A domestic housekeeper can make a huge difference to your home. 

It’s not just about making your home spotlessly clean (although that is a huge part of it!), but they can also improve your living space, how you spend your time, your relationships with your partner and children, and reduce your stress levels too.  

With a domestic housekeeper, there will be no more time wasted looking for school uniforms in the mornings, no more sitting in traffic to collect something from the post office, and you’ll even open the fridge door to find the groceries put away (with the fridge having been given a thorough clean beforehand too!)  

Yep, there’s no denying the benefits of hiring a housekeeper. Great housekeepers can really transform your home and your mind. So, if you’re considering employing a housekeeper to help with the running of your home, here are some attributes and qualities you should be looking for: 

9 things that make a truly great housekeeper:

1. Attention to detail

A great housekeeper will pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every corner of your home is immaculately cleaned and organised.  

They take pride in their workmanship and strive for perfection in every task, whether it's dusting, vacuuming, or arranging items with precision.  

But that’s not all. When you enlist the help of a great housekeeper, their attention to detail will extend beyond cleanliness to encompass anticipating the needs of the household and addressing them proactively too.

2. Reliability and trustworthiness

Perhaps the most fundamental trait of a great private housekeeper is reliability. After all, the household relies on the housekeeper to maintain a consistent schedule and fulfil their duties promptly and effectively.  

Trustworthiness is equally essential though, as housekeepers often have access to personal and valuable items within the home. That’s why building trust through honesty, integrity, and discretion is paramount in this role. 

3. Discretion and professionalism 

In a similar vein, discretion and professionalism are both incredibly important too. Housekeepers often have access to their employer's personal spaces and belongings, so discretion and professionalism are always crucial.  

Professionalism includes everything from appearance and demeanour to work ethic and trust – so keep an eye out for this when hiring a housekeeper! 

4. Organisation and time management 

An effective housekeeper should also be skilled at managing their time efficiently and prioritising tasks to ensure that everything gets done in a timely manner.  

Balancing speed with thoroughness is an important part of the job – so organisation and time management is essential!  

5. Flexibility and adaptability 

When it comes to running a household, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. After all, plans can change at the last minute. 

A great housekeeper knows this, and will therefore be adaptable and able to easily adjust their schedule or duties to accommodate last minute requests, or unexpected circumstances. 

6. Communication skills

Clear communication is essential for understanding the employer's preferences and expectations, as well as for addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.  

After all, every household likes things done a certain way, so it is really important that communication is open and effective from the beginning to ensure that everyone is on the same page. 

7. Physical stamina 

Cleaning and maintaining a home can be physically demanding work, so a great housekeeper should have the necessary physical stamina to handle the demands of the job

After all, there’s nothing like changing four sets of bedding in a row for the ultimate full-body workout! 

8. Knowledge of cleaning techniques and products

Another important attribute to look for in a housekeeper is a good understanding of effective cleaning techniques and knowledge of the appropriate use of cleaning products to ensure that the home is cleaned safely and efficiently.  

A lot of households will contain high-end materials and fabrics, and it is important a housekeeper knows how to treat and maintain them to a high level. 

9. Respect and courtesy

Finally, arguably the most important attributes of all: respect and courtesy. A great housekeeper will always treat their employer and their home with the utmost respect and courtesy, creating a positive and professional working relationship. 

Find the right housekeeper for you with Hummingbird Home Staff 

Overall, a great private housekeeper combines all these qualities with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to provide excellent service to ensure they create a clean, organised, and comfortable living environment for their employer. 

If you’ve decided to hire a private housekeeper to assist with the running of your household, rest assured that here at Hummingbird Home Staff we will find the right housekeeper for you. 

With over 35 years of experience, there’s nothing we don’t know about matching the best housekeepers in the industry to our families – and you can count on us to always go the extra mile to ensure the process of hiring household help runs as smoothly as possible.  

If you’d like to discover more about our services and expertise, contact our team to learn how we can help, and take the first step to finding your perfect housekeeper today.  

What makes a great housekeeper?
Kerry Barnham
Posted by
Kerry Barnham on 26th Apr, 2024