Plan the housesit - Make life easier for housesitters

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At Housesitmatch we always advise that you plan the housesit. This is especially important if you are the homeowner. Read on to learn our top tips for how to plan the housesit arrangements and organise your house sitting jobs, for your home and pets. Making a plan will give you and the sitter peace of mind.

Plan the housesit to make life easy for housesitters and yourself

If you’re leaving your home in the care of a housesitter, plan the housesit. There are a number of things you can do to make their lives and yours easier. They will appreciate the efforts you have made and you will have the peace of mind. Ensure that you have done everything you can to improve the experience of the sitter.

How to plan the housesit for a successful experience all round

Consider the following pointers the next time you hire a sitter to look after your home. Preparation and consideration for your housesitter will help to encourage them to give you a good rating.

#1: Make sure your house is well-maintained

Without adequate maintenance your house be a potential hazard for the sitter. Moreover you will create problems for them if they are left to deal with any repairs in your absence.

Before you vacate your house, check for any issues. If anything needs fixing or replacing, organise this before your sitter arrives.

#2: Ensure your house is pest-free

It’s impossible to rid your house of every pest that could take up residence. Flies and spiders will always find a way to get in! However, there is a difference between a handful of spiders and a full-blown spider infestation, so you should call out pest control if your house has become a haven for local arachnids.

The same applies if you have a rodent problem or a bee’s nest situated somewhere on your property. So plan the housesit and if you are concerned have your house checked and cleansed.

This give the sitter one less issue to deal with. Plus it will also stop them from making an early exit due to a spider, mouse or other pest phobia!

#3: Make sure your house is comfortable

the perfect bedroom — When you plan the housesit and what the housesitters need check the guest bedroom

Running good maintenance and cleaning routines will ensure your have taken strident steps towards making your house more comfortable. However, there are other things to consider. Cleaning and organising your home is part of how you plan the housesit.

Presentation is important

For one thing, you should make sure your house is looking its best. So have a good clean-up before the sitter arrives. You should also put fresh linen on the bed they are sleeping on and perhaps replace the mattress if is lumpy and worn as a good mattress is key to a better night’s sleep.

Clean and welcoming

Do some Spring Cleaning ahead of the sitter’s arrival/ If you take time out to make sure your house is clean, welcoming and comfortable, your sitter will return the favour and ensure your home is clean ready on your return.

#4: Provide directions to your home

If the sitter is new to your area, there is a chance that they might get lost when travelling to you. Not everybody has internet access on their phone or a SatNav, so the sitter could be reliant on the directions you give to them. You could share a Google Maps link via mobile. Plan the housesit and ensure they have all that they need to get to you safely.

Before the sitter arrives, email them a local map and directions to your property. Make sure you are also contactable by phone so they can reach you if they get lost along the way.

#5: Prepare a welcome pack

Prepare a welcome pack when you plan the housesit that contains all the information the sitter might need.

Easy sit guidelines briefing document

Formalising arrangements with a signed housesitting agreement means everyone understand key details like arrival and departure dates

At Housesitmatch we offer registered members a template briefing document called the ‘Easy Sit Guidelines’ which prompts you on all the information you might need to share. This could include instructions on how to use kitchen equipment, emergency contact numbers, guidelines on looking after your pets, and any other info that the sitter may find useful.

#6: Welcome the housesitter as a guest

delicious thanksgiving meals — Prepare and share a welcoming meal if you can

One of our core guidelines at Housesitmatch is that we treat each other in the network with respect throughout. Homeowners we ask you to treat your housesitter as a welcome guest, you offer them a welcome meal on arrival and ensure there are core supplies in the fridge for them.

When you plan the housesit the first meal is an opportunity for you to meet the housesitter/s and to discuss any questions or pointers that either of you have forgotten.

#7: Introduce your housesitter to your neighbours

housesitter in nottingham — Meeting Jules before the housesit started was useful

It is a good idea that you ensure your housesitter has met the neighbours. The reasons are multiple, it means your near neighbours know that someone new is in your home, and that they are taking care of the pets and property.

A fair exchange of services

Unlike Airbnb house sitting requires guests to care for the pets and home of the host. It encourages people to become a house sitter for free accommodation. It is a fair exchange of services. While some people want to learn how to become a house sitter with no experience usually the housesitters who arrive at your home will have home and pet care experience.

Plan the housesit – Final thought

If your sitter has a good experience while caring for your house, they are more likely to sit for you again in the future. So, do what you can to make their life easier and get in touch with us if you need further information on how to prepare for their arrival.

Plan the housesit – Make life easier for housesitters