Managing a home takes a lot of time and energy. Hiring people to help with housework can become necessary for some people to keep on top of it all. Just when should you start looking to hire help? Below are 5 signs that it could be time.
You don’t have the time to do it all
Some of us lead very busy lives. If you’re constantly preoccupied with work or childcare, you may find it beneficial to hire people to help with certain household tasks. This is particularly the case if you have a large property – hiring a gardener to help manage a large garden or hiring cleaners to vacuum your home could allow you to keep on top of these tasks. If you’re away from home a lot, it could also be beneficial to hire house-sitters or pet-sitters.
You’re too old or ill to do it yourself
Many people no longer have the energy to manage their homes in their later years. Health problems can further make it hard to handle basic tasks like laundry, cleaning or cooking. There are senior care services that can help you with household tasks. A live-in care service could even be hired to provide full-time assistance – both with household tasks and personal tasks like getting dressed or washed. Using these services could prevent you from having to move into residential care.
You don’t have the skills or knowledge to do it properly
A lot of people take on DIY tasks that they’re not knowledgeable or skilled enough to handle. While DIY repairs and home improvements can save you money, they can cost you more in the long run if you screw them up. Always leave plumbing and electrics to professionals – these can be the most disastrous if they go wrong. Other tasks like roof repairs, removing large trees, installing windows and knocking down walls are also generally safer to delegate to experts.
Your family and friends can’t help
Family and friends may be able to step in and help with tasks if you’re unable to handle them. If you’re constantly away on work trips, family members may be able to come around and water plants or look after pets. If you’re getting old and experiencing mobility issues, younger relatives may be able to step in and help with chores. Meanwhile, many of us know a friend who is a professional handyman and is qualified to take on tasks like plumbing or painting. Always use your network first before hiring help – especially if you’re on a tight budget. If you don’t have these people locally to rely on, it’s time to hire help. Similarly, if you feel that you’ve become a burden to family and friends, it could be time to pay a professional instead.
You can afford to hire help
It’s important that you can afford to pay for help. The cost of hiring cleaners, landscapers, carers and handymen can quickly add up. If you’ve got a good enough income or enough savings to afford to pay for help, do it. Make sure to also look into what types of financial assistance are available – this will depend on your age, location and how able-bodied you are.
*Don’t forget to download my #FREE Lifestyle APP Live a Well-Designed Life
