How to ensure a smooth and happy homesit

Posted on 19 September, 2016

House Sitters information about your home and pets

If it’s your first time using a homesitter here’s our advice to make sure everything goes to plan.

The most important thing is to give a homesitter as much information as possible about your home and any pets they may be looking after.

Prepare them for all eventualities, from how to switch off the water in an emergency, to when to put the bins out or when the cleaner is expected. The more information you can provide the better.

At Homesitters Ltd we always take a detailed client brief which we go through with our homesitters before they meet clients.

We also set up a preliminary meeting for the client and homesitter to meet so they get to know each other and have the chance to talk about the assignment in detail.

Both parties tell us they find this meeting very valuable.

Clients have the opportunity to show the homesitter around the home, discuss how everything works and introduce them to their pets and discuss their pet’s routine. The homesitter can ask any questions and ensure they have all the information they need. We provide a handy checklist for them.

Other top tips include:

  • Create instructions about how everything works for both your home and pets. Include the central heating, washing machine, TV, lawnmower and cooker in the document.
  • Leave detailed notes about how best to look after any pets including how much to feed them, what time they are fed, where they are allowed to go in the house, their favourite walks and where they sleep.
  • Make a note of all emergency contact numbers including a local plumber, electrician, vet, doctors and insurance company.
  • If you leave a spare key to the property with a neighbour make a note of this as well. Remember to inform neighbours that someone else will be staying in your property.
  • Leave instructions regarding taking phone messages/dealing with the answer phone or anyone calling at the house.
  • Provide burglar alarm codes at the preliminary meeting but ask the homesitter to store them in a safe place that isn’t connected to your address.
  • Leave details about local places of interest including good cafes, restaurants and places to visit.
  • Make sure you let the homesitter know if you have any changes to your travel plans and expected arrival times so they can be prepared and make any necessary arrangements.

    Make sure you do all this a few weeks before you go away to avoid any last minute panics. This kind of preparation will ensure your homesitter will settle in from day one and enjoy a smooth and happy assignment.

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