How To Know When It's Time To Hire Household Help

More and more people are deciding to go down the path of hiring someone to help out in their homes. Sometimes it's someone to do some cleaning or it could be a person to cook or look after the kids. When is it time to get some help, and how do you go about doing it?

You know I love my lists, and I find the best way to go about deciding if you need an extra pair of hands around the house is to make a list. So, go grab a pen and a notebook and let's get started.

Photo credit: Georgie Pauwels

Ask Yourself "Do I Need Help?"

Do you feel like you never get a moment to yourself or even to spend with the kids? If you struggle to keep up with everything, even with everyone else's help, it could be time for reinforcements. Some people see needing help around the house as a sign of weakness. We can't do it all, and we shouldn't be expected to. These days everyone is so busy that it's it's only natural to be overwhelmed. When you hire someone to take some of the pressure off you, you have more time for the things that matter. You'll be giving someone a job, and you'll feel less stressed about your day to day life.

Who Should You Hire?

The big question is, who is the best person to help you take a load off? Think about the tasks that you enjoy doing, and those that you dislike. What would you rather be doing with your time? If you don't like cleaning, hire someone to do a thorough cleaning once a week. Don't like cooking? Subscribe to a meal delivery service or hire a chef to prepare a few meals each week. However, it doesn't have to be all about the things you don't like. If you're struggling to taxi the kids to different activities and run a business at the same time, consider a nanny. Or if you need a hand after having a new baby or with multiple children, a mother's helper is a great option. Lots of teenagers would love to put their babysitting skills to test as mother's helpers, and they come at a reasonable price as well.

How to Find the Right Person

Depending on your requirements, finding the right person may be difficult. My favorite means of finding reliable help is via word of mouth. Ask friends, family members, teachers, and others in your community. Another option for finding reliable help if to go through a reputable domestic staffing agency. They will vet their employees or contractors to ensure that they meet their high standards. Even if you use an agency, you can still choose someone who is suitable for you and your family. Having a list of requirements before you start your search will help guarantee that you find the right fit for you.

Are You Ready To Be Someone's Employer?

This may be the first time you've ever been someone's boss. Although you may not be in charge of them directly, they are still under your instruction to an extent. The main thing to remember is that they're human beings, who also have families and their own lives and deserve respect.

Hiring some home help is a significant decision. If you think it might be a good idea, consider it from every angle, and discuss it with other members of your family.