Budgeting. Ahhh… that word alone can make even the most capable parent break into a cold sweat. It feels big. Sometimes scary. And when you’re already managing a household, a career, and 47 unread text messages about snacks and soccer practice… it might feel like just one more thing to figure out. Budgeting for a house manager doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, with the right mindset (and a little math), it might just be the smartest investment you make this year.
Now before we begin, you might be asking yourself right now… wait what is a house manager? Well, we are going to break that down too! Today, we are living in a modern world where households do require a level of organization that needs a system. So if you’re wondering whether hiring a house manager is an indulgence or a smart investment… Let’s talk.
In this article, we’re breaking down the real costs (and real returns) of hiring a house manager, and how to start budgeting for the support you actually need.
What Is a House Manager, Really?
A house manager isn’t just a glorified assistant or a luxury reserved for a Kardashian. They’re people who help manage your home operations. They’re the COO of your household, so you can focus on being the CEO of your family, and in doing that, it gives YOU more time to do the things that matter to you MOST!
Why a House Manager Might Be More “Budget-Friendly” Than You Think
Let’s address the elephant in the room… the cost. Most families assume a house manager will be wildly expensive. And while yes, it’s an investment, it’s not always out of reach. In fact, when you factor in the time, energy, and decision fatigue you save, it may actually be more affordable than outsourcing multiple separate roles (cleaner, scheduler, personal assistant).
Depending on where you live, a part-time house manager might cost anywhere from $25–$50/hour, with many families opting for 8–15 hours per week. That’s $800–$3,000/month. Not nothing, but also potentially life-changing if it frees you up to do what matters most.
Start With the “Why,” Then Build the Budget
Before diving into spreadsheets or hourly rates, start with clarity. Ask yourself:
- What tasks do I dread every week?
- Where is my time being drained?
- What would I do with an extra 10 hours per week?
If your answers include “actually resting,” “being more present with my kids,” or “not losing my mind over the laundry,” then that’s your ROI, your return on investment. And that makes it easier to budget from a place of values rather than guilt or scarcity.
But maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t even know where to start… or how to count how many hours I’m actually spending keeping this house afloat.” You’re not alone.
FREE QUIZ: How Many Hours Are You Really Spending Managing Your Home?
If you do not know, don’t worry… we’ve got you! Take our 2-minute quiz to uncover your hidden mental load, and get tailored suggestions and solutions to help lighten it.
Bonus: you’ll also get a list of 100+ tasks you can start delegating today. Take the quiz now!
Budgeting Tips for Hiring a House Manager
If you’re ready to make room for this kind of support in your budget, here are a few strategies to consider:
1. Do a Time Audit First
Track how many hours per week you’re spending on tasks a house manager could take off your plate. Multiply that by your hourly rate (or your peace-of-mind rate). That’s your baseline value. Again, if you need help, go ahead and take our quiz here.
2. Reallocate, Don’t Just Add
Maybe you spend $300/month on random Amazon convenience purchases because you’re exhausted. Or you pay for food delivery because you don’t have time to meal plan. What if a house manager helped you plan meals, shop smart, and save on all those impulse buys?
3. Choose Part-Time to Start
You don’t need a full-time hire to feel full-time relief. Start with a few hours per week and build from there. Even 5 hours/week can make a dramatic difference in how your home (and headspace) feel.
4. Consider Trade-Offs, Not Sacrifices
Budgeting isn’t about deprivation, it’s about alignment. Maybe you wait on a vacation this year so you can feel like you’re on vacation every day your house manager shows up. Or maybe you simplify other expenses to prioritize sanity and support.
Don’t Take Our Word for It—Hear from One of Our Clients
Still not sure if hiring a house manager is worth it? Here’s what one Sage Haus client had to say:
“The mental load of carrying every small detail of your household can harbor serious burnout and resentment. Enter… Sage Haus. What I love about Kelly’s framework is that it’s not one size fits all, she provides you with a way to identify your own unique priorities and needs to build a support system accordingly.”
“For me, having our family’s cooking for the week, dog walks, and kids’ laundry taken care of has been a game changer! We always hear that our littles grow up too fast, and by investing in household help, I most importantly am giving myself a little bit of time back to just BE with my kids.”
— Audrey F., Technology Executive, Mom of 2
House Managers Are Part of Your Village
Hiring a house manager isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategic way to build the kind of support system that lets your family thrive. In the same way we budget for daycare, groceries, or date nights… we can (and should) make room in our finances for the help that helps us stay human.
When we outsource well, we show up better for the things that matter most. We teach our kids that asking for help is brave, not weak. And we model what it looks like to steward our time, energy, and resources with intention.
Ready to Explore Hiring a House Manager?
If you’re starting to wonder if this might be the support your home needs, I’d love to help. My Private Recruiting Service walks you through every step of finding and hiring the right house manager for your family:
✔️ Done-for-you hiring
✔️ Customized onboarding
✔️ Home systems that work
✔️ Up to 60-day guarantee
Let’s talk about what’s possible when you’re no longer the only one holding it all together.
Book Your Free Info Call to get started.
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