Do you need a housekeeper but are unsure about the type of housekeeping service you need? Learn about the 5 basic types of housekeeping services for hire. Share on XFor busy people, or commercial properties, the requirement to have help in the property is common place. Busy people are increasingly hiring housekeepers to ease the burdens of modern life and help care for their home, pets, valuables and loved ones.
There are many different types of housekeeping services. The need for full time, part time or ad-hoc housekeeping support for depends on you and your property.
Why is it important to know the different types of housekeeping services and what are the types?
Why is it important to know the different types of housekeeping services?
If you are hiring a housekeeper, it’s always important to understand the different types of housekeeping services available. This will help you make the most informed decision to suit your budget, and your specific needs. The recruitment process (if you choose to self recruit) is time consuming. You don’t want to have to go through the process too regularly. It also takes time for the new housekeeper to settle in and learn the routine and ropes of the property. This too is time consuming, so you don’t want to have to repeat this process too often.
Know the different types of housekeeping services available so you can make the right choice.
What are the types of housekeeping services?
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Cleaner or Maid
A cleaner or maid is a basic cleaning service. Not to be confused with a housekeeper. They may be used in more commercial cleaning areas, or they might be used for end of tenancy cleans. In private homes they might be used for short visits, and these can be regular, but they are rarely full time for one property.
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Live in Housekeeper
A live in housekeeper is a very popular type of housekeeping services. They can be a full time or part time member of staff that works for a property, and as part of the package they are provided accommodation. Either within the main property or within the grounds. A housekeeper is a high standard professional who can clean, tidy, and ensure your home and property is cared to the highest degree. This can be a popular choice for properties needing flexibility and security on site – as the live in housekeeper can assist with errands, cooking, childcare and security when the property is vacant.
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Live out Housekeeper
A live out housekeeper can be full time or part time. Like a live in housekeeper, a live out housekeeper is a professional candidate who will clean, tidy, wardrobe manage, and can also include additional duties in areas such as cooking, shopping, pet care and childcare. A live out housekeeper is a popular choice for properties which don’t have the space for a live in housekeeper, and also for properties that don’t need full time support.
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House Manager/ Housekeeper
A housekeeper combined with house management is the next tier of support. Here the housekeeper can provide additional house management support. This may include admin, managing contractors, managing household rotas or schedules and ensuring that the property is cared for along with all the typical housekeeping duties. This is a popular choice for luxury venues or for busy family homes which need additional support, or who have larger teams of household staff.
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Housekeeper Cleaning Companies
If you don’t choose to self recruit or go through an agency like ourselves to recruit a member of staff, then you can undertake the services of a housekeeper cleaning company. This is a company you pay, who then in turn send staff to your home, and they employ/pay the staff. This is typically a more expensive option, and also the standard/quality can be lower than if you recruit a housekeeper directly. That’s because the company takes a large cut from the cleaner, so it’s likely, although you may be paying a higher rate, that the housekeeper themselves isn’t being paid that much. They will also be unlikely to do full time support, so for bigger households this isn’t a good option.
What kinds of housekeepers are suitable for you?
It can sometimes be difficult to figure out which housekeepers might be suitable for you and your needs. Some things to consider are:
- The size of your property
- The regularity you need them to visit
- Live in or Live out
- Tasks and duties outside of specific cleaning
- Flexibility
- If you need them to travel with you, or look after your property when you are away.
How can Polo & Tweed help?
Polo & Tweed are highly experienced at matching the right housekeeper to the specific property and the needs of the family or individual. It’s always helpful to talk through what you think you need. We can advise you on market rates and which would be an ideal route to take with your recruitment. We remove the stress of recruitment and aim to find you a long-term member of staff. Whatever your requirements, we’re here to help. Please drop us a line to discuss your housekeeping needs with one of our professional consultants.