Hiring a housekeeper is one of the most important decisions a private household can make. At HomeOrganisers, we support families across London, Surrey and the Home Counties in finding experienced, discreet professionals who bring comfort, structure and peace of mind to daily life.
One of the most common questions we are asked is whether to hire a live-in or live-out housekeeper. The right choice depends on your household’s schedule, living arrangements, and expectations around flexibility and privacy. Below, we explain the differences, including real candidate expectations in 2025, to help you make the best decision for your home.
What Is a Live-In Housekeeper?
A live-in housekeeper resides on your property and is typically employed full-time. They are provided with private accommodation, often a bedroom and bathroom, and ideally a separate entrance or annex. In today’s market, many live-in candidates prefer a self-contained cottage, garden flat or studio within the grounds.
This setup is ideal for large properties, rural estates or families needing flexible support throughout the day, especially at weekends or when travelling.
Advantages:
- Onsite presence for early mornings, evenings or occasional weekend support
- Reliable continuity of care, ideal for busy or multi-generational households
- Trusted presence during holidays or overnight absences
- Fewer delays or disruptions due to commuting
Considerations:
- You must provide clean, comfortable and private accommodation
- Most live-in candidates expect a clear division between work and personal time
- Many ask about bringing a pet, having a partner stay occasionally, or use of shared spaces – these terms should be clarified during the interview process
- This is a working arrangement, not a tenancy, but it must still feel like home
What Is a Live-Out (Daily) Housekeeper?
A live-out housekeeper, often referred to as a daily housekeeper, commutes to your home each working day. These roles can be full-time or part-time, and are very common in locations such as Mayfair, Chelsea, Wimbledon, Cobham, Esher and Weybridge.
While many work five days a week, daily housekeepers also support households on a part-time basis – for example, two or three days per week or during school hours.
Advantages:
- Clear structure between household life and working hours
- No accommodation or household space required
- Flexible scheduling, from full-time to tailored hours
- Ideal for city homes and properties in the London commuter belt
Considerations:
- Limited flexibility outside of contracted hours (for example, evenings or last-minute travel)
- Commuting delays can occasionally affect arrival times
How to Choose What’s Right for You
Ask yourself:
- Do we need early morning, evening or weekend help?
- Can we offer separate and private accommodation onsite?
- Are we more comfortable with someone working onsite daily, or living there full-time?
- Are our needs full-time, part-time, or seasonal?
Live-in support offers continuity, flexibility and peace of mind, but requires space, boundaries and mutual trust.
Daily arrangements work well for structured households who prefer clear privacy and traditional scheduling, and remain the most common setup for city homes.
Why Families Choose HomeOrganisers
- Trusted agency for housekeeper recruitment across London, Surrey and the Home Counties
- Specialists in both live-in and daily roles, tailored to each family
- Experience with blended roles, such as housekeeper-nanny, housekeeper-PA and housekeeper-cook
- Personal, discreet and professional service from first enquiry to placement
Looking to Hire a Housekeeper?
Whether you need a full-time live-in professional or a flexible daily housekeeper, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way. We match exceptional staff with private homes, offering honest advice and personal support tailored to your lifestyle.
FAQs
Do live-in housekeepers work more hours than daily housekeepers?
No. Hours are agreed in advance for both arrangements. Live-in staff may offer more flexibility, but working time must always be clearly defined.
Can a live-in housekeeper bring a pet?
Possibly, but many families prefer candidates without pets. If you are open to it, this can help widen your candidate pool.
Do I have to provide meals for a live-in housekeeper?
Yes. Either provide access to a shared kitchen, or meals should be included as part of their arrangement.
Can a housekeeper help with childcare?
Yes. Many clients hire blended roles such as housekeeper-nannies or housekeeper-PAs. We can help define the right mix for your needs. Read our blog on blended household roles.
Can daily housekeepers ever stay overnight?
Only if pre-agreed. This is not standard but may be possible in emergencies or during travel, if clear boundaries are set.