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Create a Watchword for the Year

So it’s the first quarter of a new year. How’s it going so far?

What you answer is probably not as important as knowing what this year is going to be about for you. One way to theme your year is to have a watchword.

A watchword is a word or phrase that expresses a core aim or belief.

Some questions you can use to help you come up with that word or phrase include:

  • What was I unhappy about last year? How can I change that this year?
  • What do I need more of in my life?
  • What do I need less of in my life?
  • What one thing would make a significant difference this year?

The answers to these questions will lead to different words, but you may see an overlap, and that overlap is probably a good indicator of what should be your priority this year.

Types of Watchwords

You could be trying to establish a habit. Potential watchwords might be routine, exercise, or minimize. 

You may want to deepen a value in your life. Words like hope, intentionality, and trust could help.

You might want an all-purpose word that applies across your personal and professional lives. Think words like focus, delegation, and accountability.

Ask for Help

Once you’ve decided on a watchword for the year, realize that you now have to attach it to something tactical. Just like “lose weight” doesn’t mean anything as a goal, but “lose 4 pounds” offers clarity, so too a watchword like “exercise” doesn’t mean anything without at least one specific practice behind it.

Once you’ve put something practical behind the watchword, tell someone you trust not just to share something personal, but to ask for help and accountability. It’s often easy to make excuses for ourselves, but it’s less easy to do so when you’ve asked others to keep you accountable. They might even choose to get in on the act themselves!

Stay Committed

One way to track your progress with your watchword can be to journal each day (could be something as short as a paragraph) chronicling how you did with your watchword.

Remember that you want this watchword to last all year, not just a week or a month, so pick it wisely and make sure that you are truly invested in holding to it. If you do, you’ll be likely to find yourself improved in one way at the end of the year, potentially ready to do it again with another aspect of your life!

This content originally appeared in our monthly Open Calendar Club Newsletter.

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Using the platform was super simple. I've used my cleaners five times now, and the one time I did have to reschedule it was super easy, hassle-free. It's really simple, it's easy, and they've done great job.
Gus
Los Angeles, Ca
20+

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My wife and I are thrilled how easy everything is with MaidThis, and now I’m a customer for life! If you don’t want to go through the hassle of finding your own cleaner, definitely try MaidThis
Jordan
Redondo Beach, Ca
25+

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I work a full-time job and I have a small kids at home, so by the time I get home the LAST thing I want to do is clean. If you need to save time, I recommend going through MaidThis. Their customer system was amazing.
Suzy
Los Angeles, Ca
70+

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Strategies for Responding to Bad Reviews for Your Vacation Rental

While most vacation rental owners would love to have zero bad reviews, sometimes one can crop up. What happens next isn’t just important for that customer, but for so many others that will be watching how you respond. Here are a few strategies you can use when responding to bad reviews for your short term rental.

First Reactions

The first instinct of many vacation rental hosts may be to take the feedback personally. And that’s understandable. But don’t take a bad review personally. It’s a review of the listing and there are many reasons why a person may choose to leave a personal review, but it’s not because he/she has anything against you personally.

In that same vein, if you find yourself getting emotional in response to the bad review, it’s not a good time to respond. Give yourself some time to compose your thoughts.

Fact Finding

Before you compose your final response, send some messages to clarify things. You want to stay neutral and objective in your tone and strike the “just the facts, ma’am” investigatory tone. Once you’ve heard the guest’s side of the story and compared it to the facts you found on the ground, i.e. they claimed they didn’t smoke, but you found cigarette butts, or they said there were roaches or mice but you couldn’t find any, you’re able to put together a response.

Craft Your Message

Firstly, don’t be generic in your response. It’s fine to use a template to respond, but try to stay away from corporate-speak as much as possible. Use the guest’s name and go for a tone of friendliness.

Here’s a template you could use, if you wanted one:

  • Apologize. Assume the guest isn’t lying and choosing to spend his/her time writing bad reviews for the fun of it. Something along the lines of, “I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your time with us as much as we would have liked you to,” conveys empathy and validates their perspective.

  • Recap the facts. What you can do here is recap some of what they said in their review and compare it to your communications after the fact as well as your own side of the story.

  • Summarize. Even if there’s only a slim chance a guest would ever return, striking a welcoming tone here is one more way to be conciliatory.

Special Cases

Sometimes there are dumpster fire guests who cause damage, act maliciously, and do leave bad reviews just because they are having a bad day. For those guests you should still follow the steps above, because potential guests are watching how you respond as part of their decision to book.

But the additional steps you can take beyond that could include filing a police report (if and when appropriate) and/or contacting the platform to present your thoughts as to why a review was left unfairly. While platforms like Airbnb often insist that guest reviews must stay up, when the evidence of malice/bad faith is obvious, these platforms do indeed take reviews down.

This content originally appeared in our twice-monthly Guest Book Newsletter.

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At first I tried to take care of all of the cleaning process myself, and it turned out to be a bigger headache than anything else. So a friend told me about MaidThis and its been fantastic. I’ve been working with my cleaners for a few months so far. I recommend you check out the service for yourself.
Brent
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

I definitely think that as a company we've been able to make more money, not only because we're saving money by using Maid This, but also because they're helping take a few of the necessary evils with doing vacation rentals off of the property managers plate.
Laura G
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

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Top 6 Most Unnecessary Cleaning Products

While there are countless effective cleaning products on the market today, not all of them are created equal. In fact, some of these supplies are downright useless and may even do more harm than good.

And while many people in Pasadena, CA, and the nearby communities prefer to avoid this problem by outsourcing their chores to reputable house cleaning services, it still pays to know which cleaning products and tools you actually need, and which ones are just going to make your housekeeping efforts a lot less fun. Keep reading to learn more!

What cleaning products to avoid?

Knowing which supplies NOT to use is often as important as knowing which ones are right for your needs. By sticking to simple, universal cleaners and traditional cleaning methods, you can keep your home fresh and healthy without wasting time or money on the useless stuff.

Here are 6 unnecessary cleaning products you should avoid:

Waterless Hand Sanitizer

While these have become a must-have in the age of COVID-19, they may not be as effective as you might think. These products often contain a high percentage of alcohol and can dry out your hands, leaving them susceptible to infection. Additionally, they may not be effective against all types of germs, so it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water when possible.

Cleaning Wipes

While these may seem convenient for quick cleanups, they can actually do more harm than good. That’s because they often contain harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces, and they can leave behind a residue that attracts dirt and dust. Additionally, they’re not as effective at cleaning as traditional methods, such as using a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.

Disposable Mop Pads

While they may seem like a convenient way to clean your floors, these pads are not environmentally friendly and can be costly in the long run. Additionally, disposable pads may not work as effectively as a traditional mop and bucket, and they can leave behind a residue that causes dust and dirt to build up faster in your home.

Specialty Cleaning Products

Chemicals and tools that are marketed for specific tasks, such as cleaning windows or bathrooms, may not be necessary. Many of them contain harsh chemicals that can ruin surfaces, and they may not be any more effective than a basic all-purpose alternative.

Air Fresheners

While air fresheners may temporarily mask unpleasant odors, they do not actually clean the air. In fact, many air fresheners contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. It’s better to address the source of the odor, such as by tidying up or airing out a room, rather than relying on air fresheners.

Antibacterial Products

While they may seem like a good way to kill germs and bacteria, these can actually affect you negatively as well. History has shown that these products can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and they may not be any more effective than traditional cleaning products.

Where in Pasadena, CA, can I schedule expert-level house cleaning services?

pasadena ca house cleaning servicesNo matter how well organized or naturally hygienic you are, sometimes it’s just impossible to stop clutter and other forms of dirt from getting out of hand. This is especially the case if you’re a busy professional or parent who just has too much on their plate on any given day to worry about household chores.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything on your own! Here at MaidThis, we team up with Pasadena’s leading house cleaners who can make sure your residence is always hygienic and looking its best.

With these professionals by your side, you’ll not only always have a spotless home, but you’ll also be able to have fun at the Pasadena Convention Center or otherwise use your valuable free time as you see fit instead of spending it on chores. Reach out to us today!

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A Short History of Cleaning Tools & Products

Housekeeping products have come a long way since ancient times when early humans used simple tools and natural substances to take care of their living spaces. From the invention of soap to the discovery of the disinfectant properties of chlorine, the history of these products spans thousands of years and has paved the way for the countless safe and effective options professional house cleaning services in Pasadena, CA, and the area use today. 

If you’d like to learn how these products initially came to exist and how they have evolved over time (some in ways that may not be all that great), read on to the end of this article!

How did people clean before chemicals?

The first cleaning products were most likely simple, natural substances that early humans used to tidy up their living spaces. For example, ancient Egyptians used a mixture of natron (a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate and sodium bicarbonate) and water to clean their homes and preserve mummies. Similarly, ancient Greeks and Romans used a combination of vinegar and salt to wipe down and disinfect surfaces.

As civilization advanced, so did the development of these products. In the 17th century, soap-making became an established industry, and people began using soap for personal hygiene and household cleaning. The first recorded patent for a cleaning product was granted to Nicolas LeBlanc in 1791 for a process of producing sodium carbonate from common salt. 

This substance, known as soda ash, became a popular choice and was used in the production of glass, soap, and other household products. Later, in the 19th century, scientists discovered the disinfectant properties of chlorine and created bleach. These early developments laid the foundation for the modern cleaning industry and the countless cleaning products we use today.

What was the first cleaning product?

It is difficult to determine the exact first cleaning product, as early humans likely used natural substances such as water, sand, and plant fibers to clean their living spaces. However, one of the earliest known cleaning products is soap, which has been in use for thousands of years.

The ancient Babylonians are believed to have invented soap around 2800 BCE by mixing animal fats with wood ash and water. This mixture created a substance that was able to break down grease and dirt and was used for both personal hygiene and household cleaning.

The first cleaning tools were likewise simple and often made from natural materials. For example, the Egyptians used brooms made from palm fronds or reeds to sweep their floors, and they used stones or sand to scrub surfaces clean and keep clutter to a minimum

On the other hand, in Greece and Rome, people used sponges made from sea creatures or wool to clean their bodies and homes. While these ancient tools may seem primitive by today’s standards, they were effective at keeping clothes and living spaces clean and sanitary.

Where can I find reliable house cleaning services in Pasadena, CA?

What was the first cleaning productHaving the right cleaning products can go a long way toward making your housekeeping efforts feel less like a chore. Unfortunately, none of that makes a difference if daily obligations such as work, commute, and taking care of your family simply don’t leave you with enough energy or time to tidy up your home. 

That’s where MaidThis comes in! We work with the dependable housekeeping professionals in Pasadena and other parts of California who have the skills, the know-how, and the impeccable work ethic necessary to consistently deliver top-notch results. 

These experts will happily make your home shine while you enjoy a relaxing afternoon with your family or have a great evening at the Ambassador Auditorium. Give us a call today!

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How Airbnb Hosts Can Respond to the Cleaning Fee Crisis

There have been plenty of funny tweets and memes about cleaning fees this year. And it seems that Airbnb has finally taken notice and adjusted its search function to allow for guests to display search results with cleaning fees included. But how did we get to this point and how can hosts respond going forward to maximize their bookings and revenue?

How It Started

When Airbnbs first came on the scene, there weren’t yet a lot of professional cleaning companies helping to service them. Consumers were still figuring out the model and hosts were learning to be hosts. As Airbnb became mainstream (and even became a part of speech people used) standards went way up. Guests started to expect hotel-level cleanliness in vacation rentals and hosts that didn’t provide that were punished in reviews which led to fewer bookings.

That’s when companies like MaidThis started to bloom to help out. We were already doing residential cleaning but so many of our customers asked us to help with their short-term rentals and we were able to offer automation for them so that one more piece of their vacation rental business could be easier.

How It’s Going

Naturally, hosts began charging cleaning fees that were often just pass-throughs to cover the cost of cleaning. Unlike hotels, which have cleaning staff that show up every single day and only have to clean a limited space, vacation rentals are each one of a kind, and don’t have the economies of scale that hotels have. Cleaning costs more for vacation rentals because the cost of cleaning can’t be spread out over dozens or hundreds of rooms. 

While Airbnb reports that 45% of listings worldwide do not charge a cleaning fee, at least one study suggests that only 15% of US listings don’t have a cleaning fee, and that the median cleaning fee per listing per night is $75.

Those with vacation rentals will consider that median price to be fairly low, given the difficulty of finding reliable cleaners who will clean to a hotel-clean standard.

What Hosts Can Do

It’s clear that the chore lists have become a very sore spot for guests, leading some of them to name and shame hosts. What may have seemed reasonable in the past, like asking people to put dishes in the dishwasher or to take out the trash, have now become disputed by guests who feel that the “cleaning fee” means that they can treat an STR like a hotel.

There is no “right” or “wrong” answer here. There’s only what the market is signaling, and that’s a frustration with the trend of “high” cleaning fees and lengthy chore lists. Hosts should respond accordingly. 

Here are three different ways hosts can respond to the cleaning fee crisis:

  • Trim chore lists down to bare minimums
  • Consider integrating your cleaning fee into your nightly rate so that you are displayed favorably in the new search functionality in Airbnb
  • Be transparent with guests and explain what the cleaning fees are for: making sure that you are delivering hotel-level cleanliness for each guest, and unlike hotels, this can’t be done for very low fees

Notice that in none of these scenarios do we advise getting rid of the cost of the cleaning fees. Airbnbs are not hotels and while some would try to make vacation rentals exactly equivalent, they are not. It’s not reasonable for hosts to eat the cost of cleaning, but it is reasonable for hosts to respond to market trends and signals.

This content originally appeared in our twice-monthly Guest Book Newsletter.

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Vacation Rental


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  • Automated Scheduling
  • Cleaning Report with Pictures
  • Never a No-Show. Guaranteed.
Book Now

Testimonials

At first I tried to take care of all of the cleaning process myself, and it turned out to be a bigger headache than anything else. So a friend told me about MaidThis and its been fantastic. I’ve been working with my cleaners for a few months so far. I recommend you check out the service for yourself.
Brent
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

I definitely think that as a company we've been able to make more money, not only because we're saving money by using Maid This, but also because they're helping take a few of the necessary evils with doing vacation rentals off of the property managers plate.
Laura G
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

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How Practicing Gratitude Can Change Your Life

For years gratitude seemed like a common sense part of a healthy emotional life. Then studies came out that proved it: gratitude reduces aggression, improves empathy and sleep, and even improves physical and psychological health. Why is that?

At its core, gratitude shifts your focus. It can help you realize the truth of the saying that happiness is not about wanting the things you don’t have, but appreciating the things you do.

But people aren’t usually going to fight back on this. There aren’t really “gratitude skeptics” who don’t believe gratitude offers real physical and psychological benefits. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is practicing gratitude in an intentional way that can offer life-changing benefits. What are a few ways to be more intentional about practicing gratitude?

Send Thank You Notes

This used to be something that many people were taught growing up: send thank you notes when kindness or hospitality is shown to you. The “technology” still exists to do that today. If you don’t have your own stationery, you can find some basic cards at the store. If you don’t even want to do that, there’s always email. Just send a note thanking them and letting them know why you appreciate what they did.

Thank Someone Mentally

It won’t always make sense to send a thank you note, so sometimes what can be helpful is a mental thank-you. This puts a marker for that gratitude in your mind which can help you thank them in person or in another context in the future.

Use a Gratitude Journal

This is a classic way to reframe your day, then your week, then your month, then your year, then your life. By marking down anywhere between 1-3 things that you’re grateful for each day (one to start is plenty) you have a chance to see how many things are going right for you. That can be really helpful on those days when it feels like nothing is going right!

Pray/Meditate

Thanking people in prayer or meditating on moments of gratitude are yet another way to bask in the benefits we have and sometimes don’t fully appreciate. It’s one more channel to reflect on the positives in life when there are so many ways that forces would like us to focus on the negative.

Gratitude works just as well in the workplace as it does in your personal life. Managers who remember to say “thank you” to team members may find that employees feel motivated to work harder. Gratitude is one of those things in life you can’t ever have too much of.

This content originally appeared in our monthly Open Calendar Club newsletter.

Clean my
Vacation Rental


single-blog-sidebar-vacation-rental
  • Automated Scheduling
  • Cleaning Report with Pictures
  • Never a No-Show. Guaranteed.
Book Now

Testimonials

At first I tried to take care of all of the cleaning process myself, and it turned out to be a bigger headache than anything else. So a friend told me about MaidThis and its been fantastic. I’ve been working with my cleaners for a few months so far. I recommend you check out the service for yourself.
Brent
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

I definitely think that as a company we've been able to make more money, not only because we're saving money by using Maid This, but also because they're helping take a few of the necessary evils with doing vacation rentals off of the property managers plate.
Laura G
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

Blog

How Much Should a Vacation Rental Property Make?

Every vacation rental property owner has his/her own specific goals. An owner might be looking for additional immediate income. Or accelerated repayment of a mortgage on a home that will be sold in a short window. Or it could be one more addition to a portfolio of long-term buy-and-hold properties. But whatever your goals might be, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when evaluating the profitability of a given STR property.

Considerations When Buying

When you are considering a given property, there are several important factors to consider:

  • Renovation and maintenance — how much needs to be done to the property to make it STR-ready? Keep in mind that a “good enough” attitude towards renovations will affect your average nightly rate. Once those renovations are finished, what are your maintenance costs going to be? The maintenance for amenities like a pool or jacuzzi need to be accounted for.
  • Insurance — do you have the proper insurance for your property, including a provision/rider for vacation rental guests?
  • Seasonality — how often is this STR going to be rented? You can use that estimate together with an average nightly rate to project gross income.
  • Mortgage — if you are not buying the property with cash, what’s the cost of the note?
  • Management and cleaning — Are you going to have a property manager and/or cleaning company? What are those costs going to be?

Ratios to Consider

When you’ve gone through the considerations above you will have most of the information you need to start putting together pieces of the financial puzzle for a given STR listing.

NOI

NOI is net operating income. It’s your gross income minus your operating expenses.

Cash on Cash Return

You can determine this by taking your NOI and divide it by the cash used to buy the property.

Annual Gross Rent Multiplier

This is used by investors to compare rental property opportunities in a given market. It’s the ratio of the property’s market value to it’s annual gross rental income.

Cash Flow

You can take your NOI and subtract any debt you’re holding on the property to calculate cash flow. It the number is positive, you are profitable. Otherwise the property isn’t profitable…yet.

So going back to the point we made at the beginning, these numbers are going to mean different things, depending on given investment goals. Some STR owners are happy to get anywhere between 5-10% on their listings. Others need a minimum of 10%. Still others won’t look at anything under 20%.

So, the most important way to look at “how much should a vacation rental make” is how much do you want it to make? By having clarity on your investment goals and what your operating capital is for buying and renovating a place to turn into an STR, you can avoid falling prey to the excitement of making money in vacation rental and instead focus on the cold hard facts that will help you realize if there is cold hard cash to be made.

This content originally appeared in our twice-monthly Guest Book Newsletter.

Clean my
Vacation Rental


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  • Automated Scheduling
  • Cleaning Report with Pictures
  • Never a No-Show. Guaranteed.
Book Now

Testimonials

At first I tried to take care of all of the cleaning process myself, and it turned out to be a bigger headache than anything else. So a friend told me about MaidThis and its been fantastic. I’ve been working with my cleaners for a few months so far. I recommend you check out the service for yourself.
Brent
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

I definitely think that as a company we've been able to make more money, not only because we're saving money by using Maid This, but also because they're helping take a few of the necessary evils with doing vacation rentals off of the property managers plate.
Laura G
Airbnb Host in LA
90+

Hours
Saved

Blog

Clutter Prevention: 6 Tips & Tricks

A clutter-free household is every homeowner’s most coveted dream. But it’s one of the most challenging to realize. Kitchen counters somehow constantly get covered with all kinds of utensils. Empty cups and magazines tend to pile up on the coffee table, and toys always find their way back to the floor.

You probably wonder how you can keep your belongings under control and maintain a well-organized household in Pasadena, CA. Well, professionals who offer maid services in the area have six valuable tips and tricks for you. Read on!

What is the best way to prevent clutter?

Clutter can occupy your home within a blink of an eye if you aren’t careful enough. This can sometimes make you feel frustrated, and you don’t know how to deal with it. To help you out, we’ve compiled six clutter-prevention tips and tricks that can make a real difference in your home.

  1. Don’t overestimate the size of your house. 

This means that the number of your kitchen utensils should match the size of your drawers, and your closet needs to be large enough to host all your clothes.

  1. Make a well-thought-out organizational plan. 

Think carefully about where and how you can store items. Try to place them logically and keep everything at hand. 

Finally, suppose you need extra storage options because you struggle to organize some items you really need but have no idea where to keep them. In that case, filing cabinets, plastic boxes, or consoles with many drawers may come in handy.

  1. Purge from time to time. 

Even though you may have been careful about what enters your home and how you arrange your stuff, it’s helpful to examine your belongings from time to time to see what you don’t use anymore. 

Maybe it’s some clothes, shoes, books, or living room ornaments. You can donate these items and feel accomplished because you’ve done a good deed.

  1. Return everything to its place immediately.

If you take a book from a bookshelf and then fail to put it back and place it on your couch or nightstand, your home will soon look chaotic. So take your time and put everything back in its original place. 

  1. Consider going paperless and using digital documents. 

In many homes, paper contributes to clutter a lot. That’s why digital document organization and going paperless are the best solutions. Although this might seem intimidating at first, it’s actually a liberating experience. It stops unnecessary paper from invading your household and saves you from those irritating document piles waiting to be addressed. You can go digital effortlessly, as many banks and utility companies can send you electronic statements.

  1. Inspire your family members to follow your no-clutter policy. 

If your loved ones keep cluttering your home, fulfilling your mission will be hard. That’s why you need them to participate. They’ll need to understand the difference between a mess and necessary items and how to organize everything.

Little ones might have difficulties understanding the importance of returning everything where it belongs, but with your help, they’ll see the point.

Where in Pasadena, CA, can I hire reliable maid services?pasadena ca maid services

Throughout history, people have always felt overwhelmed with household chores. So if you feel stressed whenever you need to spruce up your home and can’t tell what cleaning products are necessary, there is no need to trouble yourself anymore. Instead, reach out to your local experts to come to the rescue.

Maid This a locally-owned referral agency that cooperates with top industry professionals in the area. They understand the significance of a clean home and will be delighted to scrub your living place from corner to corner. Go shopping at The Paseo while your household in Pasadena is in trustworthy hands. Book now!

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How to Make Home Cleaning More Relaxing

A lot of homeowners feel stressed when dealing with housework. They may feel overwhelmed, frustrated or bored when it comes to keeping their home fresh and tidy. What’s causing this, and how could you stop being so frustrated while tidying up

Hiring maid services from Pasadena, CA, is the best way out. The professionals will make your home spick and span, and you won’t need to worry about any mess. But if you want to face this challenge on your own, read the article below as we explain what may be triggering your tension and how to free yourself of it once and for all. Read on!

Why is cleaning so overwhelming for me?

There are 4 common reasons why homeowners may find themselves overwhelmed when taking care of their homes. Let’s take a look at them:

  1. Holding yourself to an unrealistic standard: Comparison to commercials and social media posts may add to your overall dissatisfaction. How can other people keep their living spaces so impeccable and enjoy doing it, and you can’t? The truth is, many people feel about household chores the same way you do. The perfectly organized houses you see online don’t provide a realistic illustration of a home affected by a busy family life. 
  2. Lack of organization: The second reason for your underlying stress may be a poorly devised housekeeping plan. If you spend every weekend scrubbing around your home, no wonder you feel down. 
  3. Too many products:  Another factor that can contribute to your distress while cleaning is too many unnecessary products. The considerable pile of these chemicals can be unsettling, making you constantly wonder if you used the proper dosage and the right chemical for the surface.
  4. Not enough help: Dusting and decluttering your home on a daily basis may bore and overwhelm you as you need to repeat the same tasks over and over again. Dealing with your clutter-filled home can be overburdening if you do it all yourself. If other family members just keep making a mess without taking part in chores, this can make you even more frustrated.

How do you stop being stressed about cleaning?

Now that we know what may cause frustration and stress while cleaning let’s see what you can do about it.

  1. Set feasible goals: As we said before, an occupied home will never look as shiny as those houses you see on the Internet. Strive to clean your space to keep it organized and disinfected, trying to find the right balance. Establish realistic standards for yourself, and abide by them.
  2. Create a rounded maintenance plan: Divide cleaning tasks into smaller chunks and schedule them in advance. This way, you won’t have to spend your entire weekend dusting and mopping your home.
  3. Don’t hoard unnecessary cleaning products: You don’t need a product specially designed for each surface. While some areas like the toilet or the oven do require special solutions, a few old multipurpose cleaners will help you with most of your work.
  4. Get your family members involved.  They need to learn to take responsibility for the mess they leave behind, and it’ll be fun if you work together. Making teams and organizing a cleaning competition with energetic music can motivate everyone to participate.

Where can I find dependable maid services in Pasadena, CA?How do you stop being stressed about cleaning

You may be well aware of the connection between germs and dirt and the importance of keeping your space clean, but simply don’t find the work relaxing or easy. This means that it’s time to rely on MaidThis to put your mind at ease.

We can match you with reliable and experienced cleaners in Pasadena and the vicinity. Let them work their magic while you take a break from everything and enjoy a show at Pasadena Playhouse. Schedule an appointment today!

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What’s Changed in Vacation Rental Since Covid

Hard to believe that it’s already been almost three years since the restrictions that changed everyone’s world forever. But despite the short-term pain for many vacation rentals, changes happened that have presented more options for short term rental owners to prosper and gain revenue since that time. Let’s look at the changes that have come since Covid first hit.

Remote Worker Bonanza

One of the unexpected side effects of the pandemic was the major worldwide normalization of what used to be more rare: remote work. Once workers were no longer required to physically live where their companies were headquartered, many headed for the places they had always wanted to live or simply less expensive markets. 

Secondary Markets are Booming

So, instead of the usual suspects like Miami, NYC, or Los Angeles hogging the vacation rental spotlight, hosts in secondary markets that didn’t get as much attention before Covid are seeing a surge of bookings since that time. 

Workcations are Trending

Those secondary markets are booming in part because of workcations. Those workcations are primarily work-oriented: the guests are there to wake up and work each day. But they are also vacations: those guests venture out when they are not working to take in the sights and visit the surrounding areas.

Those remote workers do have increased demands, however. The two most important are:

  1. Reliable high speed internet 
  2. A solid workspace

Hosts who have seen this trend have upgraded their internet speeds and introduced better working spaces into their listings, sometimes even including a more enclosed and private space for video calls so that spouses or children can continue to move around the property while the remote worker is on a call.

Longer Stays

Even those who are not remote workers are opting for longer stays, in part because of the suppression of travel and mobility for a period of time, leading to a pent-up demand to get away. Hosts have started to factor those longer bookings into their revenue mix and have even leaned into it, finding that longer-term bookings at a certain rate is worth the trade-off against more turnovers at a slightly higher rate. 

More Flexibility

While the wide-open “cancel for any reason” policies that flourished in the earliest days of the pandemic are often not still in place, many vacation rentals have created more flexibility to address the current expectations of the marketplace. Those look to be in place for the foreseeable future.

More Tech

With the emphasis on contactless checkin and checkout during the earliest parts of the pandemic, many hosts adjusted and introduced contactless check ins and implemented technology like smart locks or doorbell camera monitors. Many of these hosts have kept those new provisions in place even as restrictions have eased and people are more comfortable meeting for a key exchange. 

More Cleanliness

While guests have always factored cleanliness as perhaps the most important aspect of a vacation rental listing, the additional requirements for many during Covid, including certain disinfecting measures, were very important for a period of time. But that has dropped off dramatically since restrictions have largely been lifted worldwide. Guests still want cleanliness, but more hotel-cleanliness instead of hospital-cleanliness.

This content originally appeared in our twice-monthly Guest Book Newsletter.

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