Buying a house too big to clean alone?

[Anonymous]

After many years of living in a space of about 2800 sq ft, my husband and I are about to make an offer on a very large house (10k sq ft). We're a family of 8 and will finally have some room to spread out. The problem is that we're going to have to hire someone to help keep the place in order and I don't even know where to begin. The few people I spoken with have told me that I'll probably need a full time housekeeper and maybe even someone to fill in on a part-time basis. Anyone made this leap to a big place and have any tips on how to manage the workload?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I have always had a cleaner since 800 sf

[Anonymous]

People I know with 10k sqft house and 6 kids have daily help and a busy SAHM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People I know with 10k sqft house and 6 kids have daily help and a busy SAHM.

This. Plus don't those kids help out at all. We were three and cleaned the house from top to bottom plus laundry and yard work. Both parents worked FT and mom only had to go to the market and make dinner. We cleaned the kitchen after each meal as well. When we were old enough we took on cooking meals M-Th as well.

[Anonymous]

I would want someone to come at least 3x/week

[Anonymous]

How old are the kids? Can they help to keep their own personal space clean?

[Anonymous]

Good Lord, why do you want such a large house?

[Anonymous]

With six kidw most of the cleaning should be taken care of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kids? Can they help to keep their own personal space clean?

3 year old triplets and the others are 7, 9, and 14. The older kids help but I don't expect much more than having them do basic things to keep their rooms and bathrooms in order.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good Lord, why do you want such a large house?

+1

How fat are these people that each one needs 1200 sq ft to feel comfortable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kids? Can they help to keep their own personal space clean?

3 year old triplets and the others are 7, 9, and 14. The older kids help but I don't expect much more than having them do basic things to keep their rooms and bathrooms in order.

I think I would just create a space using beach house rental carpet and easy to wipe off furniture. Maybe have easy to clean shower liners instead of tile. Limit access hours into toys, clothes, etc. So that there is a certain time that they are dressing/brushing teeth and those things have to all be put away before toys can come out. Toys have to be put away before t.v. can come on, etc. Maybe have them do a quick vacuum/wipe down in between toy/t.v. time.

I don't see how a cleaning lady, even a daily cleaning lady is going to be able to keep everything clean if there is constant stuff all over the place. I don't mean to imply that is the case at your house - you are probably very neat/orderly - just pointing out that organization will really help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good Lord, why do you want such a large house?

+1

How fat are these people that each one needs 1200 sq ft to feel comfortable?

Who said it was needed. It's a desire we can finally indulge. Some of us enjoy having space for game rooms, a place to watch movies on a big screen, guest rooms for visiting family, lots of storage, dining rooms that seat large crowds, etc. If you don't want it that's fine but why is it an issue that some people do want those things?

[Anonymous]

Those kids, except the triplets, are big enough to have chores. They can vacuum, pick up stuff, help with dusting, etc.

You have all those kids and want them to have so much space, they get to help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kids? Can they help to keep their own personal space clean?

3 year old triplets and the others are 7, 9, and 14. The older kids help but I don't expect much more than having them do basic things to keep their rooms and bathrooms in order.

I think I would just create a space using beach house rental carpet and easy to wipe off furniture. Maybe have easy to clean shower liners instead of tile. Limit access hours into toys, clothes, etc. So that there is a certain time that they are dressing/brushing teeth and those things have to all be put away before toys can come out. Toys have to be put away before t.v. can come on, etc. Maybe have them do a quick vacuum/wipe down in between toy/t.v. time.

I don't see how a cleaning lady, even a daily cleaning lady is going to be able to keep everything clean if there is constant stuff all over the place. I don't mean to imply that is the case at your house - you are probably very neat/orderly - just pointing out that organization will really help.

I appreciate the reply. You're right that keeping the kids organized goes a long way to making sure the space can be clean at least most of the time. There's a lower level that we'll probably kid-proof so they'll be a little more free to make a mess and not have it drive me insane. The indoor/outdoor carpet is a great idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good Lord, why do you want such a large house?

+1

How fat are these people that each one needs 1200 sq ft to feel comfortable?

Who said it was needed. It's a desire we can finally indulge. Some of us enjoy having space for game rooms, a place to watch movies on a big screen, guest rooms for visiting family, lots of storage, dining rooms that seat large crowds, etc. If you don't want it that's fine but why is it an issue that some people do want those things?

For starters, it has a huge impact on the planet that we all occupy.

It is selfish and teaches your children that all that space is necessary. Which it isn't.