By Janet Buck Johnson
Make Life Easier
In an age of convenience, the list of services people rely on grows more inventive by the day. Housekeeping, dog walking, grocery delivery, and lawn services have become common. But a variety of unexpected conveniences have evolved over the last few years—from mobile IV drips to poop-scooping pros. These home services can save your time, sanity, and sometimes your weekend plans.
IN-HOME LICE TREATMENT
The stress of discovering lice in your household is enough to make most people panic. Enter Lice Happens, a company that offers discreet, in-home lice removal. Their technicians arrive equipped with non-toxic treatments, gentle techniques, and a calming demeanor. They treat, educate, and reassure—all in the comfort of your own home.
Owner Nancy Pfund founded the company after her sister’s family dealt with repeated lice infestations despite medical advice and common treatments.
“Using the services of Lice Happens ultimately saves time, money, and sanity,” she explained.
Their typical customers, she says, “have two things in common: they’re human and they have hair.” Families of doctors, nurses, politicians, and even celebrities have all sought out their services. Many clients try everything— including prescription creams, essential oils, vacuuming heads, even tossing furniture—before calling Lice Happens.
Pfund shared that she has had clients say, “Who knew lice treatment could be fun?” while another joked, “I’m enjoying this spa treatment!” But the highest praise often comes from the kids—sweet, sincere comments like “I love you!” and the ultimate compliment: “Will you come back to play with me?”
MOBILE IV THERAPY SERVICES
Once reserved for hospitals and celebrities, intravenous (IV) hydration and vitamin therapy has gone mobile. Licensed nurses now come directly to your location to administer tailored IV blends. Clients use the service to address dehydration, illness recovery, fatigue, and even pre-event energy boosts. Mobile IV therapy has evolved into a popular wellness solution for those seeking convenience, relief, or recovery without leaving the house.
Annapolis resident Stephanie Dumas turned to IV therapy after suffering a three-day migraine. Dumas hired them again a few days later for her husband.
“I was surprised at how easy it was to contact the company and the fact that they came to my home in a matter of hours,” she said. “The service my household received was phenomenal and way better than going to an urgent care or even the ER.”
The convenience was well worth the cost, Dumas added. Chesapeake Express IV, BluZone, or Drip On By The Bay are area providers offering same-day home visits for individuals and couples. Their services cover hydration, vitamin boosts, pain relief, and general wellness.
PET WASTE REMOVAL
Dog ownership brings joy, unconditional love, and a surprising amount of backyard cleanup. Pet waste removal services have emerged as a practical solution for keeping outdoor spaces clean, safe, and odor-free.
Companies like PoopHappens, Scoop General, and DoodyCalls are among many that offer scheduled cleanup services throughout Anne Arundel County, giving busy households back their time (and their lawn). These services typically serve customers weekly, with fees based on the number of dogs and the size of the yard.
Stephen Shivery, general manager of Poop Happens, noted that many clients come to them after putting off yard cleanup for months. “They just don’t have the time to do it,” he said.
Shivery points out that a lot of people don’t realize this type of service exists. “I’d say seven in ten people don’t even know poop-scooping companies are a thing,” he said. Once they find out, though, the convenience tends to speak for itself.
For working parents like Jennifer Bolbecker of Annapolis, it’s more than just convenience—it’s sanity-saving. “We have two kids, three dogs, and both me and my husband work full-time,” she shared. “It’s just more convenient for us to hire Scoop General.”
Whether it’s to enjoy your yard again or simply delegate one of the less glamorous chores of pet ownership, these services offer a simple but meaningful upgrade to daily life.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING AND DONATION PICKUP
A well-run household can sometimes use a little outside help. Professional organizing services like Annapolis-based Systems by Susie or Tidy Nest help families reclaim control of their spaces by creating custom solutions for everything from closets to paperwork, easing the mental and physical
load of daily clutter.
When it’s time to part with what no longer serves you, GreenDrop steps in to make donating seamless. Partnering with several well-known charities, GreenDrop allows you to schedule free home pickups online, choose the nonprofit you’d like to support, and simply leave your items by the door—no hauling or heavy lifting required.
CONCIERGE AND LAUNDRY SERVICES
For households juggling busy schedules, Annapolis Home Concierge offers full-service house management, from package pick-ups to overseeing repair appointments and even checking on your home when out of town. Additionally, Tuxedo Concierge also serves Anne Arundel County and offers full-service house management, from tidying and laundry to coordinating repairs, meal prep, and errands.
Every household has an endless cycle of dirty laundry that can easily turn into a mountain of work. Wash and fold services can make those piles disappear and bring a sense of calm to your home. Admiral Cleaners, a 3rd generation family-owned Annapolis business, offers free pick-up and delivery with reusable laundry bags for your convenience, saving you time and hassle.
These services can bring order and structure to even the most hectic routines.
MEAL KITS AND IN HOME CHEF SERVICES
Meal delivery kits like HelloFresh have become a staple for busy households, offering convenience and variety. While meal kits aren’t new, the category has expanded with more curated meal prep and delivery options. Today, families can order chef-prepared dishes from local providers like Leave Dinner to Lettie, who offers tailored meal prep services, and Yes Chef!, who delivers ready-made meals with no subscription required.
For special occasion meals, providers like Take a Chef connect residents with private chefs who prepare meals in-home, handling everything from grocery shopping to cleanup. You can browse chef profiles, view sample menus, and customize your culinary experience based on dietary needs, event type, or cuisine preference.
WHY TRY THEM?
Sometimes it takes a moment of chaos, exhaustion, or inspiration to realize just how helpful a service can be.
These aren’t just indulgences—they’re practical solutions to modern problems. Whether it’s cleaning up your yard, simplifying dinner, organizing your life, or rehydrating after a long week, these unexpected services offer peace of mind and a little more breathing room. Once you try them, you might just wonder how you ever lived without them.
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