apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

you know... i never really considered doing this as a once in a blue moon treat. i think i will. i'm moving in a couple of weeks, so maybe after the holidays i'll treat myself...

In Brazil most of the "medium class"[US$ 1,500 /month] have a full time maid for about US$300/month, Monday to Friday and half a day on Saturdays. I never knew anything different, until I left.
Boy, I have to tell you, you guys do amazingly well. Work, kids, supermarket, school, husbands/wives AND cleaning! That is such a busy life and every time I am in Brazil, I make sure to repeat over and over again to my friends that I am amazed by you.

this is a cool idea to do as a treat...although, all these staycation recommendations i've been hearing about (not just here, on npr and all over the web) leave me wondering just how much people spend when they go on vacation.

where's the savings when you're eating out (for me, in NYC - where restaurants are $$$) and giving yourself all these expensive treats as consolation for not leaving town. you might as well go away and just try to keep the purse strings a little tighter while away.

I agree w/ AMT - Why not just take a cruise?

I have always wanted to, but the thought of hiring someone to clean my 600 square feet of space seemed a little lazy on my part, as much as I hate it. But coming home to a spotless house? Hum, I may have to reconsider.

Also, not to be "that girl"... but the term "cleaning lady" is a bit on the sexist side. Just sayin'.

@amt230 & bepsf - maybe because some of us only have a wee, tiny bit of vacation time but still need to feel like we've had vacations.

Yeah, how about 'cleaning SERVICE', Laure.

Does anyone know where that headboard in the pic is from? I love it!

Brazilian, I lived in Brazil for a few years with my grandparents when I was in my teens to be with them and to learn more about my culture plus I made friends right away so I wanted to stay. My grandmother was the only one in our family down there or on the block that didn't have a maid or whatever you want to call it. I assumed they lived in favellas because I thought how is it they could do this all day and put up with half the crap they need to do. I have a mentally challenged cousin down there and she was a pig and used to make Lizette (that was the maids name) to pick up after her so rudely. My heart went out to her. We are very busy in this country with work and chores. It would be a luxury to come home without worrying about the dishes and laundry.

I own a green cleaning service in Chicago and for many people out here, it is not only a luxury but also a necessity. What with kids, spouses, and dual incomes as a necessity, the cleaning gets neglected. A cleaning service will get your home cleaner than you ever could on your own, so it is something good to do at least once a season. Of course you aren't going to get a good service to come out for 6 days a week for 300 a month :) that will cover about 10 hours from my agency... but it is well worth it.

Where do those cute white shams on the bed come from? They have a little ruffle on the trim....and they are adorable! Any clues??

Posting from here in London, I've been wanting to get a cleaner for a while. There's two of us here, and we do chores most weeks but given our incomes and the little time we do have away from work I think we could boh afford and enjoy a little help.

Trouble is a small part of me doesn't want a cleaner 'judging' my lifestyle and dirt and the other thing is I don't know how best to acquire the service. But then there's a toss up between whether I should try finding a reliable "lady that does" or employing a company which. Any ideas?

kellylc- I was thinking the same thing.

little ribbons--you're so right. can't believe i was blind to that slip!