It has long been a common practice among Singaporeans to hire live-in domestic helpers to assist with their household chores. But with how expensive everything is nowadays, there’s a growing number that don’t want (or simply can’t afford) to have someone working for them all day. 

So it’s no surprise that many homeowners in Singapore now opt for part-time maids instead. They offer several advantages that a full-time helper does not, though we should still consider them carefully because they’re not always the perfect fit for everyone. 

Let’s weigh the pros and cons so you can better decide if they’re exactly who your household needs. 

How Do Part-time Cleaners Differ from Live-in Helpers?

As the term implies, this type of maid only assists around the home for a limited time and leaves after they’re done. You only pay them for the hours they’ve worked, though they might charge extra if you have them do more complicated tasks like a deep carpet or upholstery wash. They may also have additional fees for rush bookings and peak season schedules. 

It’s vastly different from full-time helpers who usually live with their employers and are paid monthly. 

The part-timer visits your home as scheduled and performs chores that typically include general house cleaning, laundry, and ironing. However, companies also provide additional part-time household services like car washing, child and elder-minding, and pet-sitting. 

Main Benefits of Hiring a Part-time Maid

• You Have More Flexibility  - A major advantage of a part-time maid is that you can have a freer lifestyle. If you only need them once a week, a month, or for a deep clean before a family gathering, they can adjust to your schedule. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to deal with long-term commitments and contracts since you generally pay per cleaning session. 

• They’re Generally More Cost-Efficient - These workers are generally far more affordable than live-in helpers. There are no monthly salaries, insurance,  accommodations, or food expenses to worry about — especially if you hire someone from a part-time maid agency. You could save thousands of dollars each year compared to having someone work for you full-time. 

• Professional Expertise and Equipment - If you booked with a home cleaning service, then there’s a good chance that their maids already come equipped with professional cleaning supplies. This means you won’t have to spend as much on supplies. They’re also likely to have their staff undergo professional cleaning training, so you have more peace of mind that they’ll have high standards of cleanliness for your home. 

• More Privacy at Home - Since the part-time maid doesn’t live with you, you can enjoy more privacy while still having a clean and hygienic space. It’s the ideal setup for people with smaller homes or are introverts. 

Part-time Helpers Have Disadvantages Too 

Of course, hiring a part-time maid in Singapore also has its drawbacks, including:

• Limited Availability  - It might be more difficult to book last-minute cleaning appointments because they typically work on a schedule,  

• Limited Scope of Work - While they can handle house cleaning duties, you may need to hire another helper for specialised services like caregiving. 

• Hourly Costs May Still Accumulate - If you require a part-time cleaner several times a week, your overall expenses may still end up being costlier than if you hired a full-time helper. 

Part-Time Maids Can Be the Right Choice for Certain People

It’s not easy aiming for a healthy work-life balance, so don’t feel ashamed to have someone help you out at home. Many people in Singapore find having a part-time maid worth the money, because they offer more flexibility and provide you with more privacy. But you should be prepared to do some chores yourself when they’re away. 

Whatever your choice may be, what matters is that at the end of the day, you can have a cleaner, more organised home and a less stressful life.