Am I Insane for Wanting to Hire Household Help?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

What is your HHI?
Sounds glorius

Fluctuates, but generally 375K-500K. We used to have a nanny and then an AuPair, so as far as our bottom line, we've been shelling out that and then some for years and years. This is actually much less than the nanny and only marginally more expensive than the AuPair when you factor in summer.

Yes, it is glorious. the suggestions of cobbling something together with meal delivery, and separate laundry, and grocery delivery just sounds like more work. My arrangement is completely hassle free. Plus our housekeeper knows our house and eating habits so well that I hardly have to tell her much of anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

What is your HHI?
Sounds glorius

Fluctuates, but generally 375K-500K. We used to have a nanny and then an AuPair, so as far as our bottom line, we've been shelling out that and then some for years and years. This is actually much less than the nanny and only marginally more expensive than the AuPair when you factor in summer.

Yes, it is glorious. the suggestions of cobbling something together with meal delivery, and separate laundry, and grocery delivery just sounds like more work. My arrangement is completely hassle free. Plus our housekeeper knows our house and eating habits so well that I hardly have to tell her much of anything.

Yes the cost isn't that much considering it means you don't have to do after care or child care. Great deal!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

This sounds wonderful and kudos to you for having it all. The only downside I see is that your kids won't know how to do anything themselves ( assuming you and DH/partner never taught them) If they don't have trust funds than they are in a rude awakening when they are adults and out in the real world. Unless you provide them the money for this service!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

This sounds wonderful and kudos to you for having it all. The only downside I see is that your kids won't know how to do anything themselves ( assuming you and DH/partner never taught them) If they don't have trust funds than they are in a rude awakening when they are adults and out in the real world. Unless you provide them the money for this service!

They still have chores, though not many (mostly they have to keep their rooms clean and putting their folded laundry away) as we all would rather be doing something else. However, I'm from Latin America and we do not find domestic work as virtuous as Americans do, as it is very common for even people on the lower middle class spectrum to have domestic help, so it really is not high on my priority list.

[Anonymous]

I am so jealous of PP with the housekeeper. If I had the extra cash I would totally do that!

[Anonymous]

OP, I would do it if I had your income and was working. Especially if your current arrangement doesn't have the work equitably shared between you and your husband, as that will lead to resentment and tension eventually, if it hasn't already.

We have an income of 130K, and I very much want to hire 2x/month housecleaners, but haven't yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

^^ oh and I forgot to add, she packs the kids lunches each day for the following school day.

Can you tell me more about how you found this person and got her up to speed on your needs and preferences? Was that a process as well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use a virtual assistatn service (FancyHands). Great for schduling appointments and just making calls about stuff or researching things online. I never realized how much of my day was those little items,a nd often I'd thikn of them after the kids are in bed and it's too late to make such calls, so they'd end up on my list for the next day. Now I just assign those tasks as I think of them, and they do it the next morning.

Also get a cleaning service if you dont' already have one.

Could you tell me the last 5-10 requests you made? Just trying to understand if I would actually use this and if it would actually save time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so jealous of PP with the housekeeper. If I had the extra cash I would totally do that!

I have the cash and is never, ever do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

What is your HHI?
Sounds glorius

Fluctuates, but generally 375K-500K. We used to have a nanny and then an AuPair, so as far as our bottom line, we've been shelling out that and then some for years and years. This is actually much less than the nanny and only marginally more expensive than the AuPair when you factor in summer.

Yes, it is glorious. the suggestions of cobbling something together with meal delivery, and separate laundry, and grocery delivery just sounds like more work. My arrangement is completely hassle free. Plus our housekeeper knows our house and eating habits so well that I hardly have to tell her much of anything.

Yes the cost isn't that much considering it means you don't have to do after care or child care. Great deal!

This is the dream. And $500/week doesn't seem that bad for all of that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I use a virtual assistatn service (FancyHands). Great for schduling appointments and just making calls about stuff or researching things online. I never realized how much of my day was those little items,a nd often I'd thikn of them after the kids are in bed and it's too late to make such calls, so they'd end up on my list for the next day. Now I just assign those tasks as I think of them, and they do it the next morning.

Also get a cleaning service if you dont' already have one.

Could you tell me the last 5-10 requests you made? Just trying to understand if I would actually use this and if it would actually save time.

Sure. I can easily track them online:
- Contact airport with question related to upcoming trip
- Figure out options to get from airport to specific hotel for my business trip next week, given time of day
- Contact online vendor to arrange a refund for a product we ordered where they shipped wrong item (not a simple return.. needed special authorization)
- Contact hotel for our spring break vacation to inquire about early check-in
- Find kid-friendly St Patricks-day related events for this weekend near us
- Contact library about lost book we borrowed and how to pay for it
- Call doctor's office to find procedure for getting school forms filled out
- Find local store that sells a certain exercise bike I'm looking for, that has it in showroom so I can try it out
- Find all local gyms near me, and find out their monthly pricing and cancellation fees
- Contact library to find out more details on a kids event that they listed on their website
- Call hotel I'm staying at next week to confirm a package I sent there was received undamaged and is waiting for me
- Call popular restaurant to see if they have any reservatinos for tonight, as online site shows they are booked but says to call for more seats.

I've been using it for a couple years now, and have made 500+ requests and had them make 1,500+ phone calls..totalling more than 3 days on the phone for me. So worth it to us. No, I have no financial stake in the company at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Totally reasonable to want help. And if you prioritize resources accordingly, it's affordable for your budget. I find dealing with all of the various ancillary services (house cleaners, meal service, grocery delivery, etc.) to be a huge headache rather than a simplification. You are trying to minimize your mental load, not add to it. I lucked out and found one really talented, kind and hard working person who is amazing. She cleans, runs errands, sorts mail, grocery shops, does laundry, handles dry cleaning and cares for my daughter like she's her own child. I pay her well. This streamlines my life and makes everything else manageable. I'm grateful for her everyday. Every family is different but this works for us.

Is this a big job at your house?

Yes, mail and paperwork is a big undertaking. In addition to personal mail, we have a home based business and a rental property. She helps with sorting and filing accordingly which is a big help, especially at tax time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

^^ oh and I forgot to add, she packs the kids lunches each day for the following school day.

Can you tell me more about how you found this person and got her up to speed on your needs and preferences? Was that a process as well?

Yes, I'm curious to know this as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I'm the only person responding who actually has a housekeeper. Let me tell you, it is GLORIOUS! I have someone come each day from 12-5PM. I also have house cleaners come 2xs a month to deep clean. Here is what the housekeeper does:
-walks dog 1x when she arrives.
-does all grocery shopping
-does basic meal prep, including washing all produce, so anything I need to grab is ready to be used.
-Does all Costco and target runs
-Keeps closets and drawers organized
-does lite cleaning (dishes load/unload, makes beds, wiping down, basic pick-up, vacuuming)
-Runs all errands such as dry cleaning, tire rotation, oil changes, drugstore, taking dog to groomer...ect
-washes, folds, hangs and puts away all laundry
-sometimes runs the kids around after school
-Greets kids at the door after school, makes sure they have a healthy snack, and has them start on their homework.

What does this mean to me? I have not worked my washer and dryer in years. I only go to the grocery store in an emergency, which is rare. I only go to Costco when I want to because I want to see what they are currently carrying. I do not spend ANY of my free times cleaning or doing other domestic chores. My house is spotless and organized, always "guest ready". I come home from work to a clean and orderly home, ready to fix a healthy meal that has already been 50% prepped for me. My kids are settled in and many nights we play card games, go on bike rids, throw the frisbee, or simply watch a movie on a random Wednesday night. We eat healthy home cooked meals, together at the table, never order carryout and only dine out because we want to, not out of necessity. I have plenty of time to exercise and take care of myself. DH and I never ever struggle with who is supposed to do what and to what standard. Our home is stress free and harmonious because we get to focus on what is important.

I pay $500/week for this (20/hr) and pay for 52 weeks a year. She takes 2 weeks of her choosing off and when we go on vacation she only has to work enough to have the house ready for us when we get home (clean and a fridge full of fresh groceries) which might be 4hrs worth of work for the vacation weeks.

^^ oh and I forgot to add, she packs the kids lunches each day for the following school day.

Can you tell me more about how you found this person and got her up to speed on your needs and preferences? Was that a process as well?

Yes, I'm curious to know this as well.

I found her on care.com It absolutely was an investment on my end getting her up to speed- in particular the food part. I have all of our favorite most used recipes in a folder in a physical folder. So when i make a meal plan for the week, I rattle off the names of the recipes for each night and she does the prep for it( de thawing, skinning, washing, chopping or doing a full crockpot meal, such as chili). and we use the Wegmans App so I can share our grocery list. I even have a list of suggested school lunch items, so that the kids always get something well rounded (Always a vegetable, fruit, and protein). I also created extensive instructions for everything regarding her work flow that I keep in the binder. Took about 2 months to get into a really good groove. She is a natural home maker and is great at what she does.

It was a lot of work up front, but now I do not even think about it. All I do is print out the meal plan and make sure the grocery list is updated, everything else is on autopilot. I absolutely LOATHE errand running and chores and am much happier doing the things that bring me joy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Totally reasonable to want help. And if you prioritize resources accordingly, it's affordable for your budget. I find dealing with all of the various ancillary services (house cleaners, meal service, grocery delivery, etc.) to be a huge headache rather than a simplification. You are trying to minimize your mental load, not add to it. I lucked out and found one really talented, kind and hard working person who is amazing. She cleans, runs errands, sorts mail, grocery shops, does laundry, handles dry cleaning and cares for my daughter like she's her own child. I pay her well. This streamlines my life and makes everything else manageable. I'm grateful for her everyday. Every family is different but this works for us.

Is this a big job at your house?

Yes, mail and paperwork is a big undertaking. In addition to personal mail, we have a home based business and a rental property. She helps with sorting and filing accordingly which is a big help, especially at tax time!

I'm the pp with the housekeeper and this is not something on our list. I literally come home and go straight to he mail on the counter and dump 90% of it unopened and into the trash. We don't even get bills in the mail anymore, it is all done online. Of the remaining 10%, usually half of that goes into the trash too after I open it.