Hiring a live-in housekeeper is a bit more complex than hiring a live-out cleaning lady , since the person you hire will be living with you and must be incorporated into your family life. 35% of housekeepers are willing to be live-in maids so there is definitely a chance for a family to find their perfect match. The effort of going through the search is worth it if your situation requires the assistance that only live-in housekeepers can provide.
There are many situations where having a live-in housekeeper is very convenient and worthwhile. Perhaps you’ve just had a baby, but both you and your spouse work. Maybe an elderly parent has come to live with you, or a health situation is requiring extra care. A live-in household help can reduce the stress on the family and be very valuable.
The Pros of a live-in housekeeper
A valued live-in housekeeper lightens your workload and helps you to enjoy your home, ensuring every day that it is clean and presentable, comfortable and well organized.
Live-in housekeepers do not have to spend time commuting, allowing for more time with your family
Many families pay live-in housekeepers a lower wage (between minimum wage and $18) because they provide room and board
Live-in housekeepers are a very convenient asset for a household and over time can become a “member of the family”
Both live-out and live-in housekeepers can sometimes take on additional tasks such as helping with the children, walking the dog and helping in times of emergencies.
Combined roles such as housekeeper/nanny and housekeeper/cook are also possible, but in all guises, the housekeeper uses a hands-on approach to provide essential domestic assistance for the entire household.
The Cons of a live-in housekeeper
As with any live-in employee a live-in housekeeper can sometimes feel invasive to a family’s privacy
Providing accommodations for a live-in housekeeper can be too costly or bothersome for some families
Because a live-in housekeeper will be around the house 24/7, if a family member does not get along with them it can be especially problematic
Deciding to hire a live-in housekeeper is a very big decision. There are many benefits and drawbacks and families should deliberate carefully to ensure that they are making the right choice. Live-in housekeeper can be very valuable for some but are definitely not a good fit for every family. We recommend hiring from an agency is the best decision.
What to consider when hiring a live-in vs live-out Housekeeper
Decide what you need to have done
Consider a Filipino Agency
Scope of work … cleaning, cooking, childcare?
How many hours of work per week?
If you just need a cleaner, there are many services that charge on hourly basis.
Privacy … how do you feel about having someone live with you?
Your living space … do you have an adequate maid’s room?
Cost … it really depends, but sometimes housekeeper require a higher salary for live-out, because they have to cover their own cost or rent