Becoming a Housekeeper

For individuals who demand a clean and organized home, hiring a private housekeeper can help.

Housekeepers are employed by individuals to care for their private homes. Housekeepers are responsible for making sure all assigned areas of the home are clean, neat and organized. Depending on the needs of the individual, housekeepers may do basic cleaning and laundry one per week or provide complete daily and ongoing care of home, including silver cleaning, grocery shopping and home related errands.

The typical responsibilities of housekeepers include vacuuming, dusting, laundry, mopping and waxing floors and changing and laundering linen. Some housekeeper positions also require cooking or food preparation and heavy cleaning, like cleaning windows and furniture. Depending on the family’s needs, outdoor cleaning of patio areas and walkways may also be required. The responsibilities of the housekeeper should be specified early in the interview process to ensure that the candidate is willing to tackle the tasks required.

The experience and knowledge base of each housekeeper may vary and individuals will wish to hire a housekeeper who meets their specific needs and is qualified to fulfill their position. As employers, individuals determine the schedule, hours, duties and responsibilities of the housekeeper that they hire. Unlike with cleaning or maid services who will send a different cleaning team based on scheduling needs, individuals who employ a housekeeper are able to set their own cleaning standards and schedule and entrust the care of their home to a single, handpicked individual.

For individuals who enjoy working in the domestic service industry, pay great attention to detail, are organized and have a general knowledge of best cleaning practices, working as a housekeeper in a private home can be a rewarding career. Since housekeepers work independently, they must be motivated, trustworthy, honest and take great pride in their end product. Since they work closely with their employers, they must also have a pleasant personality and positive attitude.

Regardless of how an individual finds their housekeeper, it is essential that they take the time to know who they are considering to care for their home. It is essential that the hiring individual gather as much information as possible about potential housekeepers, including personal information, education, experience and work history, so that they can make an educated and informed hiring decision. But they must do more than gather information. They must confirm its authenticity by conducting a thorough background screening and criminal records checks.

Whether you’re looking to hire a housekeeper or be one yourself, if you want to be in control of your search GoNannies is a great source for finding housekeepers and housekeeper jobs.