As I was reading an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer last week about how Philly’s younger urban population was increasingly opting to hire cleaning companies to have professional cleaning performed on their homes, it made me think and dive a little deeper into some possible reasons for that.
What I discovered made sense as to why Gen Z and Millennials were spending more to keep their home environment clean and clutter free.
One of the articles I found from Fortune reported that over 65% of millennials report moderate to high levels of burnout, with 2 main reasons cited as “unique career expectations and pressures” and “more demanding work environments than other generations defined by constant connectivity, high performance expectations and a competitive job market.” In addition, millennials are part of the “sandwich generation”, taking care of not just themselves, but also aging parents.
I have seen a change in my business clientele also. Obviously, there was a huge increase in demand following the pandemic years. But I think people started to see the benefits of having (and maintaining) a clean, uncluttered home environment, and took it more seriously. The old outlook of using a cleaning service as a luxury took on a new definition of a necessity as younger people saw the mental and physical benefits of having an orderly home.
The article from The Inquirer went on to quote several of my colleagues in the industry, with many of them agreeing that they see the younger generation as being more career driven, more dual income families and overall less time for household chores. However, they grew up in the middle of the covid epidemic and absolutely know the value of good hygiene, so cleaning has become a priority.
The Millennial Dilemma: Time Vs. Cleanliness
Gen Z & millennial professionals often work long hours under intense project deadlines. Since COVID, many have shifted to remote or hybrid work, blending their living and working spaces. This overlap presents a challenge: maintaining a clean and organized home while managing a demanding, high-pressure job. A cluttered or dirty environment can heighten stress and make it harder to focus, ultimately stifling creativity.
A clean and tidy home supports mental clarity and reduces stress. Still, finding time to clean amid a packed work schedule can be difficult. That’s where the value of a professional house cleaner becomes clear. By outsourcing cleaning tasks, young professionals can reclaim their time and mental energy—allowing them to focus on what they do best, while enjoying a clean, organized living space.
Work, Life Balance for Families
For families—especially those with young children—daily demands can be overwhelming. Balancing careers, school schedules, extracurricular activities, and the rhythms of family life often leaves little time for household chores. Yet, a clean and organized home benefits everyone in the household.
Hiring a professional house cleaner can ease the burden on parents, giving them more time to spend with their children instead of constantly cleaning up after them. Regular professional cleaning also helps reduce the risk of illness by keeping surfaces sanitized—an especially important consideration for families with young kids.
The Psychological Benefits of Have A Clean Home
Cleanliness and organization can offer significant psychological benefits. Clutter and mess often contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress, while a clean, orderly home fosters a sense of calm and control. For busy professionals and families, a well-maintained living space can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, and an overall higher quality of life.
In households where both parents work, dividing chores can sometimes become a source of tension. One stat I came across stated that Over 70% would rather endure undesirable experiences — such as making small talk (19%), sitting in traffic (17%), or running into an ex-partner (9%) — than tackle cleaning their floors. Bringing in a professional house cleaner can help ease these pressures, reduce conflict, and promote a more harmonious, happier home environment.
Dollars & Sense – What is Your Time Worth?
From an economic perspective, hiring a house cleaner offers clear returns in the form of time saved and increased productivity. For Gen Z & millennials, every hour spent cleaning is an hour not spent on high-value tasks like advancing projects, networking, or building their careers. In this context, the opportunity cost of cleaning can be significant. Outsourcing household cleaning allows professionals to reclaim that time—potentially leading to greater income and career growth.
For families, the time saved can be redirected toward more meaningful or enjoyable activities—whether it’s spending quality time with children, engaging in hobbies, or simply unwinding. In this light, hiring a house cleaner becomes an investment in time—arguably one of the most valuable and limited resources we have.
The cost of recurring home cleaning ranges between $150-$300 per visit depending on certain variable like home size and level of cleaning. You can often expect to pay about $500 for a one-time thorough deep cleaning before the recurring cleanings start. This helps set the stage for future cleanings. For many young professionals, the cost is well worth the investment. You can get a clean, sanitized, orderly household in two hours that would normally take you an entire day!
How Clean is “CLEAN?”
The majority of Americans believe that “things looking tidy” (55 percent) and “no visible dirt or dust” (51 percent) are top indicators that they’ve cleaned enough.
Even after cleaning, surfaces can still harbor dust, grime and other debris. In addition, some surfaces get overlooked like window ledges, baseboards and ceiling fans which are magnets for allergens and fine dust particles.
Professional Cleaners so this every day and bring a level of skill and precision most homeowners don’t possess. Professional cleaning helps remove these contaminants, creating a healthier environment for everybody in the home.
Feel Free To Reach Out!
In conclusion, if your busy schedule and work-life balance has your stress-meter pegged and you’re looking to alleviate some of that stress and outsource your cleaning, reach out to Keep It Clean With Raylene, Inc. in Philadelphia. We look forward to meeting you!