Thinking of hiring a housekeeper , but unsure what they actually do, how many days you need, or whether you'd be better off with a cleaner? This practical guide explains what a housekeeper does in 2025, how the role is different from a cleaner or PA, and what setup might work best for your home.
Whether you're based in London, Surrey or the Home Counties, here's what to expect from a modern housekeeper, and how to hire the right one for your household.
What Is a Housekeeper?
A housekeeper is a professional who keeps your home clean, organised, and running smoothly. From daily tidying to laundry and light cooking, a great housekeeper manages the background details so you can focus on family, work or simply enjoying your space.
They’re not just a cleaner, though they do clean. And they’re not a PA, although many housekeepers help with errands and basic household admin. The role is always tailored to your needs. Some housekeepers also cook, shop, organise wardrobes, or help with tradespeople and guests.
Typical Housekeeper Duties in 2025
While no two roles are the same, most housekeepers provide a combination of the following:
- Daily and weekly cleaning (dusting, hoovering, floors, bathrooms)
- Laundry and ironing (including delicate or luxury care)
- Changing bed linen and towels
- Keeping kitchens, fridges and cupboards clean and stocked
- Organising wardrobes, cupboards and pantries
- Running errands (dry cleaning, supplies, post office)
- Accepting deliveries or letting in tradespeople
- Light family cooking or food prep (if requested)
Some housekeepers also assist with pet care or elderly support. At HomeOrganisers, we match you with a housekeeper whose experience fits your household needs.
How Many Days a Week Do I Need a Housekeeper?
That depends on your household size, lifestyle and expectations. Here’s what we typically recommend:
- 4 or 5 days per week is ideal for many families
- Part-time roles can include mornings, a few afternoons, or two to three full days
- Morning-only roles are popular, especially for laundry and errands, but we offer flexible setups
We’ll help you find a schedule that works, with clear advice on structure, hours and budget.
Housekeeper vs Cleaner – What’s the Difference?
If you need someone to hoover weekly and deep-clean bathrooms, a cleaner is likely the right fit. If you want help with folding laundry, stocking the fridge, and keeping your household organised — that’s a housekeeper.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Need |
Cleaner |
Housekeeper |
| Weekly surface cleaning |
✅ |
✅ |
| Laundry and ironing |
✖️ |
✅ |
| Organising cupboards and wardrobes |
✖️ |
✅ |
| Errands and shopping |
✖️ |
✅ |
| Light family cooking |
✖️ |
✅ (if requested) |
| Daily support and tidying |
✖️ |
✅ |
Real-Life Family Example
A family in Cobham recently hired a housekeeper for four days a week, five hours per day. With two school-age children and both parents working full-time, they didn’t need childcare — but keeping the house in order was becoming a daily stressor.
Their housekeeper now arrives mid-morning after the school run. She folds and puts away laundry, tidies shared spaces, freshens up bathrooms, and does a daily top-up shop. The kitchen is clean, the fridge is stocked, and parcels are signed for. The family returns each day to a calm, organised home.
“It’s not just the house, it’s our whole mindset. We walk into a calm space and feel like we can breathe.”
Housekeeper FAQs
Are part-time housekeepers available?
Yes, part-time roles are very common. You might need support just in the mornings, a few afternoons a week, or two to three full days. We’ll work with you to find the right schedule and match, based on your home, routine and expectations.
Do housekeepers do the same tasks in every home?
No, every housekeeper role is tailored to the needs of your household. Some focus on cleaning and laundry, while others also help with cooking, errands, pet care or organising. At HomeOrganisers, we help you define what you need and find someone with the right experience.
Do I need a housekeeper if I already have a cleaner?
It depends on what support you're looking for. If your cleaner handles deep cleaning but you still find yourself folding laundry, shopping, or tidying each day, a housekeeper could make a big difference.
Are housekeepers live-in or live-out?
Both options are available. We place live-in housekeepers (often with separate accommodation) and live-out staff who attend daily. We’ll help you decide what’s best based on your space, schedule, and family needs.
Hire a Housekeeper in London, Surrey or the Home Counties
Whether you need a few hours a week or full-time live-in support, we can help. At HomeOrganisers, we place:
Contact us for personalised advice — or browse our available roles and placement options to learn more.