It’s happening yet again.
My home is spotless. I manage to organize everything, scrub each room until it shines, and for a brief moment, it glimmers. The air is infused with an artificial scent reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. We can lounge on the couch without our clothes attracting enough pet hair to stuff a decorative pillow. Everyone retires to their beds made with fresh sheets, all while wearing cozy pajamas.
And all this comes at the cost of my entire day, which should have been spent watching my kids, but instead, I plopped them in front of the TV. This effort consumes all my available time for several days, and likely an entire weekend too.
The best part? I have two little ones, and by the time I wake up the next morning, the place is a complete disaster again. It’s enough to drive any woman to a life of housecoats and chain smoking.
No one really claims they are choosing to be a housewife anymore. I didn’t sign on to be the caretaker of my home. I chose to be a stay-at-home mom, but the expectations have shifted, and while the title suggests a change in focus, the responsibilities have only intensified. My role isn’t just about keeping the house tidy. It’s also about preparing healthy meals that require chopping a ridiculous amount of vegetables. It’s about playing with my kids and treasuring these fleeting moments while they grow up far too quickly, yet somehow not fast enough.
You know why women in the 1950s had immaculate homes? Because they weren’t expected to handle all the other tasks. They would throw ground meat and condensed soup into a casserole dish, and voilà, dinner was served. Their kids were mostly off exploring the neighborhood, poking sticks at dead things until it was time for that meat-soup dinner. And yes, there was the issue of patriarchy, but that’s a discussion for another day.
I am not someone who thrives in a messy environment. Make no mistake; my home is often disorganized. However, my mental state usually hovers at threat level orange, directly tied to the messiness of my surroundings and how long it’s been that way. By the time my home is finally clean again, I’ve worn myself out to the point where I can finally relax for a few moments.
So I’ve made a decision. It’s time. I should’ve done this long ago.
I’m hiring a professional cleaning service.
Absolutely, I am.
I want to be an engaged mom. I want to prepare nutritious meals for my family. I want time in my day to do things for myself, like getting some exercise so that I don’t stiffen up when I hit my 40s. Maybe I could even take a shower? But all of these desires end up taking a backseat to managing our household, and I’m tired of prioritizing everything else—especially when part of that ‘everything’ includes my own self-care.
Every two weeks, a professional will come into my home to clean the baseboards, vacuum and mop the floors, scrub the bathrooms, and wash the windows. Someone other than me will handle the dusting, tidying, and disinfecting. I’ll still take care of the daily upkeep, but without the overwhelming stress of finding time to tackle the heavy-duty tasks.
I’ve contemplated this decision numerous times, but I always held myself back. It seems wasteful to spend money on chores I could do myself. But that’s precisely the issue: I’m not doing them. The likelihood of my habits changing tomorrow is slim. However, the chances of improving my day-to-day life are high if I no longer feel guilty for not sorting socks instead of playing with my kids or pursuing work that I genuinely enjoy.
We are not wealthy, but I can make this feasible by cutting back in other areas and adhering to a stricter budget. I will make this work.
With the immense pressure we women place on ourselves and each other to be “on” at all times, something has to give. I refuse to let my health and happiness be that sacrifice beneath the weight of all-purpose cleaner.
I will experience no guilt. I will feel no shame. I will only feel excited about having extra time in my day to do whatever I please. (Spoiler alert: It’s definitely not cleaning.)
For more on the topic of home insemination, check out our related post on home insemination kits. Also, for authoritative information, refer to Make a Mom. If you’re looking for resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination, visit Womens Health.
In summary, I’m ready to reclaim my time and prioritize what truly matters in my life by hiring a cleaning service.