Keeping up with housework is essential for a stress-free home life, but deciding when to handle tasks yourself and when to bring in a professional can depend on your time, energy, and the task at hand. Here’s how to determine whether to DIY or outsource your home cleaning and other household chores.
1. Small Daily Tasks: DIY Wins
For quick jobs like wiping down countertops, vacuuming high-traffic areas, or putting away dishes, DIY is often the best approach. These small, manageable tasks can be completed in just a few minutes each day, helping you keep up with basic cleanliness without investing too much time.
Best DIY Tasks:
- Sweeping and vacuuming
- Light dusting
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces
- Tidying up clutter
2. Deep Cleaning: Consider a Professional
Deep cleaning requires tackling the spots that don’t receive regular attention—like scrubbing tile grout or cleaning inside appliances. These jobs are not only time-consuming but can also require specialized cleaning products and tools. If your schedule is packed or you lack the right equipment, bringing in professionals ensures these tasks are completed efficiently.
Best for Professionals:
- Cleaning baseboards and crown molding
- Scrubbing bathroom tiles or grout
- Oven and fridge cleaning
- Deep cleaning carpets or upholstery
- Removing cobwebs
3. Pre- or Post-Event Cleaning: Professional Help Saves Time
Hosting a big event or cleaning up afterward can be exhausting. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or cleaning up after a party, professional cleaners can take care of the dirty work, leaving you free to focus on event prep or recovery.
Best for Professionals:
- Pre-event deep cleaning
- Post-event cleaning (especially kitchen and bathroom sanitization)
- Floor and carpet care after high foot traffic
4. Regular Maintenance: A Mix of Both
To maintain a clean home, many people find a combination of DIY upkeep and professional help is ideal. Daily or weekly DIY tidying can keep the home running smoothly, while a professional service every two weeks or monthly ensures a deeper level of cleanliness without you having to dedicate your precious free time to it.
Mix of Both:
- Regular upkeep (DIY for small tasks, professional for larger areas)
- Seasonal deep cleaning
- Maintenance for hard-to-clean areas like windows, ceiling fans, floors, baseboards and appliances
5. When Life Gets Overwhelming: Professional Cleaning
When schedules get hectic—whether from work, family, or personal commitments—keeping up with cleaning can feel impossible. In these moments, outsourcing to a professional cleaner is the most practical solution. Busy professionals, parents, and those with packed schedules can benefit from freeing up their time and reducing stress with a reliable cleaning service.
Best for Professionals:
- Busy schedules with no time to clean
- Stress or exhaustion from work or family duties
- Keeping your home in top condition consistently
6. Moving In or Out: Let the Professionals Handle It
Moving is one of the most stressful events in life, and the cleaning that comes with it—whether preparing your home for the new owners or ensuring your new place is spotless—can add to the chaos. A professional cleaning service is invaluable during this transition, making sure both your old and new homes are in perfect condition, so you can focus on settling in.
Best for Professionals:
- Deep cleaning your home before moving out
- Preparing a new home for move-in (especially bathrooms, kitchens, and carpets)
- Ensuring a fresh start in a new space
7. Other Housework: A Combination of DIY & Professional Help
Cleaning isn’t the only task that can be outsourced. Other household chores, like laundry: folding and organizing, can also be time-consuming and overwhelming for busy people. While some people may enjoy the therapeutic nature of folding laundry, others may prefer to outsource it.
Additionally, tasks like decluttering closets, organizing your pantry, or seasonal organizing projects are great opportunities to decide whether to DIY or bring in help. Some people even outsource things like meal prep or lawn care, depending on their needs and lifestyle.
Mix of Both DIY and Professional Help:
- Laundry folding and organizing
- Closet decluttering and pantry organization (professional for post-renovation organizing)
- Seasonal home organization projects
- Meal prepping (consider delivery services or meal kits to save time)
- Lawn care
The choice to DIY or hire a professional depends on your available time, energy, and the level of complexity/expertise involved.
For those who find themselves juggling too much, professional cleaning and organizing services like can help you maintain a clean, organized, and stress-free home. Need some help around the house? Request a quote!
