How to Hire a Housekeeper: Avoid These Mistakes

If you live in London and have ever tried to hire a housekeeper, you will know it is rarely straightforward. The city is full of cleaning services, all promising sparkling kitchens and polished floors, yet something is often missing. The human touch. The ability to notice what needs doing without being asked. The feeling that someone has truly lightened your load.

This is exactly where Polly Housekeeping began. The idea came not from a business plan, but from personal frustration. After years of hiring housekeepers for our apartment in London, through big-name companies and small agencies alike, we found ourselves repeatedly disappointed. Yes, the basics got done. But nothing more.

We found ourselves still folding the laundry, emptying the dishwasher, fluffing the cushions and reminding people what needed doing. It began to feel like we were paying for a checklist, not a partner in the home. And so we thought, what if there was a better way? How we match you with a Polly housekeeper

Why Polly Housekeeping is your ideal partner to hire a Housekeeper

Polly Housekeeping was created for people like us. Busy professionals, families, couples, anyone who loves their home but finds it difficult to stay on top of the details. We wanted to build something thoughtful. A service that did not just clean, but genuinely helped people live better in their homes.

At the heart of Polly is an understanding of what modern life really looks like. We are all juggling a thousand things. Whether it is work meetings, school drop-offs, appointments or just trying to grab a moment to breathe, household tasks often end up last on the list. That is where a great housekeeper can be a game-changer.

Our approach to hiring housekeepers is different because it is shaped by real-life experience. We know what it feels like to come home to a half-finished job and to realise the kitchen looks clean but the fridge is still full of expired food, or that the bathroom’s been wiped down but the towels are still damp in the laundry basket.

Polly is about more than surface-level support. The people we work with genuinely care about homes. They are selected not only for their experience but for their initiative, attention to detail and thoughtfulness. If they notice the bin is full, they will take it out. If they notice the dog bowl is empty, they will refill it. These are small things, but they add up.

There is a sense of understanding that comes from our approach in matching you with the perfect housekeeper. No two households are alike, and what works brilliantly for one might not suit another. That is why we begin with a conversation. We want to know how your home works, what bothers you, what brings you joy. From there, we make sure your housekeeper fits your world, not the other way round.

There is something comforting about knowing your housekeeper is not just following a checklist but thinking ahead. Whether it is noticing the sheets could do with changing, or offering to help prep for guests coming at the weekend, it is the kind of support that makes a home feel cared for.

Polly Housekeeping was never about being the biggest. It is about being the most thoughtful. When hiring a housekeeper through other platforms this often felt transactional and we wanted to change that. View our Housekeeping services

What we have found, over time, is that our clients are looking for proactivity, reliability and someone they can trust in their home without second-guessing. Someone who turns up, gets stuck in and brings a sense of calm and order to the day.

So, is Polly right for everyone?

Maybe not. We understand that cost plays a part in every decision. And while Polly might not be the most budget option out there, we are thoughtful about why. If your priority is simply the lowest hourly rate, then we might not be the right match. But if you are looking for quality and value the comfort of knowing someone is on hand to manage, support and stay one step ahead, then Polly could be a very good fit.

We work across many areas in London so whether you are based in a Town House in Islington, a Mews House in Notting Hill or a family home in Fulham, Polly Housekeeping brings the same level of care and consistency.

It all starts with a conversation. Just a chat about your home, your routines and what would help. We would love to hear what is working for you and what is not. Because sometimes, having the right support at home changes everything.

What to Look For When your Hire a Housekeeper in London

• DBS Check: This is non-negotiable. Peace of mind begins with trust. View the requirements here.
• Strong References: Preferably from long-term or repeat clients.
• Proven Housekeeping Experience: Cleaning is just one part of the job. A great housekeeper knows how to manage a home.
• Attention to Detail: Noticing the small things without being prompted makes all the difference.
• Proactive Mindset: The best housekeepers do not wait to be told. They take initiative.
• Discretion and Professionalism: Particularly important in households with children, high-profile individuals or high net worth families, where privacy and conduct are essential.
• Good Communication Skills: Clear, polite and honest communication is essential.
• Adaptability: Every home has its quirks and a great housekeeper is able to adapt to any situation they are in.

These standards are at the heart of how we hire a housekeepers at Polly Housekeeping, giving you confidence that your home is in capable hands, and the everyday details are thoughtfully handled.

We take the guesswork out of when you hire a housekeeper. Save £50.00 per month on a weekly housekeeping service when you Book now or Contact us and let’s arrange a time to talk about how a Polly Housekeeper can support your home.

AUTHOR

Meet Catherine

Catherine loves Interior Design and anything house related. She worked as an Interior Designer for many years and loves walking the dogs with Josh around National Trust properties. Catherine also enjoys collecting unique antiques from local markets.