To hire a cleaner

[MoreBushThanMoss]

... To help once a week?

I have a 4 month old vPFB, I am not working at all, and DP works full time. We have one very big hairy lurcher and live on a narrowboat.

I've always been fine with the inevitable coal dust, dog hair, muddy engine room floor etc that our lovely life entails- and managed to keep things "acceptably clean" - if a bit... boaty.

Since the baby was born, cleaning has gone right out the porthole. Babies need an astonishing amount of input, it turns out, and cleaning on a boat is a big task because although the space is small, it gets grubby fast.

I've asked DP if we can get a cleaner for 3 hours a week - and he's agreed.

But AIBU to feel like we need one? Or should I be able to juggle baby and boat work better?

If you can afford it, and your partner is onboard (see what I did there? ), it's always okay to get a cleaner.

That's my motto.

I couldn't live without mine. Do it.

Excellent motto.

More of the same would be lovely. Like "when you're breastfeeding, cake thrice daily is a must" or "dirty nappies are daddy's job"

I have my own scissors but i dont cut my own hair. See what im saying?

I love my cleaner. I haven't vacuumed a floor in two years, which leaves plenty of time to look at MN. Go for it.

Grab the chance!!

Who wouldn't like a bit of help -

Make those phone calls!!!

I love you all almost as much as I love vPFB.

Thank you mumsnet.

lies down sobbing with relief, throwing the floor polish out the side hatch into the canal

Of course it's ok. It's ok to pay someone else to paint your house or cut your grass or valet your car too. It's very very fine.

I've lived on a boat for years, and DP has never lived anywhere else for 30 years (!!!) - the dust has settled in our laugh lines

We'd hide in the back cabin while the cleaner is in- our boat is v traditional (we have a working pair, with the motor converted for living, and the butty as DPs studio) so lots of space to put the baby and the dog and myself - without getting caught in the mr muscle crossfire!

moving out of his way as he cleans round the boat?

Ah, bless you...

@OP

As Koala said, why not?

We've had one for over a decade and can't imagine living without one. Besides which, I'm not really sure where loo roll is, how the dishwasher or washing machine work.

Love having cleaners. Ours seem to be some sort of South American chain gang run by a lady who manages them, but they come in on a Tuesday and blitz the place in an hour. One irons all of DPs shirts that are left hanging up, and they also change the bedding if I leave fresh sheets out it's the highlight of my week.

Agree with everyone - go for it!

Although, must add, that when our cleaner comes I bundle up the babies and the pooch and head out for a couple hours, coffee, park, mooch round the shops etc.

Gives us all a blast of fresh air and we arrive home to what feels like a brand spanking new house! It's the best feeling. And that way, seen as you've already been out for a few hours, you can all stay in and lounge for the rest of the day admiring your sparkly home!