The Essential First-Day Checklist for Your New Maid or Domestic Helper

The Essential First-Day Checklist for Your New Maid or Domestic Helper

Bringing a new maid or domestic helper into your home is a big adjustment—for both of you. A well-structured first day sets the tone for a smooth working relationship, reduces misunderstandings, and ensures your household runs efficiently from the start.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What to prepare before they arrive
✅ Key tasks to assign on the first day
✅ How to communicate house rules clearly
✅ Tools to simplify task management

Let’s make day one stress-free and productive.

1. Before Your Helper Arrives: Prep Work

A little preparation prevents chaos later.

What to Do:

✔ Create a Written House Guide – Include:

  • Wi-Fi password & emergency contacts
  • Preferred cleaning products/methods
  • Areas that need special attention (e.g., "No bleach on marble surfaces")

✔Set Up Their Space – If live-in, ensure their room is clean and has basics (bedding, towels, storage).

✔ Plan Their First Meal – Avoid awkwardness by having lunch/dinner ready or showing them the kitchen.

Pro Tip: Use tools to set house rules and task lists in advance—they’ll have everything in one place.

2. First-Day Tasks: Start Simple

Overwhelming them leads to mistakes. Focus on:

Morning:

🔹 Tour the House – Point out:

  • Cleaning supplies location
  • Appliances they’ll use (washer, stove, etc.)
  • Off-limits areas (e.g., home office)

🔹 Assign 3-5 Priority Tasks – Examples:

  • Clean one bathroom (demo your standards)
  • Fold laundry (show how you like it done)
  • Sweep/vacuum main areas

Afternoon:

🔹 Introduce House Rules – Cover:

  • Work hours/breaks
  • Guest policies
  • Privacy expectations

🔹 Let Them Shadow You – If cooking, have them observe first.

Avoid: Dumping a massive to-do list on day one.

3. Essential House Rules to Establish

Clear house rules prevent misunderstandings and create a respectful working environment. Here are the key areas to cover:

Work Schedule & Rest Days

  • Work hours: Specify start and end times (e.g., 7 AM - 7 PM)
  • Break times: Lunch break duration and timing
  • Rest days: How many days off per month and which days
  • Overtime: Policy on extra work and compensation

Singapore-Specific: MOM requires at least 1 rest day per week. If your helper agrees to work on rest days, you must provide compensation (either in-lieu rest day or overtime pay).

Privacy & Boundaries

  • Private areas: Which rooms are off-limits (e.g., master bedroom, home office)
  • Personal belongings: Policy on using family items (TV, phone, computer)
  • Communication: When it's appropriate to call or message you
  • Guest policy: Rules about visitors or phone calls during work hours

Household Routines

  • Meal times: When and what to prepare
  • Cleaning standards: Your expectations for different areas
  • Laundry procedures: How to handle different fabrics, folding preferences
  • Food preparation: Dietary restrictions, allergies, cooking methods

Safety & Security

  • Door locking: When to lock/unlock doors and windows
  • Emergency contacts: Who to call in different situations
  • Appliance usage: Safety guidelines for stoves, ovens, electrical devices
  • Children safety: Specific rules if caring for kids (e.g., never leave unattended)

Communication & Feedback

  • Daily check-ins: When and how to report completed tasks
  • Questions: Encourage asking when unsure
  • Feedback: How you'll provide constructive feedback
  • Concerns: Process for raising issues or concerns

Personal Conduct

  • Phone usage: Guidelines for personal phone use during work hours
  • Social media: Policy on posting photos of your home or family
  • Dress code: Any specific requirements
  • Smoking/drinking: Clear rules on these behaviors

Pro Tip: Document all house rules in HelperTask so your helper can reference them anytime. This eliminates confusion and ensures consistency.

4. Communication Tips for a Smooth Start

🗣 Use Simple, Clear Language – Avoid idioms (e.g., "Hit the lights" → "Turn on the lights").
📱 Leverage Visuals – Take photos of how things should look (e.g., "Towels folded this way").
💬 Encourage Questions – Say, "Please ask if you’re unsure—I’d rather explain twice than have mistakes."

Maid-Specific Tip: If language is a barrier, use translation apps (Google Translate) or pre-translated notes.

4. Common First-Day Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Assuming They’ll "Just Know" – Even experienced maids need to learn your preferences.
🚫 Micromanaging – Give space to work (but check in periodically).
🚫 Ignoring Cultural Differences – Some helpers may hesitate to say "no" or ask for breaks. Be observant.

5. How Tools Simplifies the Process

Instead of scrambling on day one, use tool like HelperTask to:
📲 Create Task Lists Early – Pre-load daily/weekly chores before they arrive.
👥 Write Down House Rules Clearly – Ensure your helper understands all expectations from day one.

Example Workflow:

  1. Before hiring, build task templates in HelperTask.
  2. On their first day, invite them via the app.
  3. Review the list together—no memorization needed!

Final Thought: First Impressions Matter

A thoughtful first day reduces turnover and builds trust. With clear instructions, your maid will feel confident—and your home will run like clockwork.