The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Housekeeper: Tips, Tricks, and Benefits

Keeping a clean and organised home is essential for your physical and mental health, but it can be challenging to maintain with a busy schedule. This is where hiring a housekeeper comes in. A housekeeper can help take the load off your shoulders by ensuring your home stays clean and tidy while you focus on other important tasks. However, finding the right housekeeper for your needs can be a daunting process.

That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to hiring a housekeeper, complete with tips, tricks, and benefits to help you make an informed decision. From determining your cleaning needs to finding a trustworthy housekeeping service, we’ll cover all the bases to help you hire the perfect housekeeper for your home.

So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the process of finding your very own housekeeping superhero.

Still not sure? Why you should invest in a housekeeper.

What is a Housekeeper?

A housekeeper is someone who provides cleaning, tidying, and laundry services for a household. They are responsible for keeping the home clean, organised, and well-maintained. A housekeeper’s duties may include dusting, vacuuming, washing dishes, laundry, changing bed linens, and other cleaning tasks. They may also be responsible for grocery shopping, meal preparation, and running errands.

While a cleaner just cleans the home, a housekeeper also does tidying, laundry, and linen changes.

In general, a housekeeper’s role is to make sure the household runs smoothly by taking care of various tasks that the homeowner may not have time to do themselves.

When hiring a housekeeper, it’s important to understand the different types of housekeeping services that are available. 

A housekeeper is not someone who organises your home. If you are looking for someone to declutter your home, you should hire a professional organiser. If you are looking to have housekeeping, but have some small areas that need updating. Check out Organikeeping (which is a bit of both!)

Types of Housekeeping Services

The two main ways to hire a housekeeper are to hire an individual or go through an agency. We recommend using an agency (this is why).

1. Individual Housekeeper
   • An individual housekeeper is a self-employed individual who works independently. They may be referred to as a maid, cleaning lady, or house cleaner. When you hire an individual housekeeper, you will be responsible for paying them directly and providing them with cleaning supplies. You need to be careful as they may not have insurance, a police check, and if they are sick/unwell, you will not have an easy time replacing them.
2. Housekeeping Service – Agent
   • A housekeeping service is a company that provides cleaning and maintenance services for households. When you hire a housekeeping service, you will be working with a dedicated housekeeper that the agent assigns to your home. You know that they will be police/reference checked, you can get a replacement easily, you don’t have to pay cash to them, and you always have support if something goes wrong.

The Benefits of Hiring a Housekeeper

Hiring a housekeeper can provide a range of benefits for both your home and your well-being. Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a housekeeper:

1. . A Clean and Tidy Home
   • One of the most obvious benefits of hiring a housekeeper is that your home will be clean and tidy. A housekeeper can take care of all the cleaning tasks that you may not have time to do yourself, such as dusting, vacuuming, and washing dishes. This can help keep your home looking and feeling fresh and organised.
2. More Free Time
   • Hiring a housekeeper can also provide you with more free time to focus on other important tasks. Instead of spending your weekends cleaning, you can use that time to relax, spend time with family and friends, or pursue hobbies and interests.
3. Reduced Stress
   • A cluttered and messy home can cause stress and anxiety. Hiring a housekeeper can help reduce this stress by keeping your home clean and organised. This can help create a more peaceful and relaxing environment, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.
4. Improved Health
   • A clean home can also have a positive impact on your physical health. Dust, allergens, and bacteria can build up in the home over time, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. Hiring a housekeeper can help keep your home clean and free of these harmful substances.

The Cost of Hiring a Housekeeper

The cost of hiring a housekeeper can vary depending on several factors, including the type of service you choose, the size of your home, and the frequency of cleaning. Here are some of the factors that can impact the cost of hiring a housekeeper:

1. Type of Service
   • The type of housekeeping service you choose can impact the cost of hiring a housekeeper. Individual housekeepers may charge a lower rate than housekeeping services or cleaning franchises, but they may also have more limited availability.
2. Size of Your Home
   • The size of your home can also impact the cost of hiring a housekeeper. Larger homes may require more time and effort to clean, which can increase the cost of the service.
3. Frequency of Cleaning
   • The frequency of cleaning can also impact the cost of hiring a housekeeper. If you require regular cleaning services, such as weekly or bi-weekly cleaning, the cost may be lower than if you only require occasional cleaning services.

When determining the cost of hiring a housekeeper, it’s important to consider your budget and the level of service you require.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Housekeeping Service

While there are benefits to hiring an individual housekeeper, there are also several benefits to hiring a professional housekeeping service. Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a professional housekeeping service:

1. Consistency
   • Professional housekeeping services typically provide a team of cleaners who will come to your home on a regular schedule. This can help ensure that your home is consistently clean and well-maintained.
2. Insurance and Workcover Coverage
   • Professional housekeeping services are typically insured and bonded, which means that you are protected in the event of any damage or theft that may occur during the cleaning process.
3. Quality Assurance
   • Professional housekeeping services typically have quality assurance measures in place to ensure that the cleaning services meet or exceed your expectations. This can help provide peace of mind and ensure that you are satisfied with the service.
4. Range of Services
   • Professional housekeeping services may offer a range of services, including deep cleaning, move-in/out cleaning, and more. This can provide added convenience and flexibility for your cleaning needs.

Tips for Working with a Housekeeper

Working with a housekeeper can be a great experience, but it’s important to establish clear communication and expectations from the beginning. Here are some tips for working with a housekeeper:

1. Establish a Task List
   • Communicate with your housekeeper during your consultation about your task list. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule can help ensure that your home stays clean and well-maintained. This can also help you plan your schedule and ensure that you are available when the housekeeper arrives (or, she can obtain access).
2. Communicate Your Expectations
   • It’s important to communicate your expectations to your housekeeper from the beginning. This can include specific cleaning tasks, preferred cleaning supplies, and any other requirements or preferences.
3. Provide Feedback
   • Providing feedback to your housekeeper can help ensure that they are meeting your expectations and providing high-quality service. If you have any concerns or issues, it’s important to address them promptly and respectfully. Working with a housekeeping agency will help you to get support communicating feedback with your housekeeper.

NDIS and Housekeeping Services

In many cases, your NDIS plan may cover the hiring of a housekeeper. Participants need to work closely with their support coordinator or facilitator to determine if there is applicable funding for the support. A housekeeper is able to assist with the ongoing cleaning, tidying, and linen changes – which may be assistance with daily living.

Conclusion

Hiring a housekeeper can provide a range of benefits for both your home and your well-being. Whether you choose to hire an individual housekeeper or a professional housekeeping service, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. By following these tips and tricks, you can find the perfect housekeeper for your home and enjoy a clean, organized, and stress-free living environment.