Homemaking Help: A Homemaker’s Guide To Outsourcing
Homemaking is a full-time job, whether you work outside the home or not. There’s always something to be done—meal preparation, laundry services, household chores, and all the little things that make a house feel like a home. Some seasons of life allow us to stay on top of everything with ease, while others feel like an uphill battle.
Maybe you’ve just had a baby and are running on two hours of sleep. Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one, and grief is making it impossible to get through the day. Maybe you’re in a season of deep exhaustion, struggling with mental health, or facing mobility limitations that make daily tasks more difficult. Whatever the reason, you are not alone in feeling this way, and more importantly—it’s okay to need help.
Outsourcing as a homemaker isn’t about giving up or failing. It’s about recognizing your limits and finding ways to keep your home running while also taking care of yourself. There is wisdom in knowing when to ask for help and allowing yourself the grace to receive it.
Outsourcing Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing
Many of us were raised with the belief that we should be able to “do it all”—that a good homemaker should handle all homemaking tasks alone, from meal planning to light housekeeping, while maintaining a perfectly tidy home. But that’s simply not realistic, and truthfully, it’s an unnecessary burden.
Homemaking is about creating a safe environment and a comfortable home where your family members can thrive. It’s not about doing everything alone. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to seek homemaking services or professional caregivers who can help with everyday tasks. Whether you need ongoing assistance or just a little extra help from time to time, it’s a perfect solution that allows you to maintain a high level of care for your home and loved ones.
Outsourcing doesn’t have to be a permanent solution. There are times in life when we need more help than others, and that’s okay. Whether you need help for a short season or as an ongoing part of your routine, what matters is that your home continues to function in a way that works for your family—and for you.
When to Consider Outsourcing
There are many different reasons why homemakers and family caregivers might choose to outsource household chores and personal care tasks. Some of the most common include:
- Major life events – Bringing home a new baby, grieving the loss of a loved one, recovering from surgery, or adjusting to a big transition can make homemaking tasks feel overwhelming. Seeking homemaking care services during these times can help ease the burden.
- Mental health struggles – Depression, anxiety, or burnout can make even simple activities of daily living feel impossible. Outsourcing can help lighten the load while you focus on your well-being.
- A particularly busy season – Sometimes, life is just extra hectic. Maybe work is demanding, or your kids are involved in activities that require more of your time. Outsourcing can help maintain balance during these periods.
- Older adults needing extra help – Many older adults find that homemaking services allow them to maintain the comfort of their home while receiving the level of care they need.
- Overwhelm and exhaustion – Even if there’s no big event or crisis, sometimes we just hit a point where we feel completely drained. If outsourcing a few tasks helps relieve that burden, it’s worth considering.
Affordable Ways to Outsource
Many people hesitate to outsource because of cost, but the truth is, sometimes outsourcing can actually save you money. Here are a few ways to make outsourcing work without breaking the bank:
1. Grocery Shopping with Delivery or Pickup
Services like Walmart Plus, Instacart, and other grocery shopping delivery options can actually help you spend less. How? Because when you aren’t physically in the store, you avoid impulse purchases. There’s no toddler grabbing a toy they just have to have, and you stick to your list, ensuring proper nutrition for your family without unnecessary spending.
2. Swapping Services with a Friend or Neighbor
Sometimes, outsourcing doesn’t have to cost money. If you’re overwhelmed by housework but enjoy cooking, maybe a friend or neighbor feels the opposite. Consider swapping services—maybe you prepare healthy meals for them in exchange for them helping with light housekeeping services. Community is a powerful resource, and leaning on each other can make homemaking easier for everyone.
3. Hiring a Local Teen for Small Tasks
If you need help but can’t afford professional caregivers, consider hiring a responsible teenager in your neighborhood. Many high schoolers are happy to earn a little extra cash by helping with personal care tasks, folding a load of laundry, or even handling pet care duties.
4. Laundry Services or Dry Cleaners
If laundry is piling up and you feel like you’ll never catch up, many laundromats offer wash-and-fold services where you can drop off your laundry and pick it up clean and folded. Even using this service once in a while can be a lifesaver when you’re overwhelmed.
5. Meal Kits or Prepped Ingredients
While meal kits like HelloFresh or Blue Apron can seem expensive, they might actually save you money if they keep you from ordering takeout or fast food on nights when you just can’t muster the energy levels to cook. Some grocery stores also offer pre-cut vegetables or pre-marinated meats that can make meal preparation easier without the full cost of a meal kit.
6. Hiring a House Cleaner (Even Just Occasionally)
Hiring a house cleaner doesn’t have to be a weekly or monthly expense. Even hiring someone once or twice a year for a deep clean can help reset your home and make it easier to maintain a tidy space. Some local home helpers agencies offer hourly rates for temporary relief.
Outsourcing Helps You Keep Your Sanity
At the end of the day, outsourcing isn’t about laziness—it’s about prioritizing what truly matters. Your time and energy are valuable, and sometimes, the best way to care for your home and family is to delegate certain tasks so you can focus on the things that truly require your attention.
You don’t have to do everything alone. You don’t have to prove your worth through exhaustion. Your role as a homemaker is about creating a home that serves your family well, and sometimes, that means recognizing when you need a little extra help.
So whether you’re in a season of new motherhood, grieving a loss, navigating mental health struggles, or just feeling stretched too thin—give yourself grace. Let go of the guilt. Outsource where you can, in ways that work for your budget and your family. You deserve support, and your home will still be filled with love, whether you personally did every chore or not.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider checking with an home care provider or a local home helpers agency to explore available services that might be the right fit for your needs. From companion care and respite care to light housekeeping and personal care services, there are many ways to receive high-quality care while maintaining the highest standard of care for your family.
A tidy home, a safe environment, and peace of mind are all possible with the right support. Whether you choose in-home care, grocery delivery, homemaker caregiver services, or simply a friend’s helping hand, outsourcing is a perfect solution to maintaining the duties of a homemaker without sacrificing your well-being.
