Mastering the Art of Being a Villey Helper: Intuition, Proactivity, and Respect

Villey helpers around Australia are boosting their incomes by supporting families in their local areas. And you can too!

The role of a Villey Helper goes far beyond simply completing tasks; it’s about bringing calm, clarity, and a sense of relief to your client’s life. The magic of being a truly exceptional helper lies in the ability to be intuitive, proactive, and deeply respectful of the client’s home and belongings.

These three qualities form the foundation for building trust and delivering a service that leaves your client saying, “Wow, I feel so much better!”

One of the most powerful tools in any Villey Helper’s toolkit? The ability to identify small, impactful tasks - the ones that the client may have been ignoring or avoiding because they’re just too overwhelmed. Let’s dive into what it means to embody the perfect helper, using my biggest pet peeve as an example: The Dining Table Dumping Ground.

The Dining Table Dumping Ground: A Real-Life Opportunity to Shine

We’ve all seen it: the dining table, once a place for shared meals and meaningful moments, turned into an unintentional catch-all for toys, papers, and random bits of life. It’s an easy trap for busy families. A tub of kids’ slime here, a plush toy there, some unopened mail, a stray water bottle - before you know it, the dining table becomes a chaotic dumping ground.

Here’s where an awesome Villey Helper steps in.

When I’m on shift as a Villey Helper, I would always put myself in the client’s shoes. I’d pause and ask myself:

“Should this tub of slime, plush toy and sparkly pencil case be on the dining table?”

Nine times out of ten, the answer was a resounding no. Clients aren’t ignoring the clutter because they don’t care - they’re just too overwhelmed to deal with it. The dining table is often a reflection of that overwhelm. By taking the initiative to clear the space, you’re doing so much more than tidying up. You’re restoring purpose to an important area of the home.

The Process: Thoughtful and Respectful

• Be intuitive. Start by using your best judgment to find a proper home for the items. For example:

  • Toys and games? Back to the kids’ room.

  • Art supplies or slime? Stored neatly in the craft or art space.

  • Mail and papers? A tidy stack on a desk or in a designated “important items” tray.

• Be respectful. Always let the client know at the end of the session:

  • “I noticed a few things on the dining table that didn’t seem to belong there, so I tidied it up for you. I placed the toys back in the kids’ room and put the papers in a stack on your desk. I hope that helps!”

This small act - thoughtful, proactive, and respectful - is incredibly impactful. It shows the client that you’re paying attention to their needs and taking initiative in a way that lightens their mental load.

Intuition: Thinking One Step Ahead

A great helper anticipates the needs of the client before they even articulate them. It’s about being present in the moment and noticing what might make their life easier.

• Example 1: The Shoes Pile-Up Maybe you notice a growing pile of shoes at the front door. Instead of waiting for instruction, take the initiative:

  • Place them neatly on a shoe rack.

  • Or, if one isn’t available, ask: “Would it help if I organised these into pairs or moved them to the wardrobe?”

• Example 2: The Overflowing Laundry Basket You see a full laundry basket sitting in the corner of a room. Generally it goes without asking that client’s will need help with this - but in your early days with a new client you might like to ask;

  • “Would you like me to start a load of laundry for you? Do you like your laundry done a certain way?”

Often, these small tasks feel too big for clients when they’re juggling everything else. By stepping in, you’re freeing up their energy for other priorities.

Proactivity: Adding Value Without Overstepping

Proactivity doesn’t mean diving into everything you see - it’s about finding the balance between taking action and respecting boundaries. The key? Communication.

Not All Clients Can Give Detailed Instructions

Not every client will be in a position to provide a great briefing or detailed instructions. Sometimes, the act of guiding or instructing a new helper feels overwhelming in itself. In these moments, it’s important to remember that part of your role is to respectfully take initiative.

Look around, use your intuition, and ask yourself:

• What small tasks can I take care of that will ease this client’s stress?

• How can I respectfully tidy or organise this space?

As long as you act with care and respect, clients will likely appreciate that you took the lead without needing constant direction.

Tips for Being Proactive:

• Look for low-hanging fruit - those easy wins that create a big impact.

• Always check in with the client if you’re unsure about a particular task.

• Use polite, supportive language:

  • “I noticed X and thought it might help if I did Y. Would that be okay?”

When you take the initiative on small tasks, clients often feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Clearing space - physically and mentally - makes an enormous difference.

Respect: Treat the Home Like It’s Your Own

A client’s home is their sanctuary. The best helpers treat it with the care and respect it deserves. That means:

• Being mindful of where items are placed.

• Never throwing anything away without permission.

• Communicating clearly about what you’ve tidied or adjusted.

Respect builds trust. Trust allows you to work seamlessly and confidently in your role as a Villey Helper.

The Power of Small Wins

As a Villey Helper, your focus on intuition, proactivity, and respect creates real, tangible relief for clients. Something as simple as tackling the Dining Table Dumping Ground can transform a space - and a mindset.

The next time you’re in a client’s home, look around and ask yourself:

• What’s one small task I can take off their plate?

• How can I bring clarity and calm to this space?

Those small wins add up, and your clients will thank you for it—again and again.

At Villey, being the perfect helper isn’t about perfection itself. It’s about showing up with care, energy, and a genuine desire to make life a little bit easier for someone else. Whether it’s clearing a dining table, organising a pile of shoes, or folding a load of laundry, your role is incredibly impactful. It’s in the little things that you make the biggest difference.

So, step in with confidence, lead with kindness, and trust your instincts. Your clients will feel the love—and the relief—in every clear surface and tidy corner you leave behind.