The Necessity of Regular House Cleaning: A Personal Journey to Self-Care
Both before and after life changes, the importance of regular cleaning for a comfortable living environment cannot be overstated. For many of us, hiring a professional cleaner can provide the balance between space maintenance and personal time, while also turning the process into a form of self-care.
Pre-Marriage: The Benefits of Professional Cleaning
Before my marriage, both my wife and I worked decent-paying jobs in London. Daily commuting left little time for housework, especially on weekdays. Consequently, we found ourselves hiring a relative for weekly cleaning to ensure that our living space remained presentable. This arrangement not only freed up our weekends for more enjoyable activities but also allowed us to maintain a clean home without the stress of manual labor.
During Divorce and Recovery: Personal Practice Becomes Necessity
Following my divorce, a series of life events including alcoholism and job loss made it challenging to maintain a structured home cleaning routine. Struggling with financial stability and a path toward rehabilitation, housework became a therapeutic activity rather than an obligation. My journey through alcoholism and subsequent recovery highlighted the importance of taking care of personal living spaces as a source of comfort and mental well-being.
A Reluctant Housekeeper: Professional Cleaning at 70
One of my most memorable experiences of hiring a cleaner came when I employed a woman in her 70s. This remarkable woman brought a wealth of experience and amazing physical fitness, which was evident in her adept use of her steam mop. Though initially reluctant to hire a cleaner, I found that having her help made housework more manageable and enjoyable. Before engaging her services, I started by paying her ￡25 per hour, which I later increased to ￡30—an amount I deemed fair for her expertise and dedication.
The Full Service Offered
Over the course of her employment, she performed a wide range of cleaning tasks, from attending to both bathrooms to vacuuming, mopping, and dusting in the various rooms of our home. She also took on additional tasks such as cleaning mirrors, bathroom tiles, exhaust fans, and skirting boards. During her time at work, I completed tasks like changing bed sheets, doing laundry, and cleaning the kitchen and other outdoor areas. Sometimes, I even found the time to do some gardening, extending the collaborative effort between us.
Closing the Gap: Navigating Life Changes Without Professional Help
As my work schedule decreased over the years, accommodating a regular cleaner became less justifiable. Though I miss her skills and help, I have developed a self-care routine that allows me to maintain cleanliness without relying on professional services. Regular cleaning, even when done by oneself, becomes a form of self-care that can provide a sense of accomplishment and organization in daily life.
Conclusion
Though the monetization and time investment in professional cleaning might vary, the benefits of maintaining a clean and comfortable living space are indisputable. Whether through self-care or assistance from a professional cleaner, keeping a home tidy serves as a testament to personal responsibility and mental well-being. Every house needs a fresh start from time to time, and having the right cleaning service can make all the difference.