This article is dedicated to those looking to hire a highly experienced housekeeper.
A good housekeeper doesn’t just come with the right qualifications; they know your house’s requirements from top to bottom. They bring their years of experience preserving other people’s homes, so you barely have to do any training.
One of the standout qualities in the best housekeepers is experience with antique furniture and expensive silverware. Items like antique furniture and expensive silverware need special attention, and your housekeeper should have experience caring for your prized possessions.
Here’s how you know if a potential hire is prepared to care for your property and possessions.
Experience is Important, Attitude is Essential
Most housekeepers are highly-trained professionals, but the experience is just as important as training. Someone who has a good track record over a long period has proven themselves capable of running a household and most likely has experience caring for sensitive belongings.
Your housekeeper should quickly learn everything there is to know about your household. If they’ve done this before, it will show. Don’t just look for certificates; look for proof of service.
Of course, everyone has to start somewhere. Many households would love a younger housekeeper who will be with them for as long as possible. Hiring youth can pay dividends down the line, as they can learn to run your household for decades potentially.
Questions are a Good Sign
While your housekeeper should be a quick learner, sharp responses to questions about caring for valuable items is a good sign. Antiques are unique objects with unique maintenance needs, and you might feel the need to quiz your potential hire to make sure you’re on the same page.
Your potential housekeeper may also ask a lot of questions in return. Housekeepers experienced with antique furniture will know to ask any questions straight away, because oversight is the enemy of good housekeeping. Using a professional service to vet potential candidates should give you a good idea of who asks the right questions.
Care About Damage Prevention
Responsible housekeeping means having respect for what you’re working with. Not just for your employers and their personal needs, but also for the objects in the home.
Damage to silverware and antique furniture isn’t just costly; it can destroy one-of-a-kind items, like a family heirloom or a period piece. Your ideal candidate will want to know not just your household’s maintenance needs but its history and value. This shows they value the items as well and care for the property.
Housekeepers are a part of the household, and their care should be personal. This is another reason why a good track record in previous engagements is a good sign. If a housekeeper has served a household for many years previously, they will understand their role within the household’s ecosystem.
Use a Professional Vetting Service
Professional vetting services for housekeepers perform extensive checks and interviews on behalf of their clients. Using a professional service means that you know the right questions are being asked.
A good vetting service will listen to all your needs and do the hard work for you. This is an excellent way to find the right housekeeper for your home.
Conclusion: Housekeeping is a Long-Term Investment
Just like valuable antiques, housekeepers are long-term investments. Use a professional vetting service and find a housekeeper with the right experience and knowledge and look for someone who can take care of your home for years to come. You’ll soon find your ideal candidate and peace of mind along with this.
Get in touch with us to learn more about hiring a professional housekeeper today!
