Thinking of hiring a housekeeper, but unsure what they actually do?
Wondering how many days you need, or whether you'd be better off with a cleaner?
This practical guide explains what a housekeeper does, 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.
There is no single housekeeper job description that fits every home. Some positions are purely housekeeping-focused. Others include family cooking, childcare or household administration. Then there are specific combined roles such as housekeeper/cook, housekeeper/PA and nanny-housekeeper.
Typical Housekeeper Duties
While no two roles are the same, most housekeepers provide a combination of the following:
- Daily & weekly cleaning (dusting, hoovering, floors, bathrooms)
- Laundry & ironing (including delicate or luxury care)
- Changing of bed linen & towels
- Keeping kitchens, fridges & cupboards clean & stocked
- Organising wardrobes, cupboards & 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 & ironing |
|
|
| Organising cupboards & wardrobes |
|
|
| Errands & shopping |
|
|
| Light family cooking |
|
(if requested) |
| Daily support & 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
Looking for the right housekeeper for your home?
Very few families come to us with a perfectly formed job description.
You might know that you need help five afternoons a week but not know whether you need a housekeeper who can cook, a housekeeper/cook or a nanny-housekeeper. Or you may be looking for an experienced full-time housekeeper and need someone accustomed to working to a particular standard in a private household.
HomeOrganisers successfully recruits:
Contact us for personalised advice - or browse our available roles and placement options to learn more.