It is common among expatriates in Moscow to hire household help for a number of services, including cleaning, cooking, laundry, ironing, and childcare, or any combination of the above. If you need a housekeeper for cleaning and laundry only, it is typical to hire someone to come for a few hours anywhere from once to three times per week.
The usual rate is 150 – 250 RUR per hour for a housekeeper who visits you a few times a week. You can also negotiate a flat rate per visit, for example, 1000 RUR, or per week or per month for a certain number of visits, such as 3000 RUR per week for three visits.
Live-in help is also common, but this is generally reserved for housekeepers who also help with cooking and/or looking after children. For live-in help, you provide a room in your residence, and you can negotiate the salary based on the assigned work schedule. A salary around 23,000 RUR/month is typical for a live-in nanny and housekeeper.
Most housekeepers expect payment in cash, regardless of part-time or live-in status.
Housekeepers are best found in one of two ways: through referrals, or through an agency.
Referrals are good for a no-hassle arrangement and low cost. Even if you do not know anyone in Moscow, you can find recommended housekeepers being released by departing expats at http://www.expat.ru/resume.php.
Agencies usually require a deposit against services in advance and will take a commission on the salary you pay your housekeeper. In addition, the salaries negotiated for your housekeeper may higher than what you can find through referrals. However, agencies are a quick and simple way to find your housekeeper. The following Moscow agencies can help:
- Family Care
Provides help finding live-in and live-out housekeepers, drivers, private tutors, cooks, and nannies.
+7 (495) 998-34-75
http://www.family-care.ru/en (Russian and English) - Alconti
Assistance finding nannies, tutors, housekeepers, and all combinations. Rates range from 1000 RUR per visit for cleaning staff to 25,000 RUR per month for a live-in housekeeper and nanny.
+7 (495) 911 61 92
http://www.alconti.ru (Russian only) - Bianco
Provides assistance finding babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, and drivers. Rates range from 1500 to 2000 RUR per visit for housekeepers.
+7 (495) 959-1043
http://www.bianco.ru (Russian only) - Status Agency
Helps you find babysitters, live-in nannies, cleaning personnel, and drivers. Rates for cleaning help start at 1500 RUR per hour.
+7 (495) 542 3419
http://www.status-agency.ru
