Few careers require as much flexibility and versatility as housekeeping. From motels and hospitals to businesses and homes, housekeepers are hired to keep everything in clean, tip-top shape.[1] Interested in giving this career path a try? We’ve got you covered. Scroll through this handy list to see how you can be the best possible housekeeper that you can be.

1

Organization

  1. Being organized is an essential skill for a housekeeper. You’ll have to keep track of numerous jobs and tasks, and keep all of your equipment and supplies organized.[2] Overall, good organization will help you do the very best job that you possibly can.
    • At a hotel, you’ll need to double-check your housekeeping cart to make sure you have the right supplies.
    • Always do a full, 360-degree when you enter a room. This helps you pinpoint and organize your top cleaning priorities in that space.[3]
    • Practice splitting up big tasks into smaller, more manageable goals—this can be a really handy way to stay organized when you’re on the job.[4]
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2

Time management

  1. You’ll have to juggle multiple tasks at once. Depending on the position, you might be expected to clean multiple rooms and spaces in a set amount of time. A good housekeeper can make the most of their shift by being as efficient as possible.[5]
    • Get in the habit of planning ahead before each workday. When you wake up, jot down the most important tasks you’ll need to finish while you’re at work.[6]
    • Being a perfectionist can make it really tough to finish tasks efficiently.[7] Try to focus on doing your best instead of being 100% perfect.
3

Self-discipline

  1. Housekeeping can involve some pretty tedious, unpleasant tasks. As a housekeeper, you’ll have to persevere day after day, performing each duty to the best of your ability. You likely won’t be supervised 24/7, so you’ll have to go out and do your best even when no one’s watching.[8]
    • Boost your self-discipline by keeping all of your devices out of sight. If your phone is stashed away somewhere, you won’t be tempted to check your texts, emails, and socials when you’re on the clock.[9]
    • Try to eat a consistent, healthy diet, too! Heading to work hungry can make it harder for you to stay focused and disciplined.
    • Take good care of yourself to be energized and focused.[10]
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4

Thoroughness

  1. Thoroughness helps you stand out when you’re on the job. As a housekeeper, you’ll be wearing many hats—you might be polishing the floors one moment and changing bedding the next. Whatever the task, you’ll have to go the extra mile to make sure everything is as clean and tidy as it can possibly be.[11]
    • For instance, you’d want to smooth out any wrinkles after making a bed, or dust behind picture frames while you’re cleaning off a fireplace mantel.
    Expert Answer
    Q

    What can I do to be more productive?

    Sydney Axelrod

    Sydney Axelrod

    Certified Life Coach
    Sydney Axelrod is a certified life coach and the owner of Sydney Axelrod LLC, a life coaching business focused on professional and personal development. Through one-on-one coaching, digital courses, and group workshops, Sydney works with clients to discover their purpose, navigate life transitions, and set and accomplish goals. Sydney has over 1,000 hours of relevant coaching certifications and holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Emory University.
    Sydney Axelrod
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Sydney Axelrod:

    Take care of yourself so that you feel energized and focused. It makes an impact on your productivity. Get enough sleep, take a break, and find ways to unwind. If you work excessively without replenishing yourself, there will be diminishing returns.

8

Physical flexibility and strength

13

Laundry

  1. Housekeepers are in charge of washing a client’s clothes and bedding. With this in mind, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of basic laundry care before applying for this type of job. Study the laundry essentials, like sorting garments, reading fabric care symbols, and choosing the best settings on a washer and dryer.[16]
    • Get in the habit of doing laundry with cold water, which is better for a client’s clothing and the environment.[17]
    • You might want to brush up on basic stain-fighting techniques, like applying a pre-treatment product to a stain before washing it. Refresh your memory by checking out this stain-fighting master list: https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How should I set goals?
    Sydney Axelrod
    Sydney Axelrod
    Certified Life Coach
    Sydney Axelrod is a certified life coach and the owner of Sydney Axelrod LLC, a life coaching business focused on professional and personal development. Through one-on-one coaching, digital courses, and group workshops, Sydney works with clients to discover their purpose, navigate life transitions, and set and accomplish goals. Sydney has over 1,000 hours of relevant coaching certifications and holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Emory University.
    Sydney Axelrod
    Certified Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Be specific and clear on what you are going to do and why. Then break down your goals into small steps. Setting small goals that you can meet is more motivating. It builds confidence and is more sustainable in the long term.
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About This Article

Sydney Axelrod
Co-authored by:
Certified Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Sydney Axelrod and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sydney Axelrod is a certified life coach and the owner of Sydney Axelrod LLC, a life coaching business focused on professional and personal development. Through one-on-one coaching, digital courses, and group workshops, Sydney works with clients to discover their purpose, navigate life transitions, and set and accomplish goals. Sydney has over 1,000 hours of relevant coaching certifications and holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Emory University. This article has been viewed 25,121 times.
7 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: March 9, 2023
Views: 25,121
Categories: Work World
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