Hiring a housekeeper starts with a job specification, that you – as the client – build, using the jobs you need them to do and the hours you ideally need them to work.
The benefit of hiring a housekeeper as opposed to a cleaner, cook, or nanny, is that a professional housekeeper in London will likely fulfil all of those roles – and maybe more. A housekeeper can take on a diverse set of roles and responsibilities, with every client and household bringing their own needs and preferences to the table.
But regardless of what you need or want your housekeeper to do as part of their job, one decision you need to make early on is whether you want your housekeeper to live in or live elsewhere.
What is a Live In Housekeeper?
A live in housekeeper is one who lives on site and becomes a part of your home life and family. Typically given their own living space, bedroom, and bathroom, a live in housekeeper can often work more sporadic hours and can provide your family with more flexibility should you need them to work different shifts on occasion.
Having said that, a live in housekeeper still requires access to the same time off and should be given privacy as part of the agreement – ideally with their own accommodation separate from the rest of the family. This brings us onto the things you need to consider before advertising your vacancy as a live in position.
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Live In Housekeeper
The first and most important thing to consider is space – namely whether you have sufficient space for a live in housekeeper in your home. While it is expected and common that a live in housekeeper will integrate and become a part of your home life with ease and comfort, you as a family – and they – will need and want to retain some privacy and boundaries.
In addition to this, when hiring a live in housekeeper you need to consider salary and compensation. How will the live in opportunity and accommodation affect the salary that you are willing to pay, and what other benefits can you offer to prospective candidates to ensure that you attract candidates of a high calibre?
Considering these things will help you to prioritise the different aspects of your job listing and whether a live in professional is what you need.
Live In or Live Out?
With all that in mind, how do you choose between a live in or live out housekeeper?
The most important things to consider are the space you have available, how comfortable you are with having someone living in your home, and whether you need someone who can be more flexible with timings and work shifts. A live in housekeeper will provide more flexibility in the role and may be able to take on more tasks, but you need to be able to comfortably accommodate them.
For advice relating specifically to your set-up and hiring needs, reach out to your local household recruitment firm.