How to Set Your Housekeeper Up for Success

When clients hire a housekeeper, we see a wide range of approaches to training. Some expect their housekeeper to jump in and figure things out, others have a detailed system that requires hands-on training, and many land somewhere in the middle. They may have preferences, but nothing documented. The truth is, structure is incredibly important. It defines priorities, supports efficiency, and helps your housekeeper succeed in meeting your needs. Whether your housekeeper works 20 or 40 hours a week, having a system in place makes a big difference.

Start by outlining the daily tasks. What matters most to your family? Common examples include wiping kitchen surfaces, washing dishes or emptying the dishwasher, making beds, vacuuming or sweeping floors, handling laundry, tidying shared areas, restocking household supplies, and taking out the trash. Some families have additional needs like keeping shoes neatly organized, sanitizing devices, or handling pet-related tasks. Whatever your priorities are, be specific and clear.

After daily tasks are complete, your housekeeper can focus on weekly responsibilities. These often include dusting, mopping, disinfecting bathrooms, changing linens and towels, wiping down appliances, cleaning mirrors and windows, dusting cabinets and fans, and organizing various spaces. Assigning zones and spreading out the work over the week keeps the job manageable and prevents burnout.

Example Zone Breakdown for a 30-hour week:

• Monday: Kitchen and pantry

• Tuesday: Bedrooms and laundry

• Wednesday: Bathrooms and hallway storage

• Thursday: Living areas and outdoor entry

• Friday: Deep cleaning, errands, or flex day

Tip: Make sure the schedule aligns with your household routines. Avoid vacuuming during naptime or mopping just before someone comes home from practice with muddy shoes. These small adjustments help the work flow more smoothly and respectfully.

You may be wondering what a “flex day” includes. This day can be used for occasional or seasonal tasks like cleaning baseboards, decluttering closets, polishing silver, washing curtains or windows, or deep cleaning the oven or fridge. It can also serve as catch-up time for anything that took longer than expected, or to handle last-minute requests like preparing for a weekend gathering.

Once your list is finalized (though it will likely evolve), print it out and make it easy to reference and check off each week. Just remember that estimating how long tasks will take can be tricky. Collaborate with your housekeeper to adjust the schedule based on real-time experience.

NOTE: You may not be the best person to estimate how long certain tasks take, so work with your housekeeper to build out the schedule, and make adjustments once you both see how long things take in your specific home.

Finally, maintain clear and kind communication. Schedule a 10-minute weekly check-in, keep your task list updated, and share heads-ups for upcoming needs like parties or seasonal changes. Just as important, respect your housekeeper’s off hours. Avoid texting after hours with next-day to-do lists or non-urgent feedback.

When you take the time to organize your expectations and communicate them clearly, you set your housekeeper up for success and create a smoother, more efficient household. If you need help finding a great housekeeper for your home, book a call with Jessica now.