{"id":4951,"date":"2019-01-14T02:08:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-13T18:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-54-254-239-209.ap-southeast-1.compute.amazonaws.com\/?p=4951"},"modified":"2026-01-15T00:16:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T16:16:20","slug":"5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Manage Your House When Your Domestic Helper Is on Leave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/planning-schedule-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/planning-schedule-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/planning-schedule-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/planning-schedule-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/planning-schedule-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hands of businesswoman sitting at table with documents and using laptop in office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You never quite realise how useful your domestic worker is until they are absent. Whether they are going back to their home country for a few weeks or are taking a break in a different city, it can be difficult to keep track of house management. However, it\u2019s important to keep your house clean and your family well looked after throughout this time, and while it may seem tricky, there are lots of ways to do it. Here are five tips to help you \u2013 from spending some time doing a clear-out and getting creative with different childcare solutions to learning how to use automatic washing machines and how to use detergent while doing the laundry yourself.<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/#Plan_in_advance\" >Plan in advance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/#Dealing_with_household_yourself\" >Dealing with household yourself<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/#Use_the_opportunity_for_a_Household_clear_out\" >Use the opportunity for a Household clear out<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/#Get_creative_about_childcare\" >Get creative about childcare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/#Hire_part-time_housekeepers\" >Hire part-time housekeepers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/5-tips-to-manage-your-house-when-your-helper-is-on-leave\/#A_Thoughtful_Way_to_Get_Through_the_Transition\" >A Thoughtful Way to Get Through the Transition<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plan_in_advance\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plan in advance<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first thing that will make your domestic helper\u2019s time away much easier for you is good planning in advance. When you are employing someone, be sure to check with them any periods of leave already booked. Ask your domestic helper to let you know in good time when they want to take leave so that you\u2019ll have enough notice to make alternative arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing the dates ahead of time allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adjust work schedules if needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrange childcare alternatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide whether to hire temporary help<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spread tasks more evenly across the household<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Good planning reduces last-minute stress and helps everyone feel more at ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing_with_household_yourself\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dealing with household yourself<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a busy family, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/house-rules-for-domestic-helpers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the list of household chores<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could be lengthy and when your domestic helper is away, you might feel overwhelmed while dealing with them by yourself. Start by writing down the household tasks that cannot wait for your domestic helper to come back. <\/span><b>Depending on your working schedule, plan the tasks so that you will be able to apply them in an effective way.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Give priority to the chores that are more urgent such as washing the dishes, vacuuming and doing the laundry. Knowing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cleanipedia.com\/me-en\/laundry-washing\/how-to-use-laundry-detergent-in-the-washing-machine?utm_source=helperchoice.com&amp;utm_medium=blog\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to use automatic washing machine properly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where to put the laundry detergent, or how to vacuum and mop floors are simple learnings that can make your household life easier. And don\u2019t forget that you can always ask your partner to give you a helping hand and to be supportive, especially when you are too busy with other important tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_the_opportunity_for_a_Household_clear_out\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the opportunity for a Household clear out<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your domestic helper is away, you have a number of different options as to how to manage your home during this time. Some people like to use the opportunity to get things sorted around the house in a way that wouldn\u2019t fit into their usual routine. For example, if you know you need to get rid of some things, you could do this while your domestic helper is away. It\u2019s the kind of job you\u2019d need to do yourself considering all the decisions to be made about what to keep and what to throw, so why not do it when you\u2019ve got some time to yourself? Check your wardrobe for clothes you no longer wear and identify toys that are no longer in use by the kids.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_creative_about_childcare\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get creative about childcare<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many domestic helpers look after the kids as well as the house so childcare may also be difficult during their time away. Again, there are lots of possible solutions, so get creative \u2013 if you have work commitments which make it difficult to be around, <\/span>possible options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enrolling children in short holiday camps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asking grandparents or relatives to help temporarily<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjusting work hours or working from home where possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharing childcare duties with your partner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at childcare as a short-term arrangement rather than a disruption makes it easier to manage<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"616\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter.jpg 924w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-345x230.jpg 345w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-440x294.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/cleaning-supply-bucket-kitchen-counter-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hire_part-time_housekeepers\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hire part-time housekeepers<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d rather keep your routine going during this time, maybe look into <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/part-time-help-options-hong-kong\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hiring local domestic workers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to cover your domestic helper\u2019s leave. Be sure to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/hong-kong\/domestic-helper\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">check local regulations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about this as these can vary by country, however, there may be agencies in your city which can supply ad hoc support with cleaning, cooking and childcare for short periods<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Thoughtful_Way_to_Get_Through_the_Transition\"><\/span><strong>A Thoughtful Way to Get Through the Transitio<\/strong>n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing your home while your domestic helper is on leave takes flexibility, planning, and realistic expectations. Whether you take on tasks yourself, lean on family support, or arrange temporary help, the key is preparing early and choosing what works best for your household. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are our top tips for how to deal with the period that your regular domestic helper is away.&nbsp;There are lots of different options, the key is to plan well in advance, so you can work out what\u2019s best for you!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At HelperChoice, we believe that well-planned employment arrangements \u2014 including leave planning and temporary solutions \u2014 help create more balanced, respectful working relationships. When employers prepare thoughtfully, transitions like these become easier for everyone involved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You never quite realise how useful your domestic worker is until they are absent. Whether they are going back to their home country for a few weeks or are taking a break in a different city, it can be difficult to keep track of house management. However, it\u2019s important to keep your house clean and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Managing the home without your domestic helper? These five tips help families plan ahead, handle chores, and find temporary support.","title":"5 Tips to Manage Your House When Your Domestic Helper Is on Leave - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[339],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Weekly-plan.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4951"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4951\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14579,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4951\/revisions\/14579"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}