Thinking about getting a Part time housekeeper advise wanted Post Reply

[balhamite]

Hi

I have just returned to work after having my 2nd child and am really struggling to keep on top of the housework/washing etc

We currently have a weekly cleaner but I'm wondering about getting a very part time housekeeper instead. I have no idea how it works though so would welcome some advise. Is it possible to get housekeepers on a very part time basis? I guess I'd be looking for a couple of mornings a week. And whAt sort of duties do they typically do? I am thinking cleaning/washing/ironing/putting clothes away/changing beds etc.

Also where would I find someone reliable?

Any advise would be gratefully received!

Thanks

[supergirl]

Firstly i would say do not get one through an agency. They are paid so little money because the rest is agency fees thst it is a) a disgrace and b) they will not do more than just cleaning

If your current cleaner is good why not increasing her hours? And reorganised your week so she comes 2-3 times a week for 3hrs.

Depending on the size of your house, 6hrs might just be enough for cleaning and a bit of ironing?

In my experience, if you want an housekeeper you need to pay more (i pay mine £10/hrs for 12hrs per week but she comes 4 days a week). It is very hard to find one. Since my very good housekeeper left me after 5yrs, it took me 3 ladies (the first 2 where from an agency and at £7.50/hrs it didnt work as they were just a) not willing and b) had no idea how to organise themselves to do it efficiently and thoroughly) to find a great lady. Your best bet, start with asking some people at school.

Last thing, once you find her, nurture her so she ll want to stay!

[Fernando]

Or, if you have space in the house and don't mind having someone living with you, an au pair is another option. She could help with the housework and the children/babysitting. You lose a room, but much cheaper than £10/hr. Check out au pair world - we've used them before.

[supergirl]

Sorry but an au pair is NOT an housekeeper

[nanny_kitty]

No, an au pair is not the same as a housekeeper, just like they are not the same as a nanny.

I wouldn't bother with agencies either. Word of mouth is probably your best bet to get someone organised and reliable. You could also put up a private ad, but make sure you check references thoroughly.

Good luck

[Fernando]

No Supergirl, I quite agree an au pair is not a housekeeper, but it just depends what the OP wants. I just suggested it as another (cheaper) option.

Au pairs can also help with a bit of housework, laundry etc and it might just be enough to help the OP stay on top of the housework.

[schoolssoconfusing]

I would also be interested in hearing about how to find a housekeeper not a cleaner. I have had great cleaners but really want someone who can get on with it and leave things straightened not just vaguely clean. I am happy to pay more for the right person as long as they are a housekeeper not just a cleaner expecting more money…

Thanks

[HannaMatNurse]

Shame on you Fernando for suggesting an au-pair. I cant believe some people..

[Fernando]

Don't get me wrong - I wasn't suggesting she used an au pair as sole charge childcare for the babies - although there are plenty of people who do. I meant that an aupair could help her with some housework and be an extra hand with the children while she was around.

[AbbevilleMummy]

What exactly is wron with getting an au pair on top of the weekly cleaner to perform some household duties such as washin and changing beds?

The OP said she just wanted someone for a couple of mornings per week.

There is absolutely nothin wrong with getting an au pair for that and certainly no shame in suggestin it! That's what au pairs do, provide an extra pair of hand for mums a few hours per week!

[AbbevilleMummy]

Sorry, my g button doesn't appear to work very well!

[maria1981]

HI
MY NAME IS MARIA.I HAVE BEEN IN THE UK FROM 5 YERARS . I WORK AS A CLEANER ABOUT 4 YEARS. I HAVE SOME PRIVATE CLIENTS BUT NOT ENOUGHT .I HAVE GOT VERY GOOD REFERENCES .I DO EVERYTHING WHAT YOU NEED.IF YOU STILL NEDD A HOUSKEEPER I AM ABLE TO WORK FOR YOU.IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ME....JUST E MAIL ME maria 1981nowak@outlook.com

Best regards and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
M

[maria1981]

SORRY MY E MAIL IS ..... maria1981nowak@outlook.com

[Camille]

Suggest you make sure any applicants don't have recent references including the Saatchi's...

[iolanda230984]

hi my name is Iolanda , I'm an UK resident since 2003 and I have 8 years cleaning experience with very high references. I really think I'm suitable for the job as I have a child too and I know what a mom is going through and what she needs. Pls do not hesitate to contact me for any other information or references at 0783848583452. Best regards iolanda