The Millennial Way to Save Time

Time is not a thing we humans like to waste. Time is limited. No matter how much we think we have, there is never enough. That being said, there is plenty of anecdotal data showing that spending money to save time reduces stress, helps you achieve work-life balance, and makes you happier.1

To save time, families of all shapes and sizes are hiring cleaning services. Millennials are the busiest of all—both parents working and with kids involved in extracurricular activities. They are wanting to spend more quality time with family. Their solution is to hire a cleaning service.2

Hiring someone else to do something you could do is a weird concept. Most admitted that they struggled with the idea of hiring help. Their parents did it all—working, cleaning, etc., but what they are realizing is that needing help is okay, especially if it allows time to be well spent.

Hiring a cleaning service takes a bit of research, though, because it is important to find the right service for you, and for the cleaning service to feel like you are the right customer for them. It goes both ways.

A cleaning service is a luxury, and it should be treated as a luxury. When you hire someone to scrub your toilet, that is a beautiful and luxurious blessing because you don’t have to do it! Does anyone enjoy scrubbing their own toilet? Not likely.

Walking into a clean house, or a clean bathroom, seems to relieve a burden that you never knew was there. Something also to note, cleanliness inspires productivity.

When hiring a cleaning service, whether it is commercial or someone local, it is important to follow these steps to make sure they are the right fit for you.

ASK:

For references. A quality cleaning service will have glowing recommendations and references from long-standing customers, and new customers! Check out the scoop with their old customers first because they know the quality and consistency of care.

For a free estimate. Most cleaning services will give you a free estimate, depending on square footage or the number of rooms/bathrooms, etc. Make sure you go to a few different companies to compare quotes. Keep in mind that if you are only looking for the “cheapest” service, beware. You pay for what you get. If you really want this to be a luxury, make sure the cleaning company does a thorough job. Do they get the microwave? The baseboards? The range-hood? Be thorough in your questioning to be assured they fit your expectations.

About their cleaning process. If they have an established cleaning process, it shows the experience and expertise they have when it comes to cleaning. What do they do for stainless steel? Wood floors? Hard water spots in the shower?

About their cleaning checklist. This is different than knowing how to clean but knowing what to clean. You want to make sure they are going to dust your blinds and ceiling fans. Again, if you truly want this to be a luxury and a time saver make sure they are being thorough and getting those spots you most forget about.

About the products they use. Do you have a preference for eco-friendly products? A lot of companies are moving that way. Are they using a lot of paper, or are they using reusable and recyclable products?

Side note: It is also better for your individual health to have them use eco-friendly products so that there isn’t residue or harmful chemicals lingering in your house.

About the management. Is the company locally managed? It might save a lot of potential frustration if they are a locally managed company. Also, you would be supporting a local business, so that’s a plus.

To keep the clean a luxury, it is important to be thorough in your research and questioning. Interview the cleaners to make sure they match your expectations and see if you match their expectations.

Tips & Tricks: Make sure your clutter is put away or else the cleaners will not be able to do a deep clean for you. You don’t have to clean before they come, but by putting away shoes, dishes, and random knick-knacks could help them do a more thorough clean.

Remember: cleaning is a luxury because it saves you time and relieves stress, leaving room for quality time spent elsewhere.

Citations:

1. How Hiring a House Cleaner made me Happier, Healthier and More Productive https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-hiring-house-cleaner-made-me-happier-healthier-more-productive-ncna810236

2. Busy Millennials Confess: We hired a House Cleaner and it's Worth it https://www.startribune.com/busy-millennials-confess-we-hired-a-house-cleaner-and-it-s-worth-it/479412903/