How a $250 Monthly Cleaning Service Transformed My Daily Life
Most people see a cleaning service as a luxury—something reserved for wealthy households or sprawling suburban homes with multiple rooms. But what if hiring a cleaning service wasn’t just an indulgence, but an investment in your well-being, time, and peace of mind? That’s what I discovered when I finally took the plunge into a $250-a-month house cleaning service. And believe me—it changed everything.
The Decision: Why I Hired a Cleaning Service
I used to pride myself on doing it all: full-time job, meal prepping, maintaining social relationships, and of course, keeping my one-bedroom apartment spotless. But something had to give. I found myself scrubbing toilets at 10 p.m., folding laundry past midnight, and waking up already dreading the mental to-do list growing in my mind.
After yet another weekend lost to vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing, I crunched the numbers. Could I justify spending $250 a month on something I technically had time to do myself?
The answer became a resounding yes—and not just for financial reasons. Here's how this small shift became a major life upgrade.
Time: The Most Precious Currency
One of the most immediate changes I noticed was the gift of time. Here's what I gained by outsourcing cleaning tasks:
4–5 hours of weekend cleaning freed up
More energy after work—I no longer had to vacuum or mop in the evenings
Ability to focus on career and personal development instead of chores
With my weekends open again, I rekindled hobbies like reading and journaling. I even began freelancing on the side—doing something I love, and ironically, making back the money I spend on cleaning services.
Mental Health: A Clean Space Equals a Clear Mind
Clutter and mess had me on the edge more often than I liked to admit. Seeing dishes pile up or dirty floors triggered subtle anxiety that would simmer all day. My new cleaning service visits every other week and handles:
Dusting surfaces and baseboards
Vacuuming rugs and carpets
Sanitizing the kitchen and bathroom
Mopping floors
The result? My apartment feels like a sanctuary now. I no longer avoid inviting friends over out of embarrassment or guilt. A tidy space has become a form of self-care—one that’s arguably just as important as gym memberships or therapy sessions.
Financial Perspective: More Value Than You Think
Spending $250 a month initially felt indulgent, but let’s break it down:
$125 per cleaning visit (bi-weekly)
Approximately 10 hours of professional-grade cleaning per month
Zero need to buy cleaning supplies—they bring everything
Effectively, I’m paying around $25/hour for skilled labor that spares me time, stress, and energy. Considering I freelance at $60/hour, the math clearly works in my favor. The monthly investment has also increased the usable value of my home: I use the space more, host gatherings, and feel like I'm living, not just existing.
Peace of Mind = Higher Productivity
An underrated benefit? I stopped multitasking while cleaning. I used to scrub the bathroom while listening to work voicemails or fold laundry during Zoom calls. But that mentality wore me down.
Now that I'm not juggling cleaning while working or socializing, I feel more focused. I’m productive during work hours and relaxed during downtime. There’s a psychological advantage to being fully in one mode—whether it's professional, personal, or leisure.
How It Helped My Relationships
If you share a home with a partner or family, you know that cleaning duties can cause friction. The question of “Who last cleaned the bathroom?” is never asked in my place anymore. The external service brought internal harmony. With cleaning off our plates, my partner and I spend more time cooking together, walking the dog, or just enjoying each other's company, without resentment about chores.
Lessons Learned and Tips for Hiring a Cleaning Service
Not all cleaning services are created equal, and learning how to book the right one was part of my journey. Here’s what worked for me:
Start with a trial clean to determine the quality of service
Use companies with verified reviews
Be clear about your expectations, especially for high-priority areas (kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
Schedule services on Thursdays or Fridays so you enter the weekend with a clean home
Final Thoughts: An Investment in Myself
Before I hired a cleaning service, I thought I was saving money by doing it all myself. What I didn’t realize was that my free time is valuable, and so is my headspace. The choice to bring in a professional cleaner was less about bleach and brooms, and more about buying back time, energy, and joy.
For $250 a month, I wake up in a tidy, fresh-smelling apartment. I go to sleep without dishes in the sink. I greet guests without stress. That peace of mind? Priceless.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. Hiring a cleaning service isn’t about laziness—it’s about strategy. If you’re stretched thin, mentally drained, or simply want to maximize your time, this is an investment worth making. Your future self will thank you—clean floors and all.
