Lifestyle & Services Glossary Singapore
Clear definitions for lifestyle and services terms across our Singapore reviews — from coworking spaces to cleaning services, wellness and pet care.
Jump to: Coworking | Life Coach | Part-time Cleaner | Deep Cleaning | HEPA Filter | Short-term Rental | Pet Boarding
Coworking Space vs Serviced Office
A coworking space is a shared working environment where individuals and small teams rent a hot desk or dedicated desk on a flexible basis — daily, weekly or monthly. Coworking spaces typically offer high-speed WiFi, meeting rooms, a communal pantry and a community of fellow workers. They are ideal for freelancers, remote workers and startups. A serviced office goes a step further — it provides a private, lockable office unit with receptionist services, mail handling and admin support included. It is better suited for small companies that need privacy and a professional business address. Singapore has a thriving coworking scene, with major operators across the CBD and neighbourhoods like Tanjong Pagar, Bugis and Jurong. See: Best Coworking Spaces Singapore.
Life Coach vs Therapist
A life coach is a professional who helps clients clarify goals, overcome obstacles and develop action plans for personal or professional growth. Life coaches are not licensed medical professionals and do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Coaching is forward-focused — it is about where you want to go. A therapist (psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist) is a licensed medical professional trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and trauma. If you are dealing with unresolved psychological issues, a therapist is the appropriate choice. For career, business or personal development goals, a life coach may be more relevant. See: Best Life Coaches Singapore.
Part-time vs Full-time Cleaner
A part-time cleaner visits your home on a scheduled basis — typically 2–4 hours per session, once or twice a week — to handle regular cleaning tasks like vacuuming, mopping, wiping surfaces and washing dishes. They are the most common type of home cleaning arrangement in Singapore. A full-time cleaner (or live-in domestic helper) works on a full-time basis, often residing in the home. In Singapore, hiring a full-time foreign domestic worker requires a Work Permit issued by MOM, a security bond and other regulatory requirements. Part-time cleaning is the simpler and more flexible option for most Singapore households. See: Best Cleaning Services Singapore.
Deep Cleaning vs Spring Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a thorough, intensive clean that goes beyond regular maintenance — it includes cleaning behind appliances, inside ovens, grout scrubbing, mattress cleaning, and sanitising areas that regular cleaning skips. It is typically done once or twice a year or before/after a tenancy. Spring cleaning is similar in scope but specifically refers to a comprehensive seasonal clean traditionally done before Chinese New Year in Singapore — decluttering, wiping down every surface, cleaning windows and refreshing the entire home. Professional spring cleaning services in Singapore are in high demand in January and February.
HEPA Filter
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA filter is a type of air filter that captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger — including dust, pollen, mould spores, pet dander and some bacteria. In Singapore, HEPA filters are most commonly found in air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. Given Singapore’s haze season (caused by regional forest fires) and year-round allergens from humidity, a HEPA-grade air purifier is particularly useful for households with asthma, allergies or young children. See: Best Air Purifiers Singapore.
Short-term Rental (STR) Rules Singapore
Short-term rentals — defined as rentals of less than 3 months — are heavily regulated in Singapore. For HDB flats, the minimum rental period is 6 months. For private residential properties, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) requires a minimum rental period of 3 months. Platforms like Airbnb can be used to list Singapore properties, but most such listings for periods under 3 months are in violation of URA regulations and can attract fines. Approved short-term accommodation platforms exist but are limited. Always verify with URA before listing or booking a short-term rental in Singapore. See: Best Short Term Rental Sites Singapore.
Pet Boarding vs Pet Sitting
Pet boarding involves leaving your pet at a dedicated facility — a boarding kennel, cattery or pet hotel — where they are housed, fed and cared for around the clock by staff. It is the more structured option, suitable for longer trips. Pet sitting involves a sitter visiting your home to feed and care for your pet while you are away, or taking your pet into the sitter’s home. Pet sitting is less disruptive for pets that are anxious or territorial. In Singapore, both services are widely available, with pricing varying significantly based on pet size, duration and facility quality. See: Best Pet Boarding Services Singapore.