Am I the only one who sometimes feels that running your household is a full-time job? Between managing schedules, coordinating childcare, overseeing home maintenance, handling grocery shopping, and ensuring everyone in the family has what they need, the workload can feel overwhelming. This is where household managers come in, a game-changing solution for families looking to reclaim their time (which is priceless) and reduce mental and physical load.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about household managers: what they do, how they differ from other roles within the home, and how to hire the right one for your needs!
What is a Household Manager?
A household manager is a professional responsible for the overall operation and organization of a home. They take on high-level administrative and logistical duties as well as plain old daily tasks, ensuring that everything runs smoothly so you can focus on what matters most, whether that’s spending time with family, advancing your career, or simply enjoying life with less stress.
We can all agree that at the end of the day, time is the most valuable, so why not use that time doing what the things you value most and with the people you value most.
Household Manager vs. Other Roles in the Home
It’s easy to confuse a household manager with a housekeeper, nanny, or personal assistant. While their roles may overlap, a household manager typically focuses on the big-picture items of a home rather than day-to-day cleaning or childcare.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how a household manager compares to other roles:
Household Manager
A house manager is more than just extra help, they’re the orchestrator of your household’s daily operations, from laundry and meal planning to grocery shopping and home organization. Acting as an extension of you, they bring order and ease to your family’s routines.
Housekeeper
Focuses on cleaning, laundry, and maintaining the home’s tidiness.
Nanny
Primarily responsible for childcare, including education, play, and transportation.
Personal Assistant
Manages errands, scheduling, and administrative tasks for an individual or family.
Many families find that household managers act somewhat as a hybrid role, blending aspects of all these positions based on the household’s specific needs.
What Does a Household Manager Do?
The responsibilities of a household manager vary depending on the home and family, but here are some of the most common tasks they take on:
1. Home Operations & Maintenance
- Coordinate home repairs and maintenance
- Schedule and supervise (cleaners, landscapers, repair technicians, etc.)
- Oversee home organization and storage systems
- Ensure the home is stocked with essentials (cleaning supplies, household goods, etc.)
- Coordinate vehicle maintenance and service appointments
2. Family Scheduling & Coordination
- Manage family calendars
- Schedule appointments and activities
- Arrange travel and accommodations
- Coordinate transportation for children and other family members
3. Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping
- Plan weekly meals according to family preferences
- Grocery shop or coordinate grocery delivery
- Oversee meal prep or hire a chef as needed
- Manage kitchen inventory
4. Home Systems & Organization
- Manage household organization and decluttering
- Oversee donation schedules and coordinate pickups
- Keep track of children’s clothing, seasonal storage and hand-me-downs
- Establish efficient laundry systems, including folding and sorting
- Develop household routines and workflows to streamline daily tasks
5. Supervisor Role
- Scheduling home maintenance, like landscaping, gardeners, pest controls, cleaners and more
6. Special Projects & Event Planning
- Plan and coordinate family events and celebrations
- Decorate and prepare the home for holidays
- Organize moves and home relocations
Who Needs a Household Manager?
People sometimes assume that household managers are just for the ultra-wealthy; but they are for families of all sizes and income levels! Consider hiring a household manager if:
- You’re struggling to keep up with home management tasks.
- You or your partner work full-time and have little time for household logistics.
- You want to focus on your children, career, or personal interests without sacrificing a well-run home.
- You need help coordinating schedules and staying organized.
- You employ multiple household members and need someone to manage them effectively.
How to Hire a Household Manager
Finding the right household manager can transform your home and reduce stress. Here’s a step-by-step process to ensure you hire the best fit for your family:
1. Define Your Needs
Start by making a list of the specific tasks you need help with. Do you need someone who primarily handles scheduling and vendor coordination, or do you want them to be hands-on with meal planning and organization? Clarifying your needs will help you write a clear job description.
2. Set a Budget
Household manager salaries vary based on location, experience, and responsibilities. It is important to speak with your partner and start to discuss a salary range you feel comfortable offering to the right candidate.
3. Create a Job Description
A well-written job description should include:
- Job title: Household Manager
- Responsibilities
- Required experience and qualifications
- Work schedule (full-time, part-time, live-in, live-out)
- Salary range and benefits
4. Recruit & Interview Candidates
You can find household managers through:
- Sage Haus – A full service for finding your modern day Mary Poppins!
- Domestic staffing agencies
- Online job platforms (such as Care.com, Indeed, or NannyLane or Sittercity.
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When interviewing candidates, ask:
- What experience do you have managing households?
- How do you prioritize tasks in a busy household?
- Can you give an example of a time you handled a challenging home management situation?
- What systems or tools do you use to stay organized?
5. Background Checks & Hiring
Before making a final decision, conduct background checks, verify references, and clarify expectations in a written contract. Consider an attorney-reviewed employment agreement to protect both parties.
Maximizing the Value of a Household Manager
Once you’ve hired a household manager, ensure a smooth transition by:
- Providing a detailed onboarding process
- Setting clear expectations and schedules
- Regularly checking in to ensure responsibilities align with your needs
- Giving them the autonomy to optimize household operations
A well-supported household manager can be a game-changer, allowing you to focus on what truly matters while they handle the behind-the-scenes work of keeping your home running smoothly.
Hiring A House Manager Starter Kit
Looking for a simple, step-by-step guide to hiring a household manager? The Hiring A House Manager Starter Kit has everything you need to streamline the process and successfully onboard your new household assistant.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A breakdown of what a house manager really does
- 100+ tasks you can outsource
- A ready-to-use partner collaboration guide
- Justifying the investment & budget planning tips
- Example job descriptions & where to post them
- Essential interview & reference questions
- An attorney-drafted employment agreement
- Payroll and background check guidance
- A 30-day onboarding plan & feedback framework
This 44-page guide is designed to help busy families reclaim their time and reduce stress by building their household support system.
Ready to take the next step? Grab your copy today and start hiring smarter!
Household Managers – Final Thoughts
Household managers are an invaluable resource for busy families looking to reclaim their time and reduce stress.
Whether you’re looking for someone to take over scheduling, oversee home maintenance, or manage staff, a household manager can create the efficiency, structure, and peace of mind you need to thrive.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider joining our 5-day free program to learn how to build your village, reclaim your time, and streamline your household management today!
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