From finding the best helpers in Singapore (or part-time cleaners to do a good spring clean) to getting IT help in the home, here’s a few recommendations of who to call when you need some extra help. Not only do we have home services companies, but if it’s time to move homes, there’s a company that has all you need for packing up.
JiPay
JiPay is a convenient money app for families. It comes with a free prepaid card that can be used by kids or helpers in Singapore; employers and parents can also see their spending in the app.
Since it’s a Mastercard, the prepaid card is accepted at all major stores as well as on the MRT and bus. For stores that don’t accept cards, the app has an in-built PayNow function. Just scan the merchant’s QR code and the funds will be deducted from your JiPay balance.
The app also has a dedicated analytics page that shows how your spending has changed over weeks or months. JiPay will also soon roll out a cashback scheme to reward spenders for shopping at strategic merchants.
Best of all, the app is completely free. There are no transaction fees and users get three free top-ups each month, with subsequent top-ups costing $0.50 each. Each user also gets one free prepaid card, while additional cards cost $3 monthly. Cards can be cancelled at any time.
Packeverything
Keeping all your belongings safe when you move or even in storage can be expensive; and, with all those packing materials, it can also be tough on the environment! Packeverything develops, creates and sources sustainable, well-priced packaging alternatives. Since 2006, the company has been providing a wide range of packing supplies online and in-store, from carton boxes and bubble wrap to twine and tape. These are made from recycled materials, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint – you’ll also find reusable eco products such as non-woven bags, paper bags, biodegradable plastic bags and resealable packaging. The store also carries a Move-It-Yourself Kit, which includes all you need for your move such as boxes and bubble wraps.
There are food, retail and postal packaging items and other miscellaneous packing tools available, too. And, if you’re putting together a gift, Packeverything sells gift bags, seals, tags, boxes and ribbons to help give it that finishing touch. Enjoy free delivery on orders above $200.
6844 7616 | packeverything.com.sg
White Glove
Looking for a live-in helper in Singapore? Get the help of White Glove, a maid agency with a difference. Founded by American attorney Jennifer Yarbrough, the company offers arrangements that benefit both the employer and helper. Unlike agencies that charge large amounts that employers are required to pay upfront and helpers have to deduct from their salary to pay off, White Glove doesn’t charge its helpers. This saves you money, and it reduces the financial burden on your helper.
The company also only represents helpers who have transferred from other homes in Singapore – this means that the helpers are experienced and knowledgeable about living here. All of the helpers who are represented by the agency undergo a stringent pre-screening process, which includes getting records from MOM, references from former employers and the checking of social media accounts. Only suitable helpers in Singapore are recommended to potential employers. The company will guide you through the entire process, too, from selecting helpers to interviewing and making an offer, and arranging them to start working for you. The agency will also suggest the best questions to ask during the interviews to find out if the helper is suitable for your family. Best of all, everything including applications and contracts can be conveniently completed online.
Clean Clean Singapore
Clean Clean Singapore is a Japanese company that began with the aim of helping mums living overseas who need some extra help at home. The cleaners are trained professionally by Japanese and are a great alternative to live-in helpers in Singapore. They offer home cleaning, office cleaning, moving cleaning, babysitting, pet sitting, housekeeping and postpartum services.
Home cleaning services start from $110; their cleaners bring their own tools (with the exception of a vacuum cleaner) and child-safe detergents. Two cleaners will be sent during each cleaning session. The cleaning job includes wiping, mopping, vacuuming and disinfection of bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen and living room. If you’re moving homes, the team’s cleaners can clean the whole house from $400. For daily housekeeping service, you can opt for the housekeeping option for $100 for four hours. It includes cleaning, washing, ironing and bed making. The company doesn’t charge transportation or commission fees for their cleaners.
Their babysitters have many years of experience with children. Fees start at $30 per hour for one child and $40 per hour for two children; babysitters can serve any food and beverages prepared by parents. They also offer pet-sitting services (starting from $35) and postpartum care service where an experienced Japanese nurse can help you with light housework and baby care.
9793 1512 (Call or SMS) | cleancleansingapore.wixsite.com/cleanclean
More home services companies: Hear from our readers!
A-Team Amahs
Jennifer and John Lombard, Australian
I came across A-Team Amahs in Expat Living and also did a google search of the company for testimonials. We’ve been using their part-time home-cleaning service since May 2018.
My first point of contact was with Julie by phone and then additional information was completed via email. I was asked what kind of service I was looking for, the number of hours per week that was required, and on which days. My preferences for hours and days were easily and well met. The payment structure and one-time agent fee was explained clearly, so was the process of helper selection. A lovely lady named Gemma was assigned to us. She was initially sent to us on a trial basis; this meant that if I wasn’t satisfied with her performance, there was an opportunity to change to another helper. Gemma was wonderful from the get-go and, once I explained what I required her to do, she got straight to work and didn’t need any supervision.
My experience with A-Team Amahs has been a positive one from beginning to end and Gemma is a godsend. I would recommend the company to anyone looking for cleaners or part-time help in Singapore.
Tekkie Help
Bianca and Mark Amin, British
I first visited the Tekkie Help booth when they were exhibiting at a Christmas fair back in 2014. I was desperate to find a proficient IT support company who could troubleshoot the plethora of problems I was having with my laptop and phone at that time.
Since 2015, I’ve engaged Tekkie Help to assist us with a number of IT issues. They have set up and configured various Apple devices, ensuring that all data is safely backed up, transferred photos and further assisted in photo library consolidation and file organisation, installed several IP cameras to monitor activity in our home from my mobile phone, and optimised our Wi-Fi network to ensure coverage in all areas of our home. Most importantly, I was concerned about the level of radiation in our home. The company was able to set up the network in such a way that we could still enjoy optimal coverage, with the ability to turn Wi-Fi on and off in certain areas of our home and still connect important devices via cable.
Aside from their unparalleled ability to assist me with all my technical needs, they are to be commended for their flexibility and understanding. Many times, they’ve helped me off-site at coffee shops and in hospitals. Over the past five years, my various technical requirements have been attended to by almost all the Tekkie Help team; each member has exuded warmth and an upbeat “can do” attitude.
For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section:
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