Glen Burnie, Maryland
August 12, 2024
The Average American Spends 30 Days a Year Cleaning And Performing Household Tasks – In 2024, Some Are Choosing To Outsource Cleaning Services
In today’s fast-paced world, time has become one of the most valuable commodities. With the pressures of work, family, and personal development (As of 2023, approximately 39% of working adults in the United States reported having a side hustle, according to a survey by Bankrate), many Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to manage everything on their to-do lists. Amidst these competing priorities, the question arises: should you outsource cleaning services to take back your time? While hiring a professional cleaning service might initially seem like a luxury, it can actually be a strategic decision that leads to greater productivity, better work-life balance, and even financial savings in the long run.
According to a 2019 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about two hours per day on household activities, including cleaning
The Modern Dilemma: Juggling Work, Life, and Cleanliness
For both working adults and retirees, maintaining a clean and organized home is an essential part of life, contributing to overall well-being and mental clarity. However, achieving this cleanliness requires a significant investment of time and energy—resources that are often in short supply. According to a 2019 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about two hours per day on household activities, including cleaning. This time adds up, especially for those who are already stretched thin by demanding jobs, family responsibilities, or other commitments.
The average American spends an average of 730 hours per year on cleaning and household tasks, which is the equivalent of 30.41 days!
For apartment dwellers and homeowners alike, the challenge of keeping a home clean while juggling multiple jobs or side hustles is particularly daunting. As more people embrace the gig economy or take on additional part-time work to save money, the hours left for household chores dwindle. This is where outsourcing cleaning services can make a significant difference.
The Power of Delegation
Delegating tasks isn’t just for CEO’s and leaders – delegation is a key strategy for success in many aspects of life, including career advancement and personal growth. By outsourcing time-consuming tasks like cleaning, individuals can free up valuable hours that can be better spent on activities that contribute to their long-term goals. Whether it’s dedicating more time to a primary job, learning a new skill, or starting a side hustle, the benefits of outsourcing cleaning services extend far beyond a spotless home.
A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who spend money to save time—by hiring others to do tasks they dislike—report greater life satisfaction and reduced stress.
The researchers concluded that time-saving purchases are associated with greater happiness, likely because they free up time for more enjoyable or meaningful activities. So if you have been on the fence about hiring a professional cleaning service, it might be a worthwhile service to look into – if you are in the Greater Annapolis area and would like to learn more about recurring cleaning services, feel free to contact us!
Focus on Your Skills Instead of Cleaning Your Home
For those looking to boost their income, the time saved by outsourcing cleaning can be reinvested in side hustles or part-time jobs. This not only increases earning potential but also allows individuals to develop new skills or explore entrepreneurial ventures. Moreover, for busy professionals, the hours freed up can be used to focus on career advancement, attend networking events, conferences or even pursue further education—all of which can have long-term financial benefits.
The Financial Case for Outsourcing
One of the main reasons people hesitate to hire cleaning services is the perceived cost. However, when considering the long-term financial implications, outsourcing cleaning can actually be a cost-effective decision.
Firstly, maintaining a clean home through regular, professional cleaning services can help prevent larger, more expensive cleaning or maintenance issues down the line. Dust and dirt buildup, for example, can cause wear and tear on carpets, floors, and furniture, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Regular cleaning helps preserve the quality and longevity of household items, saving money in the long run.
Additionally, many cleaning services offer discounts for recurring services, such as biweekly or monthly cleanings. By keeping a home consistently clean, these services can often lock in a lower rate, as the work required during each visit is less intensive than a deep clean. This not only makes the service more affordable but also ensures that the home remains in good condition throughout the year.
Furthermore, outsourcing cleaning allows individuals to focus on income-generating activities.
For example, if someone charges $50 an hour for freelance work or a side hustle, and they can hire a cleaner for $25 an hour, the financial gain from working during those hours outweighs the cost of cleaning.
This simple calculation demonstrates that outsourcing cleaning can lead to a net positive in terms of both time and money.
The Psychological Benefits of a Clean Home
Beyond the financial and time-saving advantages, maintaining a clean and organized home has significant psychological benefits. Clutter and mess can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even decreased productivity. A study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter in the environment competes for attention, leading to decreased performance and increased stress levels.
By outsourcing cleaning, individuals can ensure that their living spaces remain tidy and organized, creating a more conducive environment for relaxation and productivity. A clean home can also improve overall mental health, as it provides a sense of control and accomplishment, reducing feelings of overwhelm.
Coming home to a clean space after a long day of work or multiple jobs can provide a much-needed sense of relief and comfort. This can have a positive impact on mood, energy levels, and overall well-being, making it easier to tackle the challenges of daily life.
A Sustainable Choice for Modern Living
In an era where work-life balance is increasingly elusive, outsourcing home cleaning services is not just a luxury—it’s a practical solution that can help individuals take back their time, reduce stress, and ultimately improve their quality of life. Whether you’re an apartment dweller working multiple jobs, a busy professional looking to advance your career, or someone eager to start a side hustle, delegating cleaning tasks can provide the time and energy needed to pursue your goals.
The financial benefits, including potential cost savings and increased earning potential, further strengthen the case for outsourcing cleaning services. When considering the psychological benefits of a clean and organized home, it becomes clear that this is not just a convenience, but a valuable investment in one’s well-being and future success.
In conclusion, while outsourcing cleaning services may initially seem like an unnecessary expense, it is, in fact, a strategic move that can lead to greater productivity, financial gains, and improved mental health. By taking back your time, you can focus on what truly matters, whether that’s advancing your career, learning new skills, or simply enjoying a well-deserved moment of relaxation in a spotless home.
Here at Always Sparkle, we pride ourselves on ensuring our customers enjoy a clean, sparkling home so they can decide how they want to spend their extra time. Learn more about our services and why we are one of Anne Arundel County’s top choices for recurring cleaning services!
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