The Right Expert For The Job

​OK - I'll start with the controversial statement:  Cleaning People will not solve all your problems.   Now don't stop reading...there is hope and a way forward - with or without a cleaning service.   But I wanted to address the myth that most people hold so dear.   They have a messy home and they think if they can just get a cleaning service everything will be alright.  
 
You have a messy home?   You need to organize it!    
 
You have a dirty home?   You need to clean it.
 
Simple.   A cleaning person will not declutter your stuff for you.   They will not take all your clothes out of your closet and asses what you should keep, toss or donate.   They won't tidy up your junk drawer or give you systems for keeping it tidy and organized. 
 
A cleaning service cleans.   If you have pets...kids...a life... a cleaning service is a great idea.  I personally hate scrubbing toilets.   I have a cleaning service - a very nice man comes to my home twice a month and does everything we need.   
 
But here's the secret -- I live in a 3500 square house and it only takes him 2 and half hours to clean our four bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, and the kitchen and living spaces.   And hello floors!   
 
I came to this service AFTER I had decluttered our home significantly. 
 
You've heard me say that I like to keep my kitchen counters clear because I like how it looks - but it’s also easier to clean that way.  Same principal goes for your floors.  If you have too much clutter on your floors and cleaning person can't sweep or mop effectively. 
 
I admit that I used to be the person who "picked up" before the cleaning person came.   Are you a fellow picker upper?   Do you clean before the cleaning people?    Why do you do that?   So they don't see your mess or because you think they can't effectively clean with the mess that is already there?  See where I’m going with this?
 
You have to start with a good declutter.   This could take a day or a couple of weeks – depending where you are.   Then…and only then…will a cleaning service live up to its full potential in your home.   If you declutter AND clean you home will transform.   
 
As I said…I’m not against cleaning services.   I have two dogs.  Two.   There is a lot of fur.   I vacuum almost every night – even when the cleaning service is coming that week.   Vacuuming, swiffing, mopping – they are all easier because there aren’t piles of things on my floor.   No stacks of magazines, no left-over appliances, no stacks of pillows.  I do a quick tidy and reset my kitchen and living room to “factor settings” and then I vacuum.   Its easy.   
 
My cleaning service didn’t solve my problems – I did.   With good habits and lots of decluttering.    I discovered what Dana K. White of “A Slob Comes Clean” calls my “clutter threshold”.   It’s the amount of stuff I can display, store…keep in my home without feeling overwhelmed – and making it easy to clean.    What’s your clutter threshold?  I’m sure it’s different from mine, but we all have one.  
 
So those are my thoughts.  Declutter.  Then get a cleaning service if you feel you need one and can afford them.   But do it in that order – otherwise your service will waste their allotted time moving your stuff so they can clean around it.  
 
If you are ready to declutter – contact Bliss This House for a one hour coaching session or in person services!   We can help you start good habits around your home and stuff and get you ready for that special day when a cleaning service comes!  
 
Xoxoxo, Maria