So you've reached that point where you know you need help at home. Maybe you're heading back to work after having a baby, or life has just gotten busier than you can handle on your own. Whatever brought you here, you're probably wondering: when do I actually start this search?
Here's the thing - most families find their perfect match within about 4 weeks or less. We can work this quickly because we've spent years building relationships with amazing candidates, we get tons of referrals from happy families, and we cast a wide net when advertising roles. It means you get quality candidates fast, without compromising on finding the right fit
How Long Does It Usually Take?
Every family and role is different, and timing often comes down to how quickly you can meet candidates. Many of the best people are already working, which means interviews may need to be in the evenings or at weekends. Families who can be flexible usually move faster.
Full-time housekeepers: Always in demand. We usually make these placements in 2 to 4 weeks, though starting a little earlier gives you the best choice. See our Housekeeper Blog for more information on these roles.
Daily or live-in nannies: Most placements take 2 to 4 weeks. For nannies with specialist skills such as SEN experience, bilingual ability, or Gentle Parenting knowledge, allow 4 to 8 weeks.
Nanny housekeepers (those popular 1pm to 7pm roles): A role many families love, but with a smaller pool of candidates. Best to allow 4 to 8 weeks, especially during busy times of year.
Live-in couples: More complex, as you need two people who work well together as well as with your family. Plan for 4 to 8 weeks.
Need someone ASAP? Because of our network and reach, we can often introduce candidates for interview within days.
How the Process Usually Works
When someone is a good fit for your family, we don’t hold them back. We introduce them straight away.
Week 1: We chat through what you need, write the job brief and advertise widely.
Week 2: You start meeting shortlisted candidates, either online or in person. Meeting quickly helps secure them before they commit elsewhere.
Week 3: You make your choice, agree terms and confirm the start date.
Week 4: They work any notice period if needed and begin with you, backed by our placement guarantee and probation period.
Choosing with Confidence
Some families like to meet several candidates to feel sure they’ve made the right choice. That’s completely natural. At the same time, the very best people don’t stay available for long. Because we only ever introduce candidates who are genuine matches, it’s not unusual for the very first person you meet to be the right one. If that happens, moving forward promptly can make all the difference to securing them, while still giving you the confidence that we’ve done our job properly.
Why Starting Early Still Helps
Even with a fast process, starting earlier has clear benefits:
- You have more time to find someone who fits your parenting style and household rhythm
- You see more candidates, especially for full-time roles with strong hours and pay
- The handover feels calmer and better planned
- For harder-to-fill roles like live-in couples or nanny housekeepers, early contact means less competition with other families
For a guide to pay ranges, you can refer to the Nannytax 2025 Salary Guide.
Real Story: Cobham Family
A family in Cobham recently needed a full-time nanny housekeeper quite urgently. Everyone was flexible. We arranged interviews outside normal hours, the family made time to meet, and the candidate agreed to a trial straight away. Because all sides worked together and we fast-tracked the checks, the nanny housekeeper started in under a week. It showed how smoothly things can move when everyone commits.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Whether you need someone next month or next week, we’ll guide you through every stage. Every family is different, and we take the time to understand yours so we can find the right match.
Contact us today to start your search, or explore more advice in our Housekeeper Blog and Nanny Blog