CREDIT: Thought Catalog (Unsplash)

It's official: The new must-have accessory to supplement your hot girl summer is a good book.

Celebrities are starting book clubs. Famous YouTubers are encouraging Gen Z to pick up classic novels. Kendall Jenner has been heralded as the "patron saint of alternative literature." Maybe it's the copious amounts of alone time we've spent over the past year — or maybe we're just getting old — but, is reading cool again?

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Over the last few months, I've gotten so lazy when it comes to housework. I used to always be on top of it, but lately, it's taken a back seat. Partially because I was just so overwhelmed with everything that's going on, and partially because I haven't been having any visitors over.

I was so delighted to hear my brother and his girlfriend wanted to come home for the holidays, so I instantly offered up my spare room. Then I remembered my spare bedroom has become a dumping ground for all of my clutter.

Once I thought about all the cleaning and tidying that my house needs, I almost began to dread their visit. Getting it back into shape isn't a one-man job. I needed to get help! Plus, while my brother is here, I'm going to be busy cooking the whole time. My pumpkin pie is a family tradition!

After deciding to look into getting a cleaning professional, I remembered my friend mentioning she got one recently, so I called her to ask. She told me she uses a site called Handy to book her cleaning services. She said it's super convenient, you can sign up for a Handy cleaning plan on your own schedule, and sometimes you can even book a cleaning Pro as soon as the next day.

I was still unsure of whether or not a cleaning service was the right thing to do. I don't know how I feel about letting someone new into my home at the moment. But I can't lie, having someone regularly come over to help me stay on top of the housework sounded like a dream, so I decided to check out their site anyway.

On the Handy site, I read that they use ID verification technology and a background screening that vets all cleaning professionals booked through Handy. They also have the Handy Safety Standard, which includes a number of steps to help foster a safe environment for the customers and cleaning professionals who use Handy.

Some of these steps include all professionals being provided face coverings that they may wear to bookings and professionals completing daily in-app check-ups confirming that they are not experiencing any symptoms before they may claim bookings. In addition, Handy is providing the CDC's health and safety guidelines to professionals as well as guidance on using EPA-approved cleaning products.

As well as these steps, if any issues arise during a booking, Handy has a 24/7 customer service team that will answer your questions or concerns at any hour of the day. Not to mention, they have the Handy Happiness Guarantee which means if you aren't happy with the service you received they will work to make it right.

After reading all of this, I felt a lot better about using Handy. So after some consideration, I've decided to sign up for a Handy plan. Booking through the Handy site is great because you can view ratings and read reviews from previous Handy customers, and then request the cleaner who's best for you. Or, if you don't want to choose, Handy can connect you with an available Pro who is ready to take on your job. You can even give your cleaning Pro instructions beforehand, so they know what areas of your home to focus on.

I'm happy that the bedrooms and living areas in my house are going to be taken care of, and you can also book extra services like inside the fridge, cabinet, and oven; interior window washing; and laundry, which I can add to my plan later.

Since I discovered Handy, a weight has been lifted. Knowing that the Pros will be helping me get my house back into shape has taken so much pressure off. Handys cleaning plan allows you to have someone come on whatever schedule works for you, and I'm looking forward to using Handy for a long time.

The holidays are always stressful, and this year they're going to be a little bit different than other years. But thanks to my Handy cleaning plan, I have one less thing to worry about this holiday season.

Update: Handy's Black Friday sale is happening now! For a limited time follow this link to get a special offer on a cleaning plan!

Valid only for new customers who book and pay through the Handy platform. Offer expires 12/1/2020. Customer must sign up for a minimum term cleaning plan that will be charged on a recurring basis. Early plan cancellation will result in a $99 fee. Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. Price excludes Handy's Trust & Support fee and is only valid for the first 3 hours booked; additional services and time are extra. Offer cannot be applied retroactively or combined with other offer(s). Visit handy.com/terms for full terms.

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