Without regular proactive maintenance, your home and the things in it will wear out, break, or otherwise deteriorate much faster than they would with routine maintenance. Regular home maintenance also helps to prevent major problems down the road. For example, regular gutter cleaning will help avoid roof and foundation problems caused by pooling water and improper drainage. 

Before hiring a cleaning service for your home, it's wise to ask several questions. Find out what services they offer, whether they work alone or with a company, and if they can provide references. It's also important to ask if they conduct background checks on employees. Inquire about their scheduling, availability, and when they can provide an estimate. Confirm if they have insurance, offer a guarantee, and bring their own cleaning supplies and equipment. You should also clarify if you need to be home during the cleaning, what arrangements are necessary for pets, and if there is a written contract. Finally, ask how they set their rates and if they are available for emergencies and what those charges would be.

Cleaning your refrigerator right before grocery day will minimize the amount of food you need to remove before cleaning and ensure you have a fresh fridge to put your new groceries in. Of course, if you notice any spills or unpleasant odors at any point, it’s a good indication that it’s time to clean the refrigerator. If your busy schedule makes it difficult to clean your fridge at any time, hire a local house cleaner to take care of these tasks for you.

The best way to help a family member or friend declutter their home is to hire a professional organizer or cleaner to do it for them. However, you can also help them make a plan to tackle the clutter. Sit down with them and sort through the items, making piles of what to keep, toss, and donate. Focus on one area at a time to avoid overwhelming them. If they have trouble letting go of some items, ask them when they last used each item, what its purpose is, and whether it has sentimental value. The answers to these questions can help you advise them on handling clutter.