

That’s not the case today. Almost 70% of families are dual-income households. This means less time at home. Families are now challenged to fit an entire job (grocery shopping, preparing dinner, childcare, cleaning, yard work, etc) into the few hours we have free each night. The window is small, the tasks can be daunting, the stress is high. Add children’s activities, homework help, school obligations, and the overall care into the mix and it’s nearly impossible to accomplish everything in a 24-hour period. These stressors can easily strain any relationship.

How can we alleviate the pressures of having too much to do with too little time?

With help! Our time is precious to us. We think of it in terms of our rate. What’s your time worth? What’s your individual rate? Would it be more beneficial to pay someone to complete a task for you rather than you taking time out of your busy schedule to complete it yourself?

In a lot of cases, the answer is yes. People feel happier when they pay to save their own time. From online grocery delivery to hiring a cleaning service, these businesses are on the rise for a reason. They’re worth it.

Not only does it take items off your ever-overflowing plate, but it also reduces the blurred lines of household responsibilities. We’ve all had the same repeating conversation about the division of tasks. You take care of this, I’ll take care of that, you didn’t do this right, don’t be lazy, I can’t do anything right, I do everything, etc. Honestly, is there anyone out there who hasn’t felt underappreciated? It’s such an overwhelming and draining situation with such a simple solution. Get help!

Close your eyes and imagine it. You come home to a sparkling clean house. No resentment of who left dishes in the sink or who forgot to sweep up after the dog. No tiny fingerprints on the glass, no toys scattered across the floor to trip over. You have time to do … whatever you want.

Grab a drink with some friends, enjoy the school assembly without thinking about what needs to be done at home, or just take some time to relax. Your time is now yours.

Like all great things, a cost comes along with this beautifully serene image. I challenge you to view this expense as an investment. You’re investing in yourself, your relationship, and your family. Spending discretionary income in ways that help us better cope with everyday hassles almost seems like a no-brainer. Your home should be your sanctuary, not another place to work. So, pull the trigger and try it out. What’s the worst that could happen?