Heaps of expats in Singapore have live-in helpers who do a little bit of everything – cooking, cleaning and looking after the kids. If you don’t have space for a live-in helper, or don’t need full-time help, you can hire someone to come to the house on a part-time basis. You’ll also need to find a handyman or an air-con service company from time to time – if it’s not included in your rental agreement. Here’s a list of companies that can help you, from cleaners, babysitters, maid agencies and electricians to one that can spruce up your furniture with a repaint. And there’s a cool app that can find you pretty much everything, too!
Ovvy
Ovvy has made finding, comparing, booking and paying for cleaners, movers, air-con technicians, handymen, plumbers, electricians and more, a whole lot easier.
Download the Ovvy app and select a service category and post your job. You can even add your preferred day and time, and upload photos so service providers know what they’re quoting on. Once you’ve received the quotes, you can compare prices and check out the provider’s profiles (which also contain reviews of their services from other users). The app also enables you to chat with them and ask questions before booking.
Once you’ve decided who suits your needs the most, pay for the bid to accept the provider and wait for them to turn up at the agreed time. Ovvy won’t release your payment to them until the work has been finished and you have confirmed the job was completed.
Plus, you’ll get reward points for each completed job. Cash them out and use to offset payments.
Ovvy
ovvyapp.com
A-Team Amahs & Cleaners
Since 2004, A-Team Amahs & Cleaners have specialised in house cleaning, babysitting and confinement services (help and care for mothers and babies post-partum). They also offer exit cleaning, housesitting, housekeeping and even pet sitting. The A-Team two-in-one house cleaning and babysitting service is a blessing – especially for working parents. You can leave your home and little ones (fur-kids too) in the capable hands of an experienced team and return to a spick-and-span house and a happy family.
“I speak very fondly about our helper Emily because she has taken under her wings the care and maintenance of my Chinese antiques. I’m truly thankful because Emily’s skills go way beyond maintenance and care of the home; she is very thoughtful to the children and is very much qualified to successfully run a home in every aspect.” – C. Ochoa
A-Team Amahs & Cleaners
6100 6122 | a-team.com.sg
Clean Clean
When there are not enough hours in the day, who do you contact? Clean Clean! The company offers all sorts of domestic services for busy people who could use some extra help with the endless chores at home. The housekeeping services include cleaning, school runs, babysitting and grocery shopping. They will even look after your furry friend.
For only $100 for four hours, there are no hidden services charges, commission or transportation fees.
Clean Clean
9793 1512 | cleancleansingapore@gmail.com
Packeverything
Keeping all your belongings safe at home, when you move or even in storage can be expensive and also tough on the environment. Packeverything develops, creates and sources the best value sustainable packaging alternatives.
Since 2006, Packeverything has been providing a wide range of packing supplies online and in-store. The good news is that the company’s packing materials are made from recycled materials, helping to reduce carbon footprints. You can also get your hands on reusable eco products such as non-woven bags, paper bags, biodegradable plastic bags and resealable packaging. They also carry a Move-It-Yourself Kit with all you need for your move such as boxes and bubble wraps. You really will be able to pack everything!
There’s a complimentary delivery service for orders above $200.
Packeverything
#01-05, Focus One, 1 Ubi View
6844 7616 | packeverything.com.sg
White Glove
So, maybe you’ve decided that a maid is what you need after all, but finding the perfect one can be tough. That’s where White Glove comes in. They represent only transfer maids and don’t charge them a fee, which ends up saving you money.
What truly makes White Glove different is the extensive background information they collect, which is above and beyond what the Singapore government requires. All that means White Glove will help you find the maid that perfectly fits your family.
White Glove
9752 0464 | wg.sg
Wizard Home Services
Need a trusted plumber, electrician, mover, babysitter or pest-control person, or perhaps even a massage? Wizard’s online platform allows you to book over 15 different services to help around the home. All their service providers have been pre-screened and their skills assessed so you can be assured they’ll be the best person for your job.
9828 8956 | wizard.com.sg
Tekkie Help
For the last seven years, Sarah and Bo Pinel from Tekkie Help have been fixing, streamlining and repairing technology in homes all over Singapore. Their services include WiFi optimisation, support to set up home entertainment systems, software support, data storage and protection, new device management and repairs to hardware.
8113 8682 | tekkiehelp.com
iimafix
The task of managing home repairs and rental property inspections is simplified by iimafix, which allows you to track all your job requests on your own personal dashboard. There are no hidden fees, and an upfront agreement is made on the job and its cost; plus, the company’s work is guaranteed up to 12 months after completion.
6252 2884 | iimafix.com
Inter-Mares Management Services
Looking for live-in help? Inter-Mares Management Services can assist in finding the perfect fit for you and your family. The agency has over 35 years of experience, and can also help with the renewal of work permits and arrangement of exit permits. It provides potential employers with a ‘Maid Profile’ where they can find out the helper’s experience, strengths and weaknesses. If any issues arise, you can engage Inter-Mares for counselling services or three-way consultations.
6732 9112 | lucky.com.sg
Comfy Homes
Comfy Homes offers home cleaning, air-conditioning, plumbing and laundry services as well as dry cleaning. Opt for either a weekly cleaning service or one-time spring cleaning. Their two helpers will get everything done within just two hours. Weekly cleaning even includes the dreaded ironing and laundry! Keep your marble or parquet flooring clean and sparkly with their floor maintenance service that polishes and removes stains. While you’re at it, let them help you get rid of accumulated dust from your mattresses, sofas, cushions and carpets. No time to do the washing? Just give them a call and your laundry will be returned clean and fresh within five working days.
6844 4523 | comfyhomes.com.sg
Retro Dec
Looking to give your home a makeover? A good place to start is by refreshing your tired-looking furniture. Retro Dec has 25 years of experience in helping homeowners up-cycle existing pieces by giving them a new lease of life. Items such as TV consoles, nightstands, cabinets and dining tables can all take on a fresh look with a new coat of paint; within a week, your furniture will be transformed to capture the eye. Complete your styling mission with the company’s home painting, varnishing, polishing and wallpaper installation services.
9823 1248 | retro-dec.com
Absolute Services
Keep your house in good shape with Absolute Services (styled as “@bsolute Services”). Offering a range of home services including part-time maids, cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning, their professional team has got you covered. Got a stubborn stain you can’t remove? Let them give your couch, carpets, curtains or mattresses a good steam. Upkeep your air-conditioners and keep the air fresh with their air-con servicing and cleaning. Too busy for laundry? Don’t fret, their laundry and dry cleaning services allows pick up and drop off at your convenience.
8488 8444 | absoluteservices.com.sg
CleanAndFix.sg
CleanAndFix.sg provides house cleaning, painting, floor polishing, electrical, plumbing and handyman services. Their team will turn your kitchen into a sparkling clean haven – no more oily floors, dirty dishes, stoves or countertops. They can even clean your fridge, cabinets and degrease your oven! Keep your marble and parquet floors in move-in condition with their professional floor polishing services. The company prides themselves in supporting animal welfare and special needs organisations.
9489 4651 | cleanandfix.sg
DomesticONE
Get an extra pair of hands with cleaning, babysitting and nanny services at DomesticONE. Opt for either part-time or regular maid services, depending on your needs. Get your ironing settled and have them safely clean hard-to-reach areas such as windows, ceiling lights and fans. If you want a one-off, book their ad-hoc cleaning service. Moving in the near future? Get them to clean your new home pre-move or after renovation.
6100 1203 | domestic1.com.sg
Like this? Read more about Living in Singapore now:
Take a look at some EL Readers Homes
Best places to buy furniture in Singapore