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Published on 9 Jun 2025 by Carlos C.
Going on a family vacation is exciting, but before you pack your bags and jet off, don’t forget one key detail: making sure your helper or your home is fully prepared for your time away. Whether you’re leaving your helper in charge or giving her a well-deserved break while you’re gone, proper planning ensures peace of mind for everyone involved.
If your helper is staying behind
If your helper is staying home while you're away, she's likely taking on more responsibility than usual. Help her succeed with these steps:
1. Communicate your expectations clearly
Make a checklist of daily and weekly tasks you’d like her to continue. This might include:
- Watering plants
- Feeding pets
- Cleaning and basic maintenance
- Accepting mail or deliveries
- Supervising older children or checking on elderly family members (if applicable)
Provide clear written instructions or use Ministry of Helpers’ Household Scheduler feature to organise everything neatly.
2. Go over emergency contacts
Ensure your helper has a list of emergency numbers, yours included. Add:
- Nearby friends or family members
- A trusted neighbour
- Vet/pet services (if applicable)
- Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire)
A simple printout or a note in her phone can make all the difference.
3. Prepare for grocery and essentials needs
Stock up on basic groceries or provide funds for her to purchase what she needs. Make sure she knows where to find:
- Cleaning supplies
- Spare batteries or bulbs
- Toiletries and first aid items
4. Set house rules during your absence
Clarify expectations around:
- Visitors
- Curfews
- Use of home appliances or facilities
If you trust your helper with more independence, let her know, but still set clear boundaries to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Show appreciation in advance
Leaving your helper alone to manage the home is a big responsibility. A small token of appreciation, bonus, or simple thank-you note can go a long way in showing you trust and value her.
If your helper is taking leave too
If your helper is also going on leave or taking time off while you're away, prepare your home accordingly.
1. Do a pre-trip home check
Make sure your home is safe and secure:
- Unplug unused electronics
- Empty the fridge of perishables
- Take out the trash
- Check for leaky taps or faulty appliances
2. Pause deliveries and inform services
Cancel or postpone:
- Regular deliveries (groceries, laundry, etc.)
- Scheduled home services
- Domestic worker insurance claims, if any, that may be pending
Let neighbours or your building manager know that the house will be empty.
3. Plan ahead for her return
If your helper is going home for a vacation, confirm:
- Travel dates and flight details
- Her return schedule
- Whether she needs assistance with travel arrangements or documentation
4. Use technology for peace of mind
Even while abroad, staying connected is easier than ever. With the Ministry of Helpers mobile app, you can:
- Leave reminders in the Household Scheduler
- Communicate easily through the platform
- Access emergency checklists
- Manage payroll or updates on helper leave
A well-prepared helper and home mean you can enjoy your holiday without stress or surprises. Whether she’s holding the fort or enjoying a break of her own, your helper will appreciate the thoughtful planning and trust you place in her.
Before you go, make sure everything is in place and then, bon voyage!
You might be interested in:
Cost of Direct Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
When Helpers Ask for Early Salary: What’s Fair and What’s Not?
First-Time Employers’ Guide to Hiring a Maid in Singapore: What You Should Know
Going on a family vacation is exciting, but before you pack your bags and jet off, don’t forget one key detail: making sure your helper or your home is fully prepared for your time away. Whether you’re leaving your helper in charge or giving her a well-deserved break while you’re gone, proper planning ensures peace of mind for everyone involved.
If your helper is staying behind
If your helper is staying home while you're away, she's likely taking on more responsibility than usual. Help her succeed with these steps:
1. Communicate your expectations clearly
Make a checklist of daily and weekly tasks you’d like her to continue. This might include:
- Watering plants
- Feeding pets
- Cleaning and basic maintenance
- Accepting mail or deliveries
- Supervising older children or checking on elderly family members (if applicable)
Provide clear written instructions or use Ministry of Helpers’ Household Scheduler feature to organise everything neatly.
2. Go over emergency contacts
Ensure your helper has a list of emergency numbers, yours included. Add:
- Nearby friends or family members
- A trusted neighbour
- Vet/pet services (if applicable)
- Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire)
A simple printout or a note in her phone can make all the difference.
3. Prepare for grocery and essentials needs
Stock up on basic groceries or provide funds for her to purchase what she needs. Make sure she knows where to find:
- Cleaning supplies
- Spare batteries or bulbs
- Toiletries and first aid items
4. Set house rules during your absence
Clarify expectations around:
- Visitors
- Curfews
- Use of home appliances or facilities
If you trust your helper with more independence, let her know, but still set clear boundaries to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Show appreciation in advance
Leaving your helper alone to manage the home is a big responsibility. A small token of appreciation, bonus, or simple thank-you note can go a long way in showing you trust and value her.
If your helper is taking leave too
If your helper is also going on leave or taking time off while you're away, prepare your home accordingly.
1. Do a pre-trip home check
Make sure your home is safe and secure:
- Unplug unused electronics
- Empty the fridge of perishables
- Take out the trash
- Check for leaky taps or faulty appliances
2. Pause deliveries and inform services
Cancel or postpone:
- Regular deliveries (groceries, laundry, etc.)
- Scheduled home services
- Domestic worker insurance claims, if any, that may be pending
Let neighbours or your building manager know that the house will be empty.
3. Plan ahead for her return
If your helper is going home for a vacation, confirm:
- Travel dates and flight details
- Her return schedule
- Whether she needs assistance with travel arrangements or documentation
4. Use technology for peace of mind
Even while abroad, staying connected is easier than ever. With the Ministry of Helpers mobile app, you can:
- Leave reminders in the Household Scheduler
- Communicate easily through the platform
- Access emergency checklists
- Manage payroll or updates on helper leave
A well-prepared helper and home mean you can enjoy your holiday without stress or surprises. Whether she’s holding the fort or enjoying a break of her own, your helper will appreciate the thoughtful planning and trust you place in her.
Before you go, make sure everything is in place and then, bon voyage!
You might be interested in:
Cost of Direct Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
When Helpers Ask for Early Salary: What’s Fair and What’s Not?
First-Time Employers’ Guide to Hiring a Maid in Singapore: What You Should Know