The Life of Housekeepers Uncovered

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a housekeeper? This often-overlooked profession is filled with unique challenges and rewarding experiences. Let’s dive into the world of housekeeping and discover the intricacies of this essential role.

Who is a housekeeper?

A housekeeper is a vital member of the hospitality industry, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of hotel rooms or residential spaces. The role encompasses various categories, each with its own set of responsibilities:

• Executive Cleaners: These are the frontline workers who perform the bulk of the cleaning duties.
• Housekeeping Supervisors: They oversee the cleaning staff, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and to the hotel's standards.
• Housekeeping Managers: Responsible for the overall management of the housekeeping department, including budgeting and staff training.

This hierarchy allows for a structured approach to maintaining cleanliness, ensuring that guests have a pleasant and welcoming environment during their stay. Interestingly, within a short period, one of our own, Lety, was promoted to supervisor, taking charge of her peers and managing the daily operations.

What does a housekeeper do?

In our experience working at three luxury serviced apartments in Queenstown, we’ve encountered a wide range of tasks. While one team focuses on one property, another tackles the others, often discovering hidden treasures left behind by previous guests.

Despite the enjoyable aspects of the job, there are challenges, such as dealing with a particularly demanding hotel that requires us to clean heavy beds and rooms after hours. However, the proximity to home makes it manageable, albeit with a bit of a struggle against our manager's persistent calls for help.

Daily responsibilities of a housekeeper

Our day typically begins at 8:30 AM, where we gather supplies such as linens and toiletries for the day’s cleaning. The first order of business often involves:

• Preparing bags with clean sheets and towels.
• Gathering cleaning supplies including sprays, cloths, and other necessities.
• Heading to the assigned apartments to begin the cleaning process.

Rooms are categorized into different types, requiring varying levels of attention:

• Studios: One bedroom, one bathroom.
• One-Bedroom Apartments: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, equipped with a kitchen and living area.
• Three-Bedroom Apartments: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, with a full kitchen and living area.

The core cleaning tasks include:

1. Stripping beds of old linens.
2. Making the beds with fresh sheets.
3. Cleaning bathrooms thoroughly.
4. Dusting all surfaces.
5. Vacuuming and mopping floors.
6. Cleaning kitchens and ensuring all appliances are sanitized.
7. Restocking amenities like toiletries and towels.

Supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring that the team is working efficiently, checking their work and managing inventory to maintain adequate supplies.

How many hours does a housekeeper work?

The hours can vary significantly based on the number of rooms to clean. Some days we finish by 2:00 PM, while other days can stretch until 5:30 PM, leading to a weekly range of 25 to 40 hours. Generally, our contracts guarantee around 30 hours weekly, providing a balance between work and personal time.

How much does a housekeeper earn?

In New Zealand, the hourly wage for housekeepers can fluctuate, typically starting around $14.50 NZD (approximately €9). However, our company offers competitive rates, paying:

• $16 NZD (about €10) for executive cleaners.
• $18 NZD (approx. €11.30) for supervisors.

These wages reflect the physical demands and the essential nature of the work, making it a viable career choice for many.

Is it a demanding job?

Absolutely. Transitioning from desk jobs to physical labor has been an eye-opener. The role involves long hours on your feet, constant bending, lifting heavy items, and navigating stairs. While it can be taxing, we adapt over time, finding a rhythm that makes the job increasingly manageable.

The perks of being a housekeeper

One of the most delightful aspects of this job is the surprises we find. Every day, we uncover unexpected treasures left by guests. Recently, we discovered:

• A bottle of coffee liqueur and some ice cream.
• A frozen chicken and other food items, allowing us to whip up a meal on the spot.
• Various snacks, beverages, and even cooking ingredients that help us in our own kitchens.

Such discoveries not only lighten the workload but also add a sense of excitement to our daily routine.

The challenges faced in housekeeping

Of course, no job is without its challenges. There are days filled with drama, unexpected difficulties, and situations that test our patience. We’ll share more about these experiences in future updates, as we navigate the fascinating and sometimes chaotic world of housekeeping in Queenstown.

For a deeper insight into the daily life of a housekeeper, check out this informative video:

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