A private family in Chicago is seeking an experienced Laundress & Household Assistant to join their established household team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who truly excels in high-level laundry and wardrobe care but also enjoys being part of the overall operation of a well-run private residence.
The primary focus of the position is the meticulous care of the principals’ clothing, linens, and wardrobe, including luxury and delicate fabrics, stain treatment, ironing, steaming, pressing, organization, and inventory.
The family divides their time between two residences, spending approximately half of the year away from the Chicago residence. When laundry demands are lighter, this individual will shift into broader household support, working closely with the longtime Household Manager on wardrobe projects, household inventory, provisioning, errands, and other needs around the residence.
This is a collaborative household with an established team. The environment is polished and professional while still looking for someone who is flexible, approachable, and genuinely enjoys being part of a team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Laundry & Wardrobe Care
Manage the principals’ laundry and wardrobe from start to finish, including collecting, sorting, treating, washing, drying, ironing, steaming, pressing, folding, and proper storage
Provide expert care for luxury garments, delicate fabrics, specialty items, linens, and towels
Confidently identify fabrics and determine appropriate cleaning methods, products, temperatures, and stain treatments
Maintain exceptionally high standards when ironing, steaming, and pressing garments
Properly organize and restage clothing and wardrobe items according to the principals’ preferences
Maintain detailed wardrobe and linen inventories and assist with seasonal wardrobe organization and updates
Monitor and maintain laundry products, garment-care supplies, equipment, and related household inventory
Change and launder household linens as needed
Identify items requiring specialty or outside care and coordinate accordingly
Household Support
Partner closely with the Household Manager to help keep the Chicago residence organized, stocked, and running smoothly
Assist with household inventory, provisioning, and organization, particularly while the principals are away
Run errands, pick up packages, coordinate car runs, and assist with vehicle-related needs as requested
Assist with vendor scheduling and provide property access or escort vendors when the Household Manager is unavailable
Help maintain household checklists and communicate maintenance concerns, damages, or other issues to the Household Manager
Provide light housekeeping, tidying, and general household support when needed, particularly during quieter laundry periods
Assist with the care and organization of fine furnishings, household items, and other belongings
Provide occasional assistance with the family’s Golden Retriever
Document and implement principal preferences to help maintain consistency throughout the residence
Look for ways to stay one step ahead of the household’s needs rather than waiting to be directed
This is not a supervisory or team management position. You will report directly to and work closely with the Household Manager.
SCHEDULE & HOUSEHOLD DETAILS
This is a Chicago based, live-out position.
Schedule:Monday–Friday || Guaranteed 40 hours per week || Approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM with an unpaid meal break
Weekends & Holidays: Not typically required, with occasional flexibility appreciated
Travel: No travel required at this time
Dress Code: White top with black or navy bottoms
Staff vehicle provided for work-related errands
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong professional experience in laundry, wardrobe management, executive housekeeping, or a similar role within a private residence or comparable luxury environment
- Advanced knowledge of luxury garments, delicate fabrics, stain treatment, ironing, steaming, pressing, and proper garment storage
- Exceptional attention to detail and a genuine appreciation for excellent wardrobe care
- Comfortable transitioning between specialized laundry responsibilities and broader household support
- Highly organized with strong inventory and time-management skills
- Proactive and able to recognize what needs to be done without constant direction
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively as part of an established household team
- Able to work efficiently without sacrificing quality
- Professional, discreet, and respectful of the privacy required within a private residence
- Comfortable receiving feedback and learning the principals’ individual preferences
- Comfortable around dogs
- Comfortable using basic technology, including email, Excel, and online ordering platforms
- Candidates local to the Chicago area strongly preferred
- Strong, verifiable professional references required
Candidates are subject to comprehensive background checks, including identity verification, criminal record, sex offender registry and OFAC screenings, education and employment verification, drug screening, and social media screening.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is someone who takes real pride in laundry and wardrobe care and understands that the small details matter. They know how to care for a beautiful garment properly, can recognize when something needs special attention, and enjoy keeping wardrobes and household systems organized.
At the same time, they are comfortable shifting into agreed household support responsibilities when laundry demands are lighter. When the principals are away or the laundry workload is lighter, they are happy to ask,“What else can I take off your plate?”and jump in alongside the House Manager.
This could be an excellent fit for someone who:
- Comes from a strong laundress, wardrobe manager, or executive housekeeper background
- Has hands-on experience caring for luxury garments, delicate fabrics, and high-end wardrobes
- Is organized, detail-oriented, and proactive without needing constant direction
- Enjoys being part of a household team and is happy to pitch in where needed
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Hourly Rate: $40–$45 per hour DOE
- Overtime Pay: 1.5x the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 per week
The family offers a strong benefits package that includes:
- 10 Days PTO (annually) || Eligible for more PTO with longevity
- 5 Days Paid Sick Time
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) || Employer match after 12 months
WHY THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY
This is a unique opportunity for someone who truly enjoys laundry and wardrobe care to make that their primary focus, while still having variety in their day when the household allows it. You’ll have the chance to really get to know the principals’ wardrobes, preferences, and routines and take pride in keeping everything beautifully cared for, organized, and running smoothly.
What makes this role especially appealing is the balance: a clear area to own, variety when the household is quieter, and the opportunity to become a trusted part of an established household team. For someone who loves the satisfaction of doing things exceptionally well—and wants a stable, long-term role in which they can develop a deep understanding of the household’s standards and preferences—this is an exciting long-term opportunity.