7 Simple Tips to Hire a Housekeeper Without the Stress

7 Simple Tips to Hire a Housekeeper Without the Stress

Let’s face it: life is busy enough without having to scrub the skirting boards or wrestle with the ironing pile.  

Hiring a housekeeper can feel like the ultimate luxury – and it is – but it’s also a practical, sanity-saving decision for many households. The challenge? Knowing how to find a housekeeper who’s not only skilled but also fits seamlessly into your home life. 

At Hummingbird Home Staff, we’ve seen it all – from first-time employers unsure where to start, to large households needing a team of professionals. So we’ve pulled together our top tips to help you hire the right housekeeper, minus the stress and confusion, for your peace of mind. Let’s get stuck in! 

Why Hire a Housekeeper? 

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. A good housekeeper doesn’t just clean – they transform. Your home becomes a sanctuary, your laundry magically folds itself (okay, not quite, but you get the idea), and your mental load lifts.  

Whether you need someone full-time, part-time, live-in or live-out, hiring a housekeeper gives you back precious time and energy. There are so many benefits to hiring a housekeeper. In fact, many families tell us they wish they’d done it sooner – and once the right person is in place, it’s hard to imagine life without them. 

7 Tips to Hire a Housekeeper Without the Stress  

Tip 1: Define What You Actually Need 

This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people start looking for a housekeeper without knowing exactly what they’re looking for. 

Do you need someone who can clean, dust and vacuum regularly? Handle laundry and ironing? Cook meals or manage groceries? Or are you keen to find a nanny housekeeper who can look after pets or children too? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all – your ideal housekeeper depends entirely on your home, lifestyle, and priorities. And the more specific you are, the better chance you have of finding the perfect match. 

Tip 2: Be Realistic About Hours and Duties 

Once you’ve written your wishlist, check whether it lines up with reality. After all, let’s face it: asking someone to deep-clean a five-bedroom home, walk the dog, and prepare a three-course dinner in six hours a week isn’t going to cut it. 

Set clear expectations and be open to adjusting your schedule or duties. Remember, a good housekeeper wants to do a great job – but they need the time and tools to do it properly. 

Tip 3: Know the Difference Between “Clean” and “Spotless” 

Everyone has different standards of cleanliness. What feels “tidy” to one person might be “chaotic” to another. Don’t assume your housekeeper will instinctively know how you like your towels folded or your silver polished. 

Be upfront about what’s important to you, and don’t be afraid to give guidance. Clear communication at the start avoids awkwardness later on. 

Tip 4: Don’t DIY the Recruitment  

Technically, yes, you can go it alone. You could post on job boards, sort through CVs, interview candidates, chase references, and conduct interviews by yourself. But unless you enjoy admin marathons and legal jargon, there’s a much easier way: work with a specialist agency like Hummingbird Home Staff. 

We have over 35 years of experience connecting families with the right housekeepers – from full-time live-ins to part-time help. We’ll help you define your needs, vet candidates thoroughly, and guide you through the entire process, including interviews, contracts, and legal obligations.  

You’ll save time, avoid common pitfalls, and end up with someone who really fits your home. And we don’t know about you, but we’d say that’s a win-win. 

Tip 5: Prioritise Compatibility as Much as Capability 

Skills can be trained – personality is harder to teach. At Hummingbird Home Staff, we always say: a good housekeeper isn’t just someone who’s good at cleaning – it’s someone who feels like part of the family. They might be discreet and independent, or chatty and warm. Whatever the vibe in your home, you’ll want someone who fits in naturally. 

That’s why we take the time to get to know both our clients and our candidates. It's not about just finding someone who ticks the boxes – it’s about finding the right person for your home. 

Tip 6: Understand Your Role as an Employer 

Here’s the bit that often catches people off guard: when you hire a housekeeper directly, you become an employer. That means contracts, payroll, pension contributions, holiday pay, and compliance with employment law. 

Daunting? Yes. But entirely manageable – especially with the right guidance. At Hummingbird Home Staff, our expert team are on hand to walk you through every step. We’ll explain your responsibilities, provide template contracts, and point you toward trusted payroll partners. With our help and guidance, you can feel confident, not confused. 

Tip 7: Trust the Process – and Yourself 

Hiring someone to work in your home is a big decision, and it’s normal to feel a bit anxious. After all, this is your sanctuary – and letting someone new in takes trust. But with the right support and a clear process, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Trust your instincts, ask lots of questions, and don’t settle until it feels right. 

Remember: the goal is not just to find someone who cleans, but someone who brings calm, order, and care into your home. 

Expert Help with How to Find a Housekeeper 

Need further help and guidance about how to find a housekeeper? At Hummingbird Home Staff, we don’t believe in quick fixes or rushed placements. We believe in thoughtful matchmaking, expert guidance, and making the whole process feel a lot more human. 

We know that no two families are the same and we know what to look for when hiring a housekeeper – which is why we tailor every search to your specific needs. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or upgrading your current setup, we’ll help you find the housekeeper who fits in effortlessly. 

So, if you're ready to make your home a little lighter, a little cleaner, and a lot more organised – get in touch with our friendly team and discover the benefits of working with a specialist recruitment agency. We’re here to help you find the right help, the right way.