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Original poster

Housekeeping support?

29 replies

SLG78 · 28/02/2025 07:33

I’m a mum of 2, working 4 days a week in a job that has suddenly become much more demanding following a change of role.

I’m struggling to keep the household running, and would like to find some housekeeping support to lift the load a little. I’m hoping for around 1h per day 5-6 days per week.

does anyone have any tips for where to start my search or any useful questions to ask?

OP posts:
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Kbroughton · 01/03/2025 10:15

Bjorkdidit · 01/03/2025 09:56

But even if you're paying for someone to do your laundry, you're not going to expect them to go around picking a trail of worn pants up off the floor.

But the actual job title isn't particularly relevant, more clear communication about expectations, being realistic about what can be achieved in the time available and constructive low effort things the OP can do to make sure she gets the best out of whatever help she uses. Such as putting all the laundry in a basket, so all the cleaner/housekeeper needs to do is wash and dry it, or even better, if the OP starts the load off before she goes to work, then the housekeeper can just hang it up or bung it in the dryer.

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Erm ok then. I was responding to someone who asked what the difference was between housekeeping and cleaning.

Meandmyhousekeeper · 01/03/2025 09:57

NC for this because MN is brutal.
I have a housekeeper 24 hrs per week. She does all the cleaning, washing, ironing, tidying, shopping (usually just taking in the delivery and putting it away) she does basic clothes repairs (I’m clumsy!) takes in dry cleaning and does basic dog care tasks (washing beds, filling water bowls, letting them in and out of the garden) makes and changes all the beds etc. I basically don’t do much (except work. I do that a lot!) She is fantastic and I wouldn’t be without her. I actually found her by placing an advert in a local shop. She is well paid and gets paid holidays etc.

mitogoshigg · 01/03/2025 09:56

I had a housekeeper at one point who also would do school pick up, mind the dc (already at junior school) and meal prep, whatever i needed but when she left due to an accident (on holiday, nothing to do with me!) I never found a replacement. My housekeeper did 2x 3 hours per week but would be flexible if i needed childcare (her other clients were all older needing help with washing, putting bedding on, shopping etc. and didn't mind swopping). I can't imagine anyone coming in for less than 2 hours because once you have processed what needs doing, worked through the everyday (loos, kitchen) time would be up, a washing load takes 90 minutes to start with

Bjorkdidit · 01/03/2025 09:56

Kbroughton · 28/02/2025 10:09

I see them as different. Cleaning is dusting, hoovering floor washing etc. Housekeeping is washing, ironing, washing up, loading dishwasher etc. Two different things. It's why you 'tidy' before a cleaner comes as its not normally in their remit to pick your child's knickers up off the floor (in my case!!)

Show quote history

But even if you're paying for someone to do your laundry, you're not going to expect them to go around picking a trail of worn pants up off the floor.

But the actual job title isn't particularly relevant, more clear communication about expectations, being realistic about what can be achieved in the time available and constructive low effort things the OP can do to make sure she gets the best out of whatever help she uses. Such as putting all the laundry in a basket, so all the cleaner/housekeeper needs to do is wash and dry it, or even better, if the OP starts the load off before she goes to work, then the housekeeper can just hang it up or bung it in the dryer.

Original poster
SLG78 · 01/03/2025 09:49

Kbroughton · 28/02/2025 10:09

I see them as different. Cleaning is dusting, hoovering floor washing etc. Housekeeping is washing, ironing, washing up, loading dishwasher etc. Two different things. It's why you 'tidy' before a cleaner comes as its not normally in their remit to pick your child's knickers up off the floor (in my case!!)

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Exactly!

OP posts:
Original poster
SLG78 · 01/03/2025 09:48

Rabssccuttlefissh · 28/02/2025 09:20

Are you a single parent? Just wondering, because if there’s another adult living there they should be pulling their weight.

I agree, although sometimes it’s easier to get help in than have a constant mental load of picking up the other half that hasn’t been done along with the annoyance of it not being done. In addition, we both have busy and mentally taxing jobs. It’s ok for us to take a break at home.

OP posts:
Kbroughton · 28/02/2025 10:09

Crichel · 28/02/2025 09:54

What do you mean by ‘housekeeping’ as distinct from cleaning, though?

Show quote history

I see them as different. Cleaning is dusting, hoovering floor washing etc. Housekeeping is washing, ironing, washing up, loading dishwasher etc. Two different things. It's why you 'tidy' before a cleaner comes as its not normally in their remit to pick your child's knickers up off the floor (in my case!!)

Crichel · 28/02/2025 09:54

SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:50

I’ve thought about timings and considered this already. The laundry and kitchen clean up occur daily though :) as I work from home they lurk at me 🙄

our cleaning service don’t do housekeeping but I’ll ask around! Good idea, thanks :)

What do you mean by ‘housekeeping’ as distinct from cleaning, though?

Powderblue1 · 28/02/2025 09:52

It may be easier to find someone who can work the day doing a full clean, washing and ironing for you rather than 1 hour per day. If perhaps post on your local Facebook hroio and ask for recommendations

BettyBardMacDonald · 28/02/2025 09:47

How about an au pair?

Kbroughton · 28/02/2025 09:46

Have you thought about getting an au pair? I had one when my daughter was little and i went back to work full time. This was 10 years ago but they are still out there and available. You need to have a spare room is the only thing.

JimHalpertsWife · 28/02/2025 09:23

Are you the only adult in the home?

Rabssccuttlefissh · 28/02/2025 09:20

Are you a single parent? Just wondering, because if there’s another adult living there they should be pulling their weight.

Waterlilysunset · 28/02/2025 09:18

3 x 2 hours

or

2 x 3 hours

1 hour is pointless, just put your own plates in the dishwasher and make your own beds each day!

Original poster
SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:56

I’d prefer to play with my kids and supervise their homework any pay someone to do the housework 😀

OP posts:
Original poster
SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:55

How long does your person do? What kind of tasks? I’ve written my list but not sure things would take more than an hour…

OP posts:
Annoyeddd · 28/02/2025 08:55

How about a local sixth former or early years student to play with children supervise homework etc while you can get other things done.

Original poster
SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:53

Yes, was hoping for someone local. Thanks for the idea!

OP posts:
Original poster
SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:52

a neighbour is looking for the same - so it’s definitely in the mix. Great thinking, thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:50

I’ve thought about timings and considered this already. The laundry and kitchen clean up occur daily though :) as I work from home they lurk at me 🙄

our cleaning service don’t do housekeeping but I’ll ask around! Good idea, thanks :)

OP posts:
Original poster
SLG78 · 28/02/2025 08:49

New to mums net - wasn’t sure where to post it to be seen. Thanks for the thoughts

OP posts:
Coldfingery · 28/02/2025 08:29

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Didimum · 28/02/2025 08:09

Do 3hrs twice a week and ask cleaning companies if they have a housekeeping service. They do this around where I live and it’s £20p/h.

How old are your kids? A nanny/housekeeper might be an economic choice too depending on your childcare needs.

Squeakpopcorn · 28/02/2025 08:05

3 hours twice a week would make more sense. They could change bedding, wash it and get into the tumbler drier to press start and the same with bedding on the other slot. Be in recieve and put away the food shop.

Eviebeans · 28/02/2025 08:00

Do any of your neighbours/local friends have someone they use that you could ask? I have a cleaner for 2 hours once a month which works for her because she visits my neighbours on the same day