How to make your Homesitting assignment a resounding success

Posted on 4 January, 2024

Image by Franz Bachinger from Pixabay

Embarking on a homesitting assignment can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of responsibility and leisure. Whether you're caring for a cherished pet or maintaining a well-loved home, ensuring a successful stay involves a few key practices.

Establish a Strong Connection

Meeting the clients before the assignment starts is more than a formality; it's a foundation for building trust and understanding. The preliminary meetings we set up for our clients and homesitters allow both parties to check they are happy and comfortable with the arrangement.

During this meeting, homesitters gather essential information about the property, the pet's routines, and any unique quirks that make the home special. While we provide a handy checklist, these personal conversations often reveal invaluable insights that will ensure the assignment runs smoothly from day one.

Bond with the Pets

Pets aren't just part of the assignment; they're companions waiting to be cherished. Take the time during the initial meeting to connect with the pets. Understanding their preferences, routines, and favourite activities not only fosters a better relationship but also ensures a great experience for both the pet and the sitter.

Prepare for Comfort

Being prepared is the cornerstone of a successful homesitting assignment. While we provide a daily food allowance, some homesitters find comfort in bringing along prepared meals which can be particularly useful at the start of the assignment. This thoughtful preparation allows them to settle in without the immediate worry of having to do grocery shopping, creating a more seamless transition into their temporary home.

Embrace Leisure Time

While Homesitting is a big responsibility, the work doesn’t have to be all-consuming. Any assignment allows for a substantial amount of free time. Once duties are completed, whether caring for the home or pet, it's a chance to explore the local area. This could involve venturing into nearby towns, enjoying natural beauty spots or cultural experiences, the opportunities are vast. Moreover, the downtime in the client's home can be an opportunity to indulge in personal hobbies, from reading and writing to painting or learning new skills.

Clive Noble and his wife Yolande are experienced homesitters who tell us that homesitting provides a real joy in breaking away from their daily routine. For them and many others, this role offers a blend of adventure and familiarity. Clive told us, “Being a homesitter is a change from the hum drum and gets us out and about, exploring new places. We also get our dog fix. We idolise the dogs we look after and over the years have met so many wonderful dogs. We enjoy exploring local villages and towns when we’re on assignment. Last year, we did a range of assignments from being near the coast to being in London. It’s just like a holiday with the bonus of getting paid!”

Keep a journal or starting a new hobby

Some of our homesitters maintain a journal during the homesitting assignment to capture memorable moments and to serve as a valuable reference for future assignments. Others find that taking up a new hobby can be a fulfilling way to spend the evenings. Whether it's honing artistic skills or delving into a new craft, it can be a great opportunity for personal enrichment.

Plan visits

Researching and planning visits to nearby attractions, historic sites, or local events enriches the homesitting experience. Exploring the area not only adds depth to the stay but also offers a chance to create lasting memories.

In essence, the key to a successful homesitting assignment lies in meticulous preparation, nurturing relationships with the clients and the pets, and embracing the freedom to explore and enjoy the new surroundings.

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