Do you love a good spring clean? Are you detail orientated? Do you get a secret thrill out of organisation? If you thought yes, perhaps it’s time to consider becoming a housekeeper! As a flexible, part-time, or full-time role, housekeeping is easily adaptable to fit around your lifestyle. In this article, we run through the housekeeper essentials- from duties, salary to the difference between housekeepers, cleaners, maids, and nannies.
What is a housekeeper?
A housekeeper is responsible for the duties and tasks of managing of a household. This can include but is not limited to:
- Cleaning
- General tidying
- Laundry
- Running small errands
- Pet care
- Occasional light cooking
- Grocery shopping
- Administrative tasks
- Gardening
- Small DIY tasks
What are the skills I need to be a good housekeeper?
- Organisational skills
A good housekeeper is able to balance multiple tasks and duties to ensure the household chores are managed efficiently. - Time management
A housekeeper may have multiple duties in one day, requiring good time management skills and the ability to prioritise task - Attention to detail
Making sure tasks are carried out with thorough attention to detail and care is a must! - Being hands-on
Cleaning as well as managing household tasks can be quite physically demanding. Whilst you don’t need to be the next Usain Bolt, a housekeeper will need to be able to be on their feet regularly
What is the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner?
In some circumstances, a housekeeper will have the exact same duties as a cleaner. A housekeeper, however, may have more responsibilities such as administrative tasks, running errands, and general management of the home. Usually, a housekeeper is a more consistent presence in the home.
What is the difference between a nanny housekeeper and a housekeeper?
For families with children, housekeeping and nannying may overlap. Some families will hire a nanny housekeeper who will balance domestic tasks as well as childcare. Tasks could include cooking, laundry, ironing, cleaning, vacuuming, childcare assistance to a parent, and babysitting.
A Nanny Housekeeper working alongside a parent may focus on housekeeping and be a ‘back up childcare’ solution with fewer childcare responsibilities.
What is the salary range for a housekeeper and a nanny housekeeper?
- A Housekeeper rate or Nanny-Housekeeper salary in London is £9 to £15 per hour. Outside of London, rates are £7 to £12 per hour.
- A full-time live-in Nanny-Housekeeper and Housekeeper salary in London is on average of £400 to £650 per week dependant on duties, hours, number and age of children, experience, and qualifications.
- A full-time live-in Nanny-Housekeeper and Housekeeper salary outside London is between £250-£600 a week.
Ready to start your housekeeping journey?
At Yoopies we have thousands of families looking for their perfect housekeeper. We’d love to help you find your next job. Simply create your personalised ad and get in touch with employers that interest you!