One of the first questions families ask when hiring household help is whether the person should live in the home or come in each day. Both options work well — the right choice depends on your routine, space and budget.
Live-in staff
A live-in staff member stays at your home, usually in a separate room, and has agreed working hours and days off.
Advantages
- Help is available early in the morning and in the evening
- Useful for families with young children, elderly parents or long working days
- No daily travel, so fewer late arrivals
Things to plan for
- A private, clean room with a bed, fan or heating, and access to a washroom
- Meals, or an agreed food allowance
- Clear boundaries on working hours and rest time
Live-out staff
A live-out staff member travels to your home for fixed hours and returns home at the end of the day.
Advantages
- More privacy for your family
- No need to provide accommodation
- Works well for part-time roles such as cleaning or cooking one or two meals a day
Things to plan for
- Reliable transport for your staff member, especially in bad weather
- Less flexibility for late evenings or emergencies
Which roles suit which option?
- Cooks and housekeepers: either works; live-in suits larger households
- Nannies and elderly carers: live-in is often preferred for round-the-clock support
- Drivers and guards: usually live-out, with shift timings agreed in advance
Still deciding?
You don't have to decide alone. Tell us about your household and we can talk through what would work best for you.
